St Edmund's
Sport and Physical Education
A broad curriculum:
The senior school sports department aims to engender a love for sports and physical activity for everyone. 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, dance and trampolining. 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 skills and tactics in all areas. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their performance and are regularly assessed in terms of their developing cognitive abilities, leadership skills and the practical application of skills.
Pupils in the U5 are able to choose an 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 lessons are 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 will be able to choose a termly option, which include horse riding, climbing, golf, walk and talk and badminton.
Non team players in L5 and M5 pupils will take part in various activities from basketball to ultimate frisbee, dodgeball to badminton.
Sport in the Sixth Form
The wellbeing of 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 Tonbridge. 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 strength and conditioning, golf, tennis, climbing, badminton, basketball, horse riding 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 both in 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 event organisation and sports development, 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.
Co-Curricular Sport
St Edmund’s School provides opportunities for all pupils to participate in co-curricular sport, and so enjoy the many attendant benefits; improved fitness and skill level, increased confidence, and experience in communication, teamwork and leadership.
Pupils can attend the vast array of squad training opportunities, competitive fixtures and recreational clubs throughout the year, or can take part in a rich and varied palette of competitive and recreational team sport opportunities.
Football
St Edmund’s is the only independent school in the area to offer football as its main invasion game, and is very successful at local level. Many of our pupils play for clubs outside school, and girls’ football is increasingly popular, and we encourage pupils of all abilities to play football, improve their skills and develop their understanding of the game. We push our elite players, but also provide for those who wish to play recreationally.
Hockey
Hockey has been a staple of sporting life at St Edmund’s for many years. We field boys’ and girls’ teams across all age groups, with fixtures at a local and regional level. The school enjoys tournament success, and welcomes schools in the area to our own high-level competitions. Our U16 boys’ squad were the National Schools’ Champions 2024 in Tier 3, and our U18 girls were County Champions and bronze medalists in the South East Region for 2024 . Many of our pupils play for local clubs including Canterbury, Holcombe and Marden. Hockey tours are a regular event in the Michaelmas Term for both boys and girls, most recently to Eindhoven where our U18 boys enjoyed an excellent victory over Mierlo HC.
Cricket
Cricket is pursued with great passion and success at St Edmund’s by both boys and girls, some of whom represent the district teams, aspiring to Kent selection.
We field teams across all age groups, and have an excellent competitive record. The 1st XI boys’ fixtures include the prestigious MCC as part of our annual Festival on the Hill. We have a close relationship with Kent County Cricket and attend workshops given by current players and coaching staff.
Practice and net sessions are available to all throughout the year, with pupils benefiting from the coaching expertise of our well-qualified staff. H. Millard
Athletics and Cross Country
Athletics forms part of the PE and Games curriculum. We take pride in spotting potential in our students and enter teams into local and district competitions. The ESAA Track and Field Cup is a firm favourite on the calendar when we travel further afield to compete. Many pupils go on to represent Canterbury’s Invicta East Kent Athletics Club, taking their performance to county, national and international level. We encourage all pupils to take part in track and field events, and our annual Sports Day is a particular highlight of the St Edmund’s calendar.
We enter teams for the District Cross Country events and have had success over the last few years with our athletes representing the Canterbury and St Augustine’s District at the Kent Schools’ Cross Country Championships. Some pupils have gone on to represent Kent, England and Great Britain in this area.
Tennis
Tennis is a Games option for boys and girls in the summer term, with an emphasis on balancing fun with achievement. Coaching is available from our own instructor, and we field competitive teams, taking part in local, district, county and national fixtures.
Each year, those representing the school are invited to join a trip to the Wimbledon Championship. Less formally, boarders and day pupils have the opportunity to play recreational tennis after school in the Summer and Michaelmas terms. St Edmund's Tennis
Netball
Netball thrives at St Edmund’s. We have excellent facilities, and pupils enjoy expert coaching. Pupils have the opportunity to play competitively from the U14 to U18 age group, all of whom compete successfully. A number of our players train with external clubs, and we run regular trips for players to watch professional and international teams. Pupils have visited Barbados and Dubai on recent international tours, experiencing differing cultures, climates and opposition.
Other sports and activities
Other sports on offer include trampolining, dance, basketball, badminton, indoor rowing, rounders and swimming. Climbing, golf and equestrianism are available as a Games option for U5 and Sixth Form.
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, Nonnington 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.
Teacher Profile: Helena Millard
Teacher Profile: Helena Millard
Director of 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 now the Director of Sport at St Edmund’s. 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
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: 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: Jamie Bright
Teacher Profile: Jamie Bright
Teacher of PE
Sports Scholarship Programme
Our most able pupils are invited to apply for and join the Sports Scholarship Programme. This provides opportunities for further skills development in our major sports with focused coaching to further enhance techniques and tactical understanding. Athletic Development sessions improve components of fitness with Unity Fitness coaches. Seminars from experts in nutrition, psychology and injury prevention for example, develop a wider understanding of developing performance to a higher level.
No matter their ability or goals, St Edmund’s is the perfect place for pupils to nurture their passion for sport and physical activity. To see a snapshot of our flourishing pupils and vibrant department, please visit our St Edmund’s school sports page: @stedmundssport.