08 Mar, 2023
There are several ways in which one can define a successful sports programme; What’s on offer, results compared to other schools and probably the one that most people look at, success on a local and national scale. However, for me this is just the tip of the iceberg and although important shouldn’t be the main measuring stick against a department that offers so much opportunity to demonstrate success in all of its forms.
A successful sports programme must first engage all involved, this includes; pupils, parents, staff and the wider school community. Without engaging all parties to work towards the same ethos and goal then any one part can have a huge effect on the end product.
I believe that the experience and skill set I have developed, within a challenging and restricted environment, whilst achieving numerous regional and national successes, will enable me to add a huge amount of value, knowledge and expertise to an already successful department.
I take great pride of the success and value that my current department offers to the immediate and wider school community and the contribution I have made to this success. The positive outcomes we see both inside and outside of the classroom and the value added by a department which I help manage is a key reason why Wimbledon College continues to be over-subscribed and competes strongly against some of the biggest and best schools in the South East of England.
We have done this by ensuring our programme engages, encourages and promotes a desire to participate and provide all students with the knowledge and understanding of the benefits of participation from both a performance or recreational perspective and how to excel in these environments. Within my current role I have continued to regularly review our sporting provision with the current Director of Sport, Heads of sport(s), all internal/external PE staff and wider staffing community to plan, create and implement the full PE curriculum across all key stages.
It is through the excellent working relationship I’ve developed with the Director of Sport that we have been able to grow and offer so much to so many. This includes 4 academic options, a comprehensive key stage 3 PE curriculum & Games curriculum, regular Saturday and midweek fixtures and residential tours. Through my role as Director of Rugby, I have managed the largest budget of all sports, successfully coordinated 23 teams, managed the logistics of all fixtures whilst communicated and engaged the wider community via online platforms, social media and face to face communication.
I have also demonstrated a range of skills across a variety of different roles and responsibilities that I’ve held within my time at Wimbledon College. The fact that I have been trusted with the roles of Director of Cricket and Director of Swimming demonstrate the vast knowledge and skill that I have across the whole curriculum, I have also committed to running football and athletics teams, something that I would want to continue with in this role. My commitment to sport doesn’t stop at my strongest, Rugby. This demonstrates that I am committed to developing and providing sport to as many pupils as possible. A mantra that I continue to encourage and promote within my current role. I am adept at liaising with all sporting communities to ensure that the best possible provision is available to all those that want to engage and participate.
I have a proven track record of developing outstanding individual excellence, as demonstrated by numerous current and ex-students representing Harlequins and London Irish academy age groups, two of whom have since gone on to receive full time contracts and international honours. Another of whom recently gained international experienced. We have also developed current Athletics and Football internationals.
Inside the classroom I have continued to deliver outstanding results at both GCSE and A level. I’ve over 7 years of delivering the Socio-cultural content of OCR A level across both Upper or Lower sixth, achieving outstanding results in the end of course exams. I have also demonstrated my excellent classroom ability and expertise within the AQA GCSE and Pearson Btec courses. This is evident from my 2018 GCSE entries which resulted in achieving a residual value added 1.1 – the highest value amongst all teachers at Wimbledon College. My 2020 GCSE cohort produced 86% of grades 9-4 & 29% of grades 7-9.
Assistant Director of Sport or Director of Sport
Surrey, UK