Mr. D Cheeseman with assistance from other members of staff
The Department firmly believes in the physical, social and educational value of sport in schools and encourages students to aim for a personal best performance. It stresses the need to show respect for others, for high standards of sportsmanship and a sense of fair play.
The curriculum is designed to give all students a wide range of experience in the major skill areas. It also encourages an independent approach to improving and maintaining personal fitness and, through Health Related Fitness, promotes an understanding of the relationship between exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
A generous amount of curriculum time is devoted to PE and Games throughout the College. Students experience many activities, both team and individual, competitive and recreational, contact and non-contact. Lower years students participate in the broad range, and in later years can opt for their preferred sports such as skiing, golf, swimming and multi-gym.
St. Mary’s has a long and impressive sporting tradition. Teams from Years 7-11 compete with distinction in City football, cross-country, table tennis, cricket, athletics and swimming, as well as in County and Regional events. Students regularly represent City and County in a variety of sports. There is a House system which facilitates internal competition in the major sports, and there are some class and individual events too.
The Department is fortunate to have the dedicated support of staff from other departments who give their time willingly, often during lunchtimes and after school, to run teams and organise events and fixtures.
Several staff are active on the various Southampton School Sports Committees and have close links with local sports clubs. College facilities are used to stage City Schools’ events and matches, as well as being used by Southampton City Athletics Club. Parents are very welcome at all College fixtures, and the participation of students, staff and parents in a local road race as part of our charity appeal is testimony to the happy co-operation which exists to enable our students to reach their potential.
GCSE: PE (Games)
While PE and Games are compulsory throughout the College, the subject is offered as a GCSE option in Years 10 and 11. Students examine the theory of Health Related Fitness and Sport in Society and are assessed in their performance and understanding of four practical activities.
