“Education is a key to success”, (Anonymous quote from a twitter feed). This quote is similar to what many people have said. We do live in a world where a good successful education is an investment in the future.
“Even in a time of fiscal austerity, education is more than just an expense”, (Arne Duncan 2013). I could rewrite quotes all day, but instead I wish to focus on what makes education in my school successful.
Michael Gove, Education Secretary, recently observed that “private school pupils are increasingly dominating positions of wealth, power and influence in Britain”.
We can go one further and observe that 36 % of the medals at the Olympics were won by athletes who attended private schools, in a country where only 7% are privately educated.
In a week where Ofsted have declared that sport is lacking in some schools I do feel that a good sporting education is important for a successful future!
At the Read School we provide access to sport and physical activity for all ages. Pupils are taught to play the major competitive team games from the age of three onwards.
At pre – prep and prep school level they have 2 hours of Physical Education in the curriculum per week. At KS3 this rises to two hours forty-five minutes. They retain two hours in KS4.
In addition there are regular team training sessions after school plus access through the extra-curricular programme to a wide range of physical activity – such badminton, table tennis, basket-ball, swimming, horse riding, boxercise, weight training, dance etc.
All this is enhanced by regular fixtures with other schools that take place on a Saturday and also on some afternoons during the week.
In my school the members of staff and I focus on developing an all-round education for youngsters that focuses on developing strength of character, that is what wins medals and empowers young people.