St Edmund's
Sport and Physical Education
A BROAD CURRICULUM
At St Edmund’s, our senior school sports department aims to foster a love of sport and physical activity for all pupils. Our Physical Education curriculum offers a wide variety of activities, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Year 9 & 10 (Lower and Middle Fifth)
Pupils experience a rotation of activities each week, including invasion games, net games, tennis, rounders, athletics, dance, and trampolining. Lessons encourage creativity, adaptability, and tactical thinking, while pupils reflect on their performance and develop cognitive skills, leadership, and practical abilities.
Year 11 (Upper Fifth)
Pupils choose from options such as badminton, basketball, football, health and fitness, tennis, and rounders. The focus is on forming lifelong healthy habits, understanding the benefits of exercise for stress relief and well-being, and developing leadership, communication, problem-solving, and evaluation skills.
Games
All pupils take part in weekly Games lessons for physical and mental development. Those interested in team sports—Netball, Hockey, Football, Cricket, Tennis—attend training sessions and fixtures. Non-team players can choose termly activities such as horse riding, climbing, golf, walk and talk, and badminton. L5 and M5 non-team players rotate through activities including basketball, ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, and badminton.
Sixth Form Sport
Well-being remains a priority in Sixth Form, with a wide range of timetabled sport and exercise options. Team sports continue at a competitive level in football, hockey, netball, cricket, and tennis, including fixtures against schools like Eton and Tonbridge. Expert coaching is provided by experienced staff, including former international players. Non-competitive options include strength and conditioning, golf, tennis, climbing, badminton, basketball, horse riding, and recreational football. We also collaborate with local clubs for specialist coaching.
Academic Sport
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
Our Cambridge National Certificate in Sport Science explores how science underpins sport, covering anatomy, physiology, injury prevention, training, diet, and sports psychology. Pupils apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, assessed through coursework and examinations, preparing those considering higher-level study in sport and exercise science.
Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)
The Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity offers in-depth study of anatomy, physiology, coaching, event organisation, sports development, sociology, and psychology. Centre-assessed and examined units develop theoretical knowledge and transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, time management, research, and analysis—ideal preparation for university-level study.
Strong Community Links
St Edmund’s enjoys strong partnerships with local and national organisations, including Canterbury Hockey Club, Invicta East Kent Athletics Club, Canterbury Pilgrims Netball Club, St Lawrence and Highland Court Cricket Club, Nonington Cricket Club, Canterbury Climbing Club, the University of Kent, and Boughton Golf Club. Many of our staff also have experience of coaching or playing at district, and county level, bringing valuable insights and expertise to our pupils.
“The sports staff at St Edmund’s are simply brilliant. Their dedication, expertise, and encouragement have helped my child thrive both on and off the field. Every session is inspiring, and I love seeing the confidence and skills my child is developing through their support.”
Teacher Profile: Mel Clewlow
Teacher Profile: Mel Clewlow
Director of Sport
Mel Clewlow joined St Edmund’s School, Canterbury, as Director of Sport in September 2025. A former Great Britain and England hockey player, she earned 179 caps for England and 60 for Great Britain, competing in the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games. She also won silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2002, and a bronze in 2006.
Mel has extensive experience beyond playing, having worked as a BBC hockey commentator covering major events including the 2016 Rio Olympics, and captained Canterbury Hockey Club in the National Premier League. Most recently, she was Director of Sport at the University of Kent, where she led strategic initiatives and oversaw significant development in sports infrastructure.
At St Edmund’s, Mel brings a wealth of expertise, energy, and innovative ideas to take the school’s sports provision to even greater levels. Her vision includes enhancing performance pathways, expanding co-curricular opportunities, and inspiring pupils of all abilities to enjoy sport, develop their skills, and achieve their full potential.
Teacher Profile: Rebecca Lea
Teacher Profile: Rebecca Lea
Head of Academic Sport and Head of Girls' Games
Rebecca joined St Edmund’s in 2016 as Head of Girls’ Games after 10 years at Herne Bay High School, as a PE Teacher. As part of this roll Rebecca organises the girls’ fixtures and aims to engage a wide ability of pupils so all can experience competitive sport at a suitable level.
Rebecca studied a BSc (Hons) in Sports Studies, at Edge Hill University, Lancashire, followed by a Secondary PGCE in PE and Canterbury Christ Church College. Whilst at Edge Hill, she participated in a wide range of sporting activities and was a member of the 1XI hockey team.
Rebecca played club Netball for Alpha Ladies in Division One and Two of the Thanet League. She was awarded team player of the year. Rebecca has played hockey for many years at Canterbury hockey club and in her youth represented Kent. In her time at Canterbury Hockey Club she captained the 2nd XI for 4 years in the East Premiership League and has represented the 1st team. Rebecca now continues to play for Canterbury’s 2A’s who have just been promoted into the East Division 1 South League.
Rebecca places great importance on fostering enjoyment of all sport. She intends to introduce a competitive element for all pupils in the school. Rebecca also teaches the academic aspect of Physical Education through the Cambridge National Course.
Teacher Profile: Dan McHugh
Teacher Profile: Dan McHugh
Teacher of Games and Physical Education
