Habs Sports Guidebook
2025 - 2026
Welcome to Sport at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School
Our PE and sports provision is one of the most vibrant and inclusive in the UK, and I am proud to lead a department that places student development, wellbeing and enjoyment at the heart of everything we do. With exceptionally high levels of participation across all year groups, our programme caters to every ability level–from those competing at county, regional and national levels, to those who simply enjoy the social and recreational aspects of sport.
At Habs, we have developed a unique approach to physical development and active wellbeing that spans from Reception through to Upper Sixth. Our students are encouraged to embrace movement, challenge themselves and improve their physical literacy in a supportive and inspiring environment. The emphasis is always on character, values and personal growth–what we call The Habs Way.
Our co-curricular sporting programme is one of the largest and most ambitious of any day school in the UK. It is a cornerstone of the Habs experience, offering a breadth and depth of opportunity that has been recognised nationally for its excellence. Whether it is through our focus sports, recreational activities, or outreach events, we aim to foster a thriving sports community that enhances school spirit and individual development.
We are proud of our students’ achievements, and it is no surprise that we continue to enjoy some of the most successful sporting results in the school’s history. But sport at Habs is about much more than competition–it is about building resilience, teamwork and leadership. It’s about helping our students become better people, prepared to make a meaningful impact in the world beyond school.
This guide is designed to give you a clear sense of what sport at Habs is all about—whether you are considering joining us or are already part of our journey. I look forward to working with you and seeing how you contribute to the continued success and evolution of our programme.
PETER PICKFORD
ACTING DIRECTOR OF SPORT AND HEAD OF SPORT SCIENCE
#PLAYTHEHABSWAY
Sports at Habs
Sports at Habs is much more than just competition and results though – it is an integral part of the school experience, promoting resilience, teamwork and leadership in every student.
You will see a very clear emphasis on character and values with ‘The Habs Way’ being the foundation for everything we try to do.
PE and school sports become the vehicle for this to succeed as we work to ensure that our students leave us as better people, fully prepared to make a profound impact in wider society.
It is because of this that individual students and teams enjoy regular and consistent success at county, regional and national levels across a staggering range of activities.
There is no narrow focus here as we encourage and support everyone to find their passion for sport and see elements of high performance everywhere you look. It should come as no surprise then that we have just experienced the most successful year of sporting results in the history of Habs.
The bar has been set at a very high level andwe look forward to seeing our students thrive again this year.
The introduction of Sports Scholarships, and the accompanying broader support offered through our incredible High-Performance Programme, shows that Habs is serious about supporting our very best athletes as they strive to make the most of their sporting potential.
We hope this guide provides a sense of what PE and sport at Habs is about for those considering us, but also a point of reference for those who have made the leap and are starting what promises to be an exciting sporting journey together!
Sport at Habs Boys Dream:
The Benefits of Physical Education, Games and School Sport
Physical Education (PE) and sports play a vital role in the holistic development of our students. Beyond the physical benefits, they teach essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience and leadership. Participation in PE and sports helps students understand the importance of discipline, safety and fair play, while also developing their ability to cope with both success and failure.
Research has shown that regular physical activity enhances cognitive function, leading to improved concentration, resilience, memory and overall academic performance. Engagement in PE and sports fosters lifelong habits that enhance physical health, mental well-being and social connections. It adds a dynamic and enriching dimension to school life, helping students to grow into well-rounded individuals.
Our focus is based on three big themes across all areas of delivery: Active Wellbeing, High Performance and Character and Valueswhich all help to fulfil the aims of our Habs Dream.
Enabling all to flourish through Habs Sport. Dream big, achieve success, be happy, healthy, develop character and have a positive view of the world which leads to a profound impact in society.
Our character ensures we value…
AMBITION
CURIOSITY
COURAGE
COMMUNITY
Our beliefs are… PEOPLE FIRST EVERYONE IS WELCOME
EXCELLENCE EVERYWHERE
UNCOMPROMISING RIGOUR WE ARE ALL LEARNERS 100% RESPONSIBILITY
We do this by...
Offering all students a positive experience of sport*, where all abilities are appropriately coached and competitionis both provided and encouraged
Focusing on the benefits of sports –physical, social, mental for developing good character, including ‘The Habs Way’
Providing an appropriate breadth of choice within the games and co-curricular programmes, encouraging all students to develop a love for sport
Focusing on fundamental movement principles, positive values and behaviour, and advocating for the benefits sports at Habs can have on social development as we seek to ensure that all students fully develop their physical literacy
Identifying ways in which we can encourage all members of the school community to engage in enjoyable and physically active lifestyles
Seeking to employ and develop the highest quality staff who work in the highest quality facilities and with the best resources
Note that the term sport is used here for ease of reference. The term should be taken to include all aspects of physical education, physical activity, games, competitive and noncompetitive sport.
What is The Habs Way?
It is our core identity which is shaped by our focus on character and values. Anyone involved with Habs Sport, whether as a player, coach, official or spectator, should be easily identified by the actions and behaviours listed below. As a result, Habs Sports should have a growing reputation for these key areas:
The Habs Way
All students are expected to act as ambassadors for sport at Habs and to model the expectations highlighted as part of the ‘Habs Way’.
We are always well presented, articulate and act with kindness towards others
We understand that everyone is learning and show empathy for others as we adopt a people first and everyone is welcome approach
We are always striving to be the best that we can be and expect to see excellence everywhere
We show confidence without arrogance and take 100% responsibility
We are fiercely competitive but always play and act with respect and sportsmanship
We encourage everyone involved to challenge unhelpful stereotypes, encourage allyship, demand a zerotolerance approach to bullying or behaviours which might belittle others, and support everyone in finding a safe place in which to enjoy physical activity
Player expectations
ANY HABS TEAM SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIABLE BECAUSE THEY:
- Look smart and professional at all times, on and off the pitch.
- Care deeply about their team and are proud to represent their school.
- Arrive punctually and leave nothing behind when they leave.
- Are welcoming, respectful and friendly to everyone they encounter through sport, always thanking opposition, officials and supporters.
- Are independent, taking responsibility for their own preparation, warm-up and performance.
- Are curious, with questioning rather than relying on directive coaching. Encouraged to be confident and to think for themselves.
- Show leadership, through a designated leadership group in every squad, who lead warm-ups, team talks, etc. but also in their individual behaviour.
- Show positivity, resilience, grit and determination regardless of outcome.
- Have an identifiable style of play that is consistent through all age groups and aligns with the school’s values.
- Maintain personal fitness levels and physical activity through lifelong healthy living and we hope through involvement in sport and physical activity long after they leave Habs.
- Support our ‘everyone is welcome approach’ by challenging unhelpful stereotypes, being allies for one another, not tolerating bullying or behaviours which might belittle others and ensuring that everyone can find a safe place in which to enjoy physical activity.
- Are supported by parents and staff who are committed, positive, well-informed, supportive and celebrative of all players and officials (and who do not seek to coach them).
Staffing expectations
ANY HABS COACH SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIABLE BECAUSE THEY:
- Look smart and professional at all times.
- Care deeply about their squad and the individuals within it and are proud to coach them.
- Understand that they are coaching the person in front of them and not just the sport being played.
- Arrive punctually and leave nothing behind when they leave.
- Are welcoming, respectful and friendly to everyone they encounter through sport, thanking opposition coaches, players, officials and supporters.
- Are well-prepared and set high standards, deliver training that is rigorous and ensures progression, as well as being enjoyable and inclusive.
- Coach independent thinking and decision making, to empower players to lead for themselves on the pitch.
- Coach an identifiable style of play that is consistent through all age groups and aligns with the schools’ values.
- Show positivity and determination regardless of outcome.
- Support our ‘everyone is welcome approach’ by challenging unhelpful stereotypes, being allies for one another, not tolerating bullying or behaviours which might belittle others and ensuring that everyone can find a safe place in which to enjoy physical activity.
- Communicate effectively and openly with parents and supporters, sharing high expectations and gratitude. -
- Seek continuous improvement of their own performance through reflection, feedback and professional development.
- Role model personal fitness levels and physical activity through lifelong healthy living.
- Make a commitment to support practices after school, weekend fixtures (and potentially tours outside term time).
Parents, spectators and visitor expectations
ANY HABS SPECTATOR SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIABLE BECAUSE THEY:
- Any Habs spectator should be immediately identifiable because they:
- Are positive role models and lead by example. They offer praise and applause to all participants, for those representing Habs and competing against us and reinforce and celebrate good play, effort and improvement. They do not shout at any child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- Support our aims which encourage good sportsmanship and positive values which are the foundation of so much that we do at Habs. They support us when we ask for students to “Play the Habs Way.”
- Appreciate and fully support the aims and expectations set by the school relating to sports fixtures, attendance and behaviour.
- Refrain from publicly questioning the judgement of officials and staff. They recognise that coaches, officials and teachers give their time, energy and experience to provide guidance and the opportunities for children. They recognise the value and importance of the staff and will not tolerate harassment towards players, coaches or officials.
- Understand that our community is an inclusive one and set an example by being friendly to everyone, including the opposition parents and teams.
- Support our ‘everyone is welcome approach’ by challenging unhelpful stereotypes, encouraging allyship, not tolerating bullying or behaviours which might belittle others and helping to ensure that everyone can find a safe place in which to enjoy physical activity.
- Avoid coaching their child or child’s team during training or competitive games as they recognise that this could detract from the messages being received from our staff. Support the messages received from our coaching staff and help to reinforce these with the conversations at home.
PE and Games
The Physical Education programme ensures that all boys in Years 7, 8 and 9 receive one period (one hour) of physical development per week.
In Years 10 and 11, the subject is allocated one period per fortnight. The PE programme includes the following activities: Athletic Development, Swimming (including water polo), Functional Movement; Athletics, Gameplay, Methods of Training, Tennis and Softball. PE lessons are taught by Habs PE teachers and Athletic Development Leads.
We monitor each students progress as well as making the lessons fun and engaging.
In addition to the Physical Education programme, all students throughout the school participate in one afternoon of the Games Programme (two hours). Here, students can select from a range of different activities including Multisports, Fitness, Squash, Badminton, Table Tennis, Football, Climbing, Mountain Biking and many others. These activities are led by staff and external coaches with specialist knowledge of the activity. Activities take place on and off site and are rotated throughout the terms. Students are able to select their chosen activity via SOCS.
Sports Science is offered as a two-year GCSE course commencing in Year 10. AQA Sports Science (Physical Education) is also offered as an A Level course in the Sixth Form and the AQA specification is followed for GCSE in Years 10 and 11. A Level classes are now collaboratively taught with Habs Girls.
Collaboration With Habs Girls’ School
At Habs, we offer the ‘best of both worlds’ through our exciting, inclusive sports programme.
With extraordinarily high numbers of students regularly participating in physical activity, our programme combines elite performance with broad participation. Collaboration with the Girls’ School adds immense value, providing shared facilities and staffing, joint training sessions, tours and competitive fixtures.
This unique partnership enriches the sporting experience, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. Our success spans over 40 sports, with students excelling at county, regional and national levels, while also benefiting from the social and developmental aspects of sport, much of which is offered through both single sex and coeducational sessions. We have girls regularly playing in boys’ cricket and football teams, there are combined teams for athletics, squash, gymnastics and swimming, and we have numerous examples of collaborative co-curricular sessions across a typical week.
Perhaps our most visible examples of this collaboration across the schools are seen in the hugely successful HabsDash community run and the breathtaking Joint Sports Day held at the StoneX Stadium.
run open to all members of the school community – students from both schools from Year 7 to Upper Sixth as well as teaching and non-teaching staff.
This takes place every Tuesday, using a 3.5km route around the school grounds.
We welcome around 170 runners each week, keeping track of personal improvements and their contributions towards house totals. We produce results sheets each week on the day of the run so that runners can track their progress as well as work towards a half-marathon, a marathon and more.
Themed events are a big part of the HabDash - these include the SantaDash, PurpleDash (Papyrus Charity), GivingDash, General Election Dash and RainbowDash. This gives students a chance to dress up, support charities and enjoy running
Habs
Sports Day
A brilliant opportunity to see a fully collaborative approach to school sports as everyone from Years 7 and above from both Habs Boys and Habs Girls come together to compete under combined franchise banners.
There really is not another Sports Day of this type being done anywhere in the UK. Hosting at The StoneX Stadium really has helped to elevate the sense of occasion and it is fabulous to see our students, resplendent in their combined House colours, filling an entire stand. The ambition for every student to be involved in events which includes nearly the full range of those traditionally seen as part of Track and Field, the hugely popular Community Mile, and of course, the weird and wonderful activities which make up the in-field spectacle, means that engagement levels are very high.
Our students really get what it means to be a part of this now and they help to make the day such a success. Our very best athletes have an incredible opportunity to showcase their talent, helping to set high standards and role model what it takes to perform at the level that they do, but the courage shown by others to get fully involved remains the standout feature of the day.
This desire to do all that they can to perform to their personal best, to not let the side down, and to hopefully enjoy their moment competing in front of such a large audience really does show the values we are trying to encourage. The sense of community with staff and students coming together to lift each other up and fully support our ‘everyone is welcome’ approach to sports at Habs helps to make this the very best day in our sporting calendar.
Inter-House Competitions
The school has a flourishing and highly competitive Inter-House competition that offers opportunities to participate, particularly for those who have not had the chance to compete at an inter-school level.
Inter-house sports include but are not limited
These events are well received by the students and take place regularly throughout the year.
TENNIS
WATER POLO
RUGBY
ATHLETICS (joint with Habs Girls at Sports Day)
to:
Co-Curricular
Whether aiming for competitive success or participating for enjoyment, well-being or social reasons, our students can engage in approximately 160 co-curricular PE and sport activities beyond the standard timetable.
Lunchtime, after-school and weekend sessions are available to ensure all students can participate. These activities are run by our dedicated team of sports staff, with additional support from visiting specialists in specific disciplines.
The breadth, depth and range of activities on offer is simply staggering and our students enjoy one of the largest cocurricular sporting programmes in the UK. There is undeniably something on offer for everyone and this is reflected by the excellent participation rates seen across all age groups every week.
The main focus sports, which are given priority in their respective terms, are Football (Autumn), Hockey (Spring) and Cricket (Summer). Each activity involves substantial numbers and maintains a full list of block fixtures on each Saturday of the term. Students can opt to be involved in a number of sporting opportunities across the full range of over 30 activities on offer.
We publish our Sporting Success newsletter every term, which showcases our students' achievements. You can see our latest publication here.
Beyond the three focus sports, students can take part in performance sports, competing in inter-school fixtures, or participating at a less competitive level, with a focus more on the benefits relating to regular exercise and social aspects of engagement. Success can be identified in many ways and we seek to celebrate individuals and teams who perform at outstanding levels whilst also recognising the achievements and endeavours of those who enjoy personal bests.
Communication - SOCS
SOCS is used to communicate all information regarding co-curricular activities and fixtures - this includes a team sheet list that is updated weekly.
STUDENT AND PARENT PORTAL
ACCESS TO TIMETABLE
ACCESS TO FIXTURES
ACCESS TO TEAM SHEETS
ACCESS TO TEAM REPORTS
ACCESS TO TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND TIMINGS
REPORTS AND PICTURES
More information can be found by scanning the QR code
Cancellations and changes to fixture times and locations will all be communicated through SOCS.
Students and parents have access to the portal which also includes reports from matches from fixtures. The SOCS access guide can be found by scanning the QR code below.
Selection Policy
Reminders for students representing the school
WE ASK THAT IF A STUDENT IS LIKELY TO REPRESENT THE SCHOOL AT ANY LEVEL THAT:
- We are made aware of any possible foreseeable clashes, so the Physical Education Department are able to plan accordingly
- When inviting other students as guests to an important family occasion, we ask parents to consider how the number of invitations could affect a team and potentially make a fixture unviable
- If students are invited to such an important occasion which clashes with a school fixture, they must seek an exeat for that date as soon as they know of the invitation, and at least seven days before the event
- In addition, it would help if external classes or extra tuition were not scheduled on Saturdays at times likely to lead to clashes with school fixtures
- In normal circumstances, routine family outings would not be considered a justifiable reason for seeking an exeat
- Whilst we will seek to make arrangements in order to accommodate commitments students may have with representative level sport outside of school, these conversations will need to be had in advance with either the Head of Sports or Director of Sports please. For contracted academy players, this will likely mean that staff here will wish to speak with coaching staff as well
REQUESTING AN EXEAT
- Without your continued support for school activities beyond the classroom, we would be unable to offer students the opportunity to play for school teams. This, in turn, would negatively impact both the school’s community and your child’s experience. We therefore ask that any applications for an exeat be made at least seven days in advance of the date of absence. Requests should be sent directly to rmcintosh@habselstree.org.uk
Health and Medical
The school Medical Centre is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm every day on weekdays. A team of nurses work here and are also present for midweek sporting fixtures.
Any fixtures that take place over the weekend are staffed by medical staff from Meliora Medical.
The school uses the Meliora Medical to monitor any injuries that occur at school. Parents/ guardians have access to their child’s Meliora Medical account and are alerted to injuries that occur within school.
The system allows parents to arrange appointments with medics to seek advice on injuries such as concussion. In this instance, students must be signed off as ‘clear to play’ following any head injury.
Parents/guardians are sent sign-up instructions when their child starts Year 7.
High Performance and Sports Scholarships
With up to six teams per age group involved in weekly competitive action, we provide extensive opportunities for students to excel in both Physical Education and sports.
Our students achieve sustained success at district, county and national levels, with many showcasing their talent at representative levels. We offer outstanding sessions across the full range of activities offered, leaning on the expertise provided by our own staff and from the external professional staff employed each term.
Our High Performance Programme is supported by industry leading partners and is available to our best performing athletes from Years 7 to Upper Sixth. All of which helps us to meet our aims to see ‘excellence everywhere’ and in everything that we do.
Our strong partnerships with renowned sporting organisations, including Tottenham Hotspur FC, Middlesex County Cricket, Saracens Rugby and Watford Water Polo, offer students the chance to experience professional-level training and competition. Students also have the unique opportunity to perform at iconic venues such as StoneX Stadium and Lords Cricket Ground.
Sports Scholarships, and the accompanying broader support offered through our incredible High Performance Programme, shows that Habs is serious about supporting our very best athletes as they strive to make the most of their sporting potential.
Sports scholarships are awarded to candidates in recognition of sustained sporting excellence, talent and future potential. Candidates will be active members of their top ranked school sports teams and are likely to be involved in sporting clubs outside of school with representative experience or its equivalent at county level or above. Outstanding skill, expertise or potential in any one or several sporting fields will be considered, but candidates are encouraged to show their potential in at least one of the focus sports at Habs–football, hockey and cricket.
More information about our HPP programme can be found by scanning the QR code
HPP High Performance Programme
Each year the Habs Sport team selects a number of students who show exceptional promise and commitment to sport at Habs for inclusion in this outstanding programme.
These students will be placed in either our Gold, or Silver High Performance Programme (HPP) which will support them during their time at Habs and help them to maximise their potential. The selection for each level is based on their current level of sporting performance, expected potential for further development, and with an expectation that students will act as positive role models as part of The Habs Way.
Each level will reflect the outstanding ability shown by our students across a broad range of activities with those competing regularly at county, academy, regional and national levels featuring across both bands. The Directors of Sport have the final decision regarding the selections made.
Sports scholars will automatically be placed in the Gold programme, alongside pupils who have demonstrated a commitment and ability to play sport at the highest level.
More information about our HPP programme can be found by scanning the QR code
ALL ENROLLED HPP STUDENTS RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Access to a strong regional and national fixture list
- Excellent partnership relationships with elite clubs, academies and development pathways within the county and region
- Outstanding coaching from the very best coaches, either within Habs or local professionals, who work with our students from the moment they join the Senior School
- Enjoy the benefits of some of the very best sports facilities on offer within the UK
- Access to an extraordinary range of co-curricular activities on offer for those wishing to maintain a balanced route for sporting development and for those looking to explore opportunities in drama, music and the performing arts to name just a few of the options on offer
- Regular high-quality sports tours and visits within the UK and abroad
- Expected to act as ambassadors for sports at Habs and to model the expectations highlighted as part of the ‘Habs Way’.
Gold HPP Students Silver HPP Students
HPP GOLD PACKAGE
- Individualised mentoring sessions with a member of the Habs Sports team
- Support in managing workload and balancing the requirements with high performance sports in a busy and thriving independent school like Habs
- Individualised strength and conditioning programme with Habs Athletic Development coaching staff working closely with clubs/academies
- Regular fitness assessments and monitoring with Habs Athletic Development staff who work closely with clubs/academies
- Nutrition programme delivered by an external provider
- Video analysis of either individual technical aspects of play or team performance
- Off-site visits to include lab testing and to explore links with regards to career pathways as appropriate
- Enrolment on the Independent Coach Education webinar series ‘Supporting Aspiring Athletes Programme’ SPORTS NUTRITION
HPP SILVER PACKAGE
- Mentoring sessions with a current Sixth Form student at Habs Boys, at least monthly
- Individualised strength and conditioning programme with Habs Athletic Development coaching staff working closely with clubs/academies
- Regular fitness assessments and monitoring with Habs Athletic Development staff who work closely with clubs/academies
- Video analysis of either individual technical aspects of play or team performance
- Off-site visits to include lab testing and to explore links with regards to career pathways as appropriate
- Access to seminars and workshops run by specialists
Partnerships and Community
The Habs Partnerships Programme is a network of five local state primary schools, whose students have above or well-above national indicators for disadvantage.
Typically, over 50 Partnerships sessions take place each week, led by Habs teachers and supported by Habs students. The involvement of Habs students not only enhances their interpersonal skills but also helps foster a sense of community with children outside of Habs.
Swimming forms an integral part of the Partnerships Programme. All five partner schools participate in weekly swimming sessions at Habs, where over 500 students benefit from the school’s facilities and expert staff each year.
For many of these children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may not otherwise have access to swimming lessons outside of school, this opportunity is invaluable in building essential water confidence. For some, it is even their first experience in the water, making this programme a crucial step in developing a positive relationship with water and swimming.
Sports Tours
The Sports Department run a number of tours throughout the year which are led by Habs staff.
Tours provide a unique opportunity to travel together as a team, sample new cultures and develop new life skills, playing in different conditions against new opposition.
TOURS THAT ARE REGULARLY RUN BY STAFF INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
CRICKET - Dubai (Year 10), Jersey (Year 8), South Africa/Sri Lanka (1st Team)
FOOTBALL - Real Madrid (Seniors), Bayern
Munich (Year 10) , FC Porto (Year 9), PSV Eindhoven (Year 8) , Manchester City (Year 7)
RUGBY – Dublin (Seniors)
HOCKEY – Bath (Seniors)
GOLF – Portugal (All)
WATER POLO – Belgium (Y8)
Frequently asked questions
DO YOU OFFER SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS?
Yes, we offer sports scholarships at 11+/13+/16+ points of entry.
Sports scholarships are awarded to candidates in recognition of sustained sporting excellence, talent and future potential.
Candidates will be active members of their top ranked school sports teams and are likely to be involved in sporting clubs outside of school with representative experience or its equivalent at county level or above. Outstanding skill, expertise or potential in any one or several sporting fields will be considered, but candidates are encouraged to show their potential in at least one of the focus sports at Habs: football, hockey and cricket.
WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU PROVIDE FOR SPORTS SCHOLARS AND ELITE PERFORMERS?
Each year the Habs Boys Sports team selects a number of students who show exceptional promise and commitment to sport at Habs for inclusion in this outstanding programme.
These students will be placed in either our Gold, Silver or Bronze High Performance Programme (HPP) which will support them during their time at Habs and help them to maximise their potential.
The selection for each level is based on their current level of sporting performance, expected potential for further development, and with an expectation that students will act as positive role models as part of the Habs Way. Each level will reflect the outstanding ability shown by our students across a broad range of activities with those competing regularly at county, academy, regional and national levels featuring across all three bands.
Sports Scholars will automatically be placed in the Gold programme, alongside pupils who have demonstrated a commitment and ability to play sport at the highest level.
Further details about what is included as part of the HighPerformance Programme can be found elsewhere.
CAN THE BOYS PLAY FOOTBALL?
Football is the focus sport in the Autumn Term. It has expanded rapidly in recent years and sees us put out at least four teams playing regular inter-school fixtures in each year group, including blocks against schools on Saturdays and both friendly fixtures and a wide range of county and national competitions held during the week. The coaching support provided by our partnership with Tottenham Hotspur FC has greatly helped our students to perform at very high levels against very well-regarded schools nationally.
Further opportunities to play are offered through Inter-House and Franchise style games played throughout the year.
DO THE BOYS GET TO SWIM?
All boys in Years 7 to 10 will experience one block of swimming (approximately six weeks) as part of their PE lessons. Beyond this ,all boys have access to weekly recreational lane swimming, elite swim squad training (including fixtures for the school) or swim clinic sessions for those boys identified as needing additional support.
This is, of course, in addition to the numerous water polo sessions available as part of our co-curricular programme.
DO ALL BOYS HAVE TO PLAY RUGBY?
Rugby and Rugby Sevens are offered as additional performance sports in the first two terms. It is optional for boys who wish to focus on their rugby development either as their main focus or in addition to other activities like football and hockey. Groups will be set according to ability and playing experience, ranging from full-contact games to non-contact or tag activities. Fixtures are played almost exclusively during the week in friendly formats or within county and national competitions.
HOW MANY PERIODS/ HOURS DO BOYS SPEND ON PE AND GAMES?
Boys in Years 7 to 9 have a single period of PE each week (60 minutes) and in Year 10 a single period of PE (60 minutes) once a fortnight. In all cases, and including boys in Years 11 to Upper Sixth, everyone has one Games afternoon (two hours in total) each week.
Games afternoons are split into individual year groups in Years 7 to 10, whilst boys in the senior part of the school combine for their afternoon.
ARE CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SELECTED BY ABILITY?
There is an expectation that any boys selected to represent the school (e.g. boys who are part of Game 1 in our focus sports) will also attend the training sessions held at lunchtimes and/or after school. This does not generally preclude boys from outside of this group from taking part though. Very few sessions are arranged by invitation (usually for reasons of safety or space available) and all boys are encouraged to take part should they wish to do so. The range of activities on offer means that there are plenty of opportunities for all boys to be physically active and doing something they enjoy.
WHAT MEDICAL SUPPORT IS PROVIDED FOR SPORTING ACTIVITIES?
In addition to the school nurses on site during the week we use either a doctor or physio provided by Return2Play. We also use the R2P software and support package provided to log sporting injuries and follow up with medical advice as required, most notably in cases concerned with head trauma which remain low within the school.
WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU PROVIDE FOR BOYS WHO CANNOT TAKE A FULL PART IN ACTIVITIES?
In the case of long-term injuries, boys can access specialist rehabilitation support from the department, often meaning that they are able to follow recovery programmes rather than their usual PE, Games or co-curricular provision. In cases where certain sports cannot be played we will either adapt the nature of the activity or find a suitable alternative.
All boys in Years 7 to 10 complete a range of fitness tests as part of a School partnership arrangement we have with Arete
Performance. A range of fitness components are measured at the start of each year with checks made on individual and group progress and comparisons with both their peers and national standards are then easily accessible.
All boys undergo regular fitness training as part of both our PE and Games programmes, and all boys can make use of the additional sessions put on by our staff, including supervised access to the fitness suite from Year 7.
WHAT PROVISION DO YOU HAVE FOR NON-FOCUS SPORTS?
We currently offer 39 sports played across a full range of competitive fixtures and cup competitions to recreational activities. Our three-tiered approach of focus, performance and participation activities ensure that we can maintain a healthy balance of developing elite performance, whilst encouraging all pupils to get involved with physical activity at whatever level is appropriate to them.
ARE ALL FOCUS SPORT FIXTURES PLAYED ON SATURDAYS?
The majority of fixtures for football, hockey and cricket are played on Saturdays. The intention is to try to keep midweek Games lessons free for training and preparation, but there are an increasing number of fixtures played midweek as well. These include a range of regional and national cup competitions entered in each of the sports.
HOW MANY TEAMS DO YOU PUT OUT AND WILL MY SON GET THE CHANCE TO REPRESENT THE SCHOOL?
All focus sports cater for A, B and C teams with some extended to include D, E and F teams where possible. In the junior ages (Year 7 and 8) boys can expect A-D representation for football, hockey and cricket. In other year groups this will depend upon the numbers of boys wishing to play for the school. Performance sports will vary and again this will depend largely on the number of boys wishing to play.
HOW DO I FIND OUT DETAILS REGARDING SPORTS FIXTURES, TRAINING SESSIONS ETC?
All details can now be found via our dedicated sports website hosted by SOCS – www.habsboyssport.org.uk and on Twitter @HabsPE
Selection is merit based rather than a full participation approach but given the range of activities offered at representational level there is every chance that all boys will have the opportunity to play sports for the school.
DO YOU OFFER GCSE/A LEVEL PE/SPORTS SCIENCE?
Yes, we offer GCSE and A Level Sports Science. Results in both have been exceptional and the numbers of boys choosing to study the subject both here, co-educationally with the Girls’ School and subsequently at universities is on the rise.
WHAT LINKS DO YOU HAVE WITH SPORTS CLUBS/ACADEMIES?
We work hard to develop and maintain links with a wide range of clubs within the local area, particularly when monitoring overall involvement of our boys. Specific partnerships with Middlesex CCC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Watford Water Polo, EJB Gymnastics amongst others have certainly proved to be very beneficial to the School.
ACTING DIRECTOR OF SPORT AND HEAD OF SPORTS SCIENCE
Mr Peter Pickford
HEAD OF PE (PREP)
Mr Darren Miller
PE TEACHER
Mr Jamie Doolan
HEAD OF AQUATICS
Mr Edi Brkovic
HEAD OF RUGBY + HOUSEMASTER (STROUTS)
Mr Al Metcalfe
HEAD OF FOOTBALL / PE TEACHER
Mr Wayne Thomas
HEAD OF HOCKEY AND SQUASH/ PE TEACHER
Mr David Cooper
ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Mr Tom Huntley
DIRECTOR OF CRICKET
Mr James Hewitt
PE TEACHER Miss Amy Godsave
POOL SUPERVISOR Mr Paul Pratt
DIRECTOR OF SPORT
Mr Ryan McIntosh