Physical Education
We are super proud to have cultivated an environment that celebrates the diverse athletic potentials of every pupil. It’s not just about winning (although this does, obviously, have its place!), it is about finding your passion. As a department, we are constantly seeking to strike that perfect balance between inclusivity and excellence.
“Our philosophy is simple. We aim to create an environment where all young people feel confident and can thrive. Ultimately, our overarching goal is to instil a love for physical activity that lasts long after any final whistle. Whether it’s a budding athlete destined for netball stardom or a student who finds her rhythm in a spinning class at St Sidwell’s Point, our exposure to diverse sporting experiences ensures that every girl leaves The Maynard with a lifelong passion for staying active.”
Mrs Lewis-weeks, director of sport
In Pre-Prep, students are introduced to a world of physical activity with two PE lessons a week, complemented by swimming, Forest School, dance and a range of extracurricular opportunities. These early years focus on developing multi-skills and fundamental movement patterns, laying the groundwork for a love of lots of different experiences.
In the Junior School, pupils participate in many team sports, including netball, hockey, cricket, tag rugby and football, but we also foster individual pursuits such as swimming, athletics, cross-country, yoga, tennis, gymnastics and dance with the hope of encouraging exercise for health as much as for competition.
Specialist Tennis coach, Jon Rycroft runs a Tennis Academy, offering coaching to pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 before school three times a week. We also run lunchtime 1:1 and group tennis lessons and after school multi-sports clubs for Years 4, 5 and 6. Twice weekly we take advantage of the facilities at Exeter Gymnastics Club, where our Years 4 6 gymnastics club is held over lunchtimes.
Ballet, Modern Dance and Martial Arts lessons are offered once a week, taught by our specialist teachers, Mrs Barlow, Mrs Conner and Exeter Martial Arts Club.
In Senior School, the sporting offer expands substantially. Whether it’s joining a netball, football, cricket or hockey team, attending a lunchtime fitness session, being put through your paces by our Exeter Chiefs rugby partners or simply turning up for a casual game of badminton, there really is something for everyone.
The Year 7 and Year 8 curriculum is designed to expose students to a broad spectrum of activities, with compulsory swimming for one half term. By Year 9, students are given more choice, and by Year 10 they can specialise in their favourite sports or explore new ones such as trampolining, golf, squash or martial arts (to name a few).
As students enter their final years at The Maynard, the programme offers unparalleled flexibility. With one sports afternoon per week and a full options system, Sixth Formers are empowered to choose from a diverse range of activities each term. From traditional sports like netball and hockey to emerging favourites like football, rugby or watersports at Haven Banks, the choices are always incredibly varied. And if a student dreams of trying something not on the sporting menu, the school’s commitment to pupil voice ensures that her request is heard and, wherever possible, fulfilled.
Studying GCSE Physical Education opens students’ eyes to the amazing world of sports performance. Not only do they have the chance to perform in three different sports through the non-examination assessment component, they also develop wide ranging knowledge into the how and why of physical activity and sport.
Studying Physical Education at A-level gives students a fantastic opportunity to deepen their exploration into the amazing world of sports performance. Not only do they have the chance to perform or coach a sport through the non-exam assessment component, they also develop a wide ranging knowledge into the how and why of Physical Activity and Sport. They learn the reason why we do things, why some people outperform others-mentally and physically. Students also delve into ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and the influence that modern technology is having on sport.
Meet Mrs Lewis-Weeks, Director of Sport
Mrs Lewis-Weeks has a 1st class BSc degree in Sports Education and completed her PGCE at Bath University. She has a huge background in sport, particularly football and hockey, leading many teams both personally and professionally.
“I am hugely passionate about getting everyone involved in Physical Education, and wholeheartedly believe in the life skills young people learn from a broad and varied Physical Education and extracurricular provision. I believe that a fun and engaging PE provision can go hand-in-hand with success in sport, and that’s what we are creating at Maynard!”
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