Harrodians are finally back on the playing fields this autumn and, as Harrodian Head of Sport, Ben Proudfoot explains, they're making the most of it
After a summer during which he and his team became expert in in the art of effectively creating and broadcasting virtual exercise and coaching classes using their laptops, Mr Ben Proudfoot, Head of Sport, was delighted to get back to face to face sports teaching when Harrodian returned from holidays in September. Building a full school sports programme might still seem a big ask when fixtures can’t take place and specialist sports coaches aren’t allowed on site but, as Mr Proudfoot explains, Harrodians can get their usual full dose of sporting action and more this autumn.
Every year group is still getting its usual full timetable of sports and PE lessons while the missing fixtures and clubs have been replaced by optional extracurricular activities run by the Sports department
Every year group is still getting its usual full timetable of sports and PE lessons while the missing fixtures and clubs have been replaced by optional extracurricular activities run by Mr Proudfoot and his team. ‘We’re offering pupils from Lower Prep up the chance to take place in clubs at lunchtime and after school with choices ranging from netball and cricket to football and swimming,’ he says. ‘And we’re maintaining that competitive edge by giving students plenty of opportunities to play against each other within their year group bubbles.’
A circuit of the school playing fields and ‘astro’ spaces at almost any moment of the school week reveals that Harrodian is buzzing with sporting activity.
A circuit of the school playing fields and ‘astro’ spaces at almost any moment of the school week reveals that Harrodian continues to buzz with sporting activity. And as our pictures of budding swimmers, gymnasts, volley-, foot-, and netballers of every age demonstrate, Harrodian pupils are responding with their usual energy and sense of fun.
Staff are now leading optional Sports leadership sessions in which Upper Prep and Senior pupils can learn how to lead a warm up or to plan their own sports sessions
It’s true that Harrodian sport may lack some of its usual variety but the Sports department believe one silver lining is an unusual opportunity to focus on Harrodian’s Sports Leadership scheme. The popular programme that sets out to instil coaching and broader management and life skills in young people is normally available to students in year 10 and above but has now been extended. ‘Staff are now leading optional Sports leadership sessions in which Upper Prep and Senior pupils can also learn how to lead a warm up or to plan their own sports sessions.’ Mr Proudfoot says ‘The skills they’re learning – communication, problem-solving, teamwork – are essential to success in everyday life as well as sport. Getting started on them early can only be a good thing.’
