Confidence, competence and enjoyment

Bedales founder John Badley insisted that the School should educate the whole person – ‘head, hand and heart’. Accordingly, a Bedales education encompasses not only academic study but also the development of character and practical abilities. Sport and PE is an important part of our curriculum which provides distinctive opportunities for students to learn about themselves and others, alongside skills development.

In the primary years, students are exposed to a variety of sports and taught the basic skills required to participate and succeed, and so develop confidence.

As they progress through the school, students are given more freedom to select from activities within the PE programme.

Competitive sport is important at Bedales. We participate in national and regional competitions, whilst taking great care to produce a fixture list that supports our aims and provides the best learning experience for our students. We do not promote a 'win at all costs' mentality; rather we work hard to create a positive, engaging and, most importantly, an enjoyable sporting environment. However, we also make sure that we give our excellent athletes what they need from us.

Ultimately, we want all of our students to leave the school having enjoyed sport in some way, and minded to continue some kind of participation in their adult lives.

No matter the student, they get a warm welcome from specialist staff, and we always try to find something for them that is suited to their abilities and preferences.

Sport fixtures

Bedales Prep Sport Curriculum

The core sports at Bedales are hockey, cricket, netball and football. These are complimented by a strong focus on swimming throughout the year, with both rugby and basketball taking place during the Spring term and athletics and tennis in the Summer term.

There are also opportunities to experience a wide range of sports during the PE curriculum, such as gymnastics, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, Fun Fitness, Invasion Games and Sports Leadership. In order to achieve our aims, we place a large focus on enjoyment and engagement within the PE curriculum and the way we achieve this varies from student to student.

For those who love most sports and will take any opportunity to be out on the sports field, there are countless opportunities to participate everyday through PE and Games lessons, squad training sessions, fixtures and our rigorous activities programme. We do however recognise that not all sports are for everyone and whilst at a young age we believe students should experience a range of sports and activities, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone, we avoid forcing students into situations that could put them off a sport completely.

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In the primary years, students are exposed to a variety of sports. Through this they are taught the basic skills required to participate, succeed and develop their confidence. PE is largely taught in mixed sex groups and often streamed by ability to allow for maximum progress for all skill levels. Students receive one double PE lesson per week, one double Games lesson and a team training session. Most students also represent the school in matches on a Wednesday afternoon (Thursdays for Year 4) and take advantage of the activities programme on offer. Some also make use of their Greens (study periods) to take part in a tennis or dance lesson.

Staff

Head of Department

Will Bray, Head of PE & Sport

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Bedales champions an innovative student-centred education, prioritising academic freedom, creativity, sustainability and wellbeing. We foster individuality, moral purpose and a lifelong love of learning in a changing world.