Subjects
Physical Education
The sports department aims to engender a love for sports and physical activity in all pupils. To that end we provide a varied range of activities on the Physical Education curriculum where there is something for everyone.
Pupils in L5 and M5 experience a rotation of activities in their weekly Physical Education lessons, including invasion games, net games, tennis, rounders, athletics, trampolining and dance. We seek to draw out the creative side of our pupils, not only in an aesthetic sense but to develop their ability to adapt and refine their ideas in all areas. Pupils will be challenged in different ways as the team player is not always a dancer and the trampolinist not always a tactical magician.
Pupils in the U5 are able to choose a termly activity option, including badminton, basketball, football, health and fitness, tennis and rounders. We aim to encourage this year group to form good habits for life and talk about the importance of exercise as a tool to relieve stress and enhance well-being, particularly during examination and revision periods. Personal development is important and there are opportunities for the development of leadership, communication, problem solving and evaluation.
Games
Games is an important part of the curriculum for physical and mental development and all pupils will take part in an afternoon of activity each week. Those wishing to play in team sports (Netball, Hockey, Football, Cricket, Tennis) will have training sessions and fixtures during this time.
Non team players in U5 will be able to choose a termly option, which include horse riding, climbing, golf, fitness, strength and conditioning and badminton.
Non team players in L5 and M5 pupils will take part in various activities from basketball to ultimate frisbee, swimming to climbing.
Sport in the Sixth Form
The wellbeing of all our pupils is of paramount importance and we provide a wide variety of opportunities for sport and exercise at Sixth Form level. This remains a timetabled lesson within the curriculum and we are proud to be one of the only schools in the Canterbury area to provide for all at Key Stage 5.
Team sport continues to a high level in football, hockey, netball, cricket and tennis with fixtures against local and high profile schools such as Eton and Charterhouse. Expert coaching is provided by our skilled and committed team of sports staff, which includes former international players. Those not wishing to play competitive sport may choose from activities including fitness classes, strength and conditioning, golf, climbing, badminton, basketball, equestrian and recreational football. We have strong links with local clubs who provide coaching in the more specialised activities.
Academic Sport
At Key Stage 4, GCSE level, our Cambridge National Certificate in Sport Science helps students appreciate how science underpins sport at all levels. They learn about anatomy, physiology, injury prevention, improving personal fitness through appropriate training and diet, and the role of psychology in improving performance.
Assessed by coursework and examination, our pupils submit regular assignments. Time is spent developing their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, and gaining a better understanding of the complexity of different areas of sport.
Taught by our experienced staff in both the classroom and in practical situations, this course is ideal for those who have a passion for sport and may wish to study sport and exercise science at a higher level in the future.
At Key Stage 5, Sixth Form level, we offer the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity. This allows a more in-depth study of sport and associated issues including anatomy and physiology, sports coaching and leadership, sports organisation and development, nutrition, injuries and rehabilitation, sociology and psychology.
A wide range of centre-assessed units, coupled with two examined units, leads to a comprehensive theoretical knowledge of factors that underpin sport. These support the development of transferrable skills required by universities such as communication, problem solving, time management, research and analytical skills. Those wishing to study sport at a higher level should consider this excellent course.
Teacher Profile: Helena Millard
Teacher Profile: Helena Millard
Head of Senior School Sport
Helena joined St Edmund’s in 2004, after 9 years at Highworth Grammar School, Ashford, as Head of Year 13 and deputy head of the PE department.
Initially covering a Girls’ Games maternity post at St Edmund’s Junior School, Helena became the teacher for PE in the Pre Prep School, alongside Performing Arts and French. More recently Helena has returned to Senior School PE and Games teaching too and thoroughly enjoys the challenge of teaching pupils of all abilities over the whole school age range. She also runs music and movement groups for pre-school aged children and their parents, nurturing a collaborative enjoyment of physical activity and music.
Helena studied a BSc in Physical Education, Sports Science and Recreation Management at Loughborough University of Technology, followed by a Secondary PGCE in PE and English. Whilst at Loughborough, she participated in a wide range of sporting and dance activities. She was a member of the Sprint Squad, competing in various BUSA athletics meets, reaching the 100m UAU final in her third year.
Helena played club netball for Sandhawks Cranbrook in the Maidstone Premier League and hockey for Ashford Hockey Club. Now, as a member of Invicta East Kent Athletics Club, she has completed the New York and Florence marathons over the last two years. Amsterdam and London are next on the agenda with Good for Age entry secured.
Helena is new to the role of Head of Sport as of September 2018. She places great importance on fostering enjoyment of all sport. She intends to build on the co-curricular provision for all pupils in the school, offering a wider range of activities for all abilities, incorporating the current drive to improve mental and physical wellbeing. These clubs will run alongside the already strong opportunities for team sports and sports scholars at St Edmund’s.
Teacher Profile: Rebecca Lea
Teacher Profile: Rebecca Lea
Deputy Head of Senior School Sport
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: Diccon Stubbings
Teacher Profile: Diccon Stubbings
Head of Elite Sport and Boys’ Games, Master In Charge of Hockey
Diccon started working at St Edmund’s School in 2014 as Master in charge of Hockey. He has progressed to Head of Elite Sport, Head of Boys’ Games and is also Resident Tutor of Baker Wing. He has coached both the boys’and girls’ teams to success locally and at a county level.
Hockey has always played a major part in Diccon’s life. During his school days at Kent College, his team were victorious in two National Schools Championships and three Frank Mason tournaments. He represented England at U16 level and gained honours in tournaments such as the Four Nations and the European Championships.
Diccon’s working life began at Sutton Valence School as a resident tutor and hockey coach. He spent two successful years here, his team winning the Frank Mason tournament as well as qualifying for regional competitions. He then moved to The King’s School, Canterbury, where he spent two years as resident hockey coach.
Throughout this time he played hockey for Canterbury Hockey Club in the National Premier League. Success at club level earned him a recall to the England U21 set up. He represented England on numerous occasions during his three year tenure and was selected to be part of the squad for the 2013 Youth Olympics in Sydney where the team won a silver medal.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Diccon currently coaches Ashford Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI and is the Goalkeeping Coach to the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team. He is currently studying for an MSc in Performance Coaching through Stirling University.
Teacher Profile: Charles Bodle
Teacher Profile: Charles Bodle
Master in Charge of Senior School Cricket
Charles holds a BA (Hons) in History and Ancient History from the University of Exeter and is the Head of Junior School History as well as the Deputy Housemaster of Wagner House.
Alongside these duties he teaches History and Politics in the senior school. He also contributes to games sessions and is Master I/c 1st XI cricket. An advocate of researching practitioners, he is in the midst of completing a Masters in Education from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of school, Charles is a keen sportsman with his main loves being that of cricket and rugby. Although these days primarily focuses on running. Alongside sport he is an avid fan of all things outdoors, whether that be gardening, small-holding or walking. Positive in mindset, he encourages pupils to do the same.
Teacher Profile: Leigh Millard
Teacher Profile: Leigh Millard
Teacher of Games and Physical Education, Assistant Head of Co-Curricular
Leigh joined St. Edmund’s School in 2001 as a teacher of Physical Education and Games after leaving his Head of Year role at Homewood School in Tenterden. His career at St Edmund’s has taken a pastoral route too, becoming Deputy Housemaster of Watson and then Housemaster of Wagner for several years, before promotion to Assistant Head Pastoral. In September 2018 Leigh stepped into the new role of Assistant Head Co-Curricular and will coordinate activities beyond the classroom.
Leigh currently coaches the U15 football team and teaches Physical Education to the Senior School pupils.
Leigh studied a BSc in Sports Science at Loughborough University of Technology followed by a Secondary PGCE in Physical Education and Maths. He excelled as a footballer, playing for the cup winning University 1st XI between 1992 and 1994 and both the England and British Universities Team in 1994. He is a qualified FA coach and managed the ESFA National Football Cup winners in 1996. Leigh played semi-professional football for Hastings Town FC for several years after leaving Loughborough.
Leigh is now a member of Invicta East Kent Athletics Club and a talented marathon runner. He achieved a good for age time in the last two London Marathon events and hopes to run under 3 hours next year.
Teacher Profile: Antony Jones
Teacher Profile: Antony Jones
Teacher of PE and Games, Contingent Commander CCF
Antony joined St Edmund’s School in 2008 as Head of Boys’ Games, after leaving his Head of Academic PE role at Dane Court Grammar School in Broadstairs. His career at St Edmund’s has also included being a resident member of staff, as Deputy Housemaster of Owen House. After fulfilling the role of Head of Army section, and training officer, within the CCF in September 2018 Antony stepped into his new role of Contingent Commander. With the Head of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, he has introduced new Outdoor Education programme to support the holistic approach to education, so dearly valued at St Edmund’s School.
Within the Physical Education department Antony currently coaches the 1st XI football team, and teaches Physical Education to the Senior School pupils.
Antony studied a BSc (Hons) in Physical Education, with Education, at Sheffield Hallam University. As a footballer, Antony represented Oxford City FC for several years, and represented Oxfordshire during that period. At university, Antony also played both basketball and rugby at representative level.
Antony holds coaching awards in both football and rugby, coaching 1st XIs and 1st XVs in all schools he has worked in. Within the CCF movement he is a qualified Skill at Arms Instructor, Range Conducting Officer and Exercise Conducting Officer.
Antony has always been a keen outdoors person, this being his justification for choosing Sheffield as a place of study. He has completed climbing proficiency courses at the National Mountain Centre, Plas Yr Brenin, and remains an active participant in the hills, either walking, climbing or mountain biking.
