Wealden Times | WT212 | October 2019 | Kitchen & Bathroom supplement inside

Winter
Sports
Education
What’s on offer to keep pupils active during chillier months? WT speaks to Dulwich Prep
Cranbrook and The King’s School, Canterbury about the range of sports available
Mrs Jo Wilson, Head of PE and Games
at Dulwich Prep Cranbrook
What range of sporting activities do you offer through
the winter months? At Dulwich Prep Cranbrook the aim is
always to offer as many different options as possible, whilst
ensuring all children have a grounding in the mainstream
sports. Football, rugby, hockey, lacrosse and netball are the
main winter sports, alongside cross-country running. There
is also a swimming squad and an equestrian team. Children
can then choose to further their skills with after-school
and lunch-time clubs. We are very proud of the number of
elite players the school produces across all sports from table
tennis to triathlon at county, regional and national level.
Which are proving to be most popular? Sports Clubs in
Little Stream (Years 1-4) are open to all, and it is interesting
to see how many girls are joining in with football and
rugby. There is now a separate girls’ football team for Upper
School. This term we are working with two top professional
football coaches to further stretch our teams, and often
have visiting coaches in school to lead sessions. Already this
term we were joined by a hockey coach who has trained
England player Maddie Hinch, for a goal-keeping seminar.
Do participants have the opportunity to travel
outside the school for matches? Every child will play
in competitive matches, and have the opportunity to
represent their school. It is a lovely opportunity for family
to come and watch and cheer on their team and most
importantly enjoy a match tea afterwards! Most matches
are during the school day and occasionally on a Saturday.
How do you engage those pupils who may be reluctant
to take part in traditional winter sports? Are there
alternative options to keep active? Not every child will
enjoy traditional team sports, which is why the Dulwich
Inspires Wednesday afternoon programme is so important.
Children can choose from a range of exciting options – this
term includes Drawing, Walking and Talking, involving
a countryside ramble and chat; or abseiling and climbing
at a local outdoor centre. Ballet and Karate are also on
offer. Every week we hold the Dulwich Run at break time.
Open to children and staff it is a great opportunity to get
outside and blow away the cobwebs. Other alternatives
include Parkour Club, yoga and relaxation and badminton.
We also run a very popular ski trip every winter.
Find out more at dulwichprepcranbrook.org
167 wealdentimes.co.uk