Choosing a sport
Ultimately, we want the sports choices available to pupils to provide a meaningful range.
Practically, pupils select at least one sporting activity each term (Core choice), but can choose up to two (Core + an Option choice), or sometimes more, for example where pupils may choose to do some winter training in a summer sport or attend an extra racket-based sport. Some sports offered are term specific e.g. Athletics in the summer term.
We would generally encourage pupils to take part in different sports across the three terms (largely with winter and summer seasons in sports), until they progress to 5th form and above, where they are able to begin to specialise.
Whilst it is not compulsory for pupils to do a specific sport each term, we do strongly encourage pupils, especially in the lower school, to consider choosing a Tier 1 sport for at least 2 of the 3 terms (the Tier system of sports by terms is explained below), as we continue to value both the sporting and wholistic benefits that team sports and competitive sport offer. However, ultimately, we want the sports choices available to pupils to provide a meaningful range.
3rd and 4th form pupils will ideally take part in a minimum of 3 sports, 5th form 2 sports and only in the 6th form can pupils begin to narrow down to 1 sport. The Tier system of sports by terms, does allow pupils to select the same team sport for multiple terms in some instances, which we believe is valuable in keeping pupils involved in a team sport they enjoy, however, where a sport is not Tier 1, there would not be regular fixture and the focus is likely to be more developmental.
Core vs Option Choice of Sport
A ‘Core’ choice sport would be the main sport a pupil wishes to do a term and the one if available, they would want to play fixtures in. Pupils can choose only a Core choice and do this 3 x a week.
An ‘Option’ choice sport would be an additional sport a pupil wishes to do a term, which would likely only include training and no fixtures. If an ‘Option’ sport is chosen, this would be done once a week, in the first sporting session a week for each year group.
Explanation of Tiers of Sports provided
‘Tier 1 Sports’ are Priority team sports and we aim to provide regular fixtures (usually Saturdays, excluding competitions) for these, with sports falling within the usual season of play. Usually only possible as a Core choice.
‘Tier 2 Sports’ are often limited by numbers and may be divided into a Performance or Development focus, with some Priority sports falling in to this Tier too, to allow pupils a skill developmental focus term. Often smaller fixture cards, likely with a mid-week focus.
‘Tier 3 Sports’ likely have more irregular fixtures but some, possibly every few weeks.
‘Tier 4 Sports’ likely have limited or no fixtures. The focus is more on recreational play and training.
‘Specialist Sports’, which includes sports with specific needs and a more unique structure. Such as winter training for summer sports.
The table below lists sports available at Wellington, by Tier and by term (X Challenge is a 6th form fitness based choice).
