SPORT

THE DOWNSIDE SPORT DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY IS BASED ON A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE AND EXCEPTIONAL WORK ETHIC. OUR ETHOS IS CENTRED ON THE VALUES OF DISCIPLINE, HUMILITY AND STEWARDSHIP.

Our aim is to coach the whole child to ensure that they find a sport in which they can participate, excel at and learn the values of being part of a team. We believe that physical activity plays an important role in your child’s development.

‘Sport for All’ is a central part of the School’s philosophy as is the desire for every pupil to enjoy physical activity and achieve their own personal best.

Downside has some 100 acres of playing fields on campus including Cricket and Rugby pitches, a running track, an allweather Hockey Astroturf pitch and twelve Tennis and Netball courts.

There is a swimming pool and sports hall complex which includes fitness rooms and facilities for indoor sports, as well as a gymnasium and glass-backed squash courts. Mendip, Orchardleigh and Farrington golf clubs are nearby and there are local facilities for fishing, riding and watersports. Whilst our curriculum distinguishes between Physical Education and Sport, the notion of excellence permeates throughout. In the Michaelmas Term, the main sport for boys is Rugby and, for girls, Hockey. In the Lent Term the boys move to Hockey and the girls to Netball. In the Summer Term Cricket is the main sport for boys and Tennis for girls. All pupils also take Athletics in the Summer Term.

Outside of timetabled sports and Physical Education lessons, there are over 40 other sports and games options for pupils to choose from including Football, Swimming, Archery, Fencing, Paddleboard, Kayaking, Badminton, Squash, Riding and Cross Country. Cricket, Golf and Rugby are also open to both girls and boys. More details on our co-curriculum can be found on pages 14-17.

THE SPORT IS REALLY GOOD HERE. I HAVE LEARNT SO MUCH IN A SHORT SPACE OF TIME AND THE COACHES ARE VERY HELPFUL.

Second Form Pupil - 2022