Welcome to the Latymer Upper School Sports Guide. I hope you find the content on the following pages useful in terms of providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding all aspects of Sport at Latymer.
Sport plays an integral part in the life of our students and we boast a proud history and tradition of sporting success; catering for all levels from participation through to performance. Fitness and physical activity are central to a healthy lifestyle and students are happier and learn better if they are also busy on the sports field, court or river.
As with all things at Latymer, we aim to offer opportunity, excellence and breadth. Each person is valued and recognised not only for their own contributions to their team but to Latymer Sport as a whole.
SPORTING ETHOS & MISSION
The sporting provision is crucial to a student’s life at Latymer Upper School and our mission is clear:
• To foster in every student, an enjoyment of sport, physical activity and fitness
• To provide the opportunity for each student to fulfill their sporting and physical potential
• To promote and instil lifelong involvement in physical activity
Latymer students are expected to take an active part in their PE and Games lessons and engage fully with the co-curricular sporting programme. This includes both midweek and weekend commitments.
COMPETITIVE SPORTS BY TERM
GAMES LESSONS, MAJOR SPORTS TRAININGS & FIXTURES
Autumn Term
• Years 7 & 8: Rugby (boys) & Hockey (girls)
• Year 9 & 10: As above plus Fencing & Rowing (mixed)
Spring Term
• Years 7 & 8: Football (boys) & Netball (girls)
• Year 9 & 10: As above plus Fencing & Rowing (mixed)
• Years 11 to 13: Senior Sport (free choice)
Summer Term
• Years 7 & 8: Cricket / Athletics (mixed)
• Years 9 & 10: As above plus Tennis & Rowing (mixed)
• Years 11 to 13: Senior Sport (free choice)
Years 11–13
Years 11-13 can choose from a variety of sports and fitness activities on Wednesday afternoons. These include all the above competitive options plus Badminton, Basketball, Bouldering, Boxercise, Dance, Fitness, Golf, Pilates, Running, Studio Cycling, Swimming, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Water Polo, Yoga and Zumba.
SPORT, GAMES & PE SCHEDULE
Years 7-11 all have one lesson of Physical Education (PE) per week and Years 7 and 8 have this lesson in their form groups. In PE, students follow a carousel of activities (depending on the year group) including Swimming and Water Polo, Health Related Fitness, Games (based on invasion, striking & fielding and net & wall), Gymnastics and Athletics.
• All years groups have a Games afternoon as outlined below
• There is after-school training in the major competitive sport of that term at least once a week
• Fixtures usually take place in Games afternoons and on Saturday mornings
• There are numerous sporting co-curricular sessions that run before, during and after-school.
PE Lesson x x See student timetable for details
Games lesson (1.40pm-4.00pm)
Major sport afterschool training
Rowing training Various sessions for each age group throughout the week
The after-school training sessions are open to all students. Those in teams, or wishing to be selected for teams, are expected to attend these sessions. Attendance is a prerequisite for team selection.
SPORT, GAMES & PE UNIFORM
The following items of PE uniform are supplied by Stevensons (XXV) and are compulsory for Years 7 to 11. Games uniform items are also compulsory for Years 7 to 11 and can be purchased from their shop or website:
On PE and Games days, students in Years 7 to 11 can attend school in either full school uniform or full Latymer PE or Games kit (including their Latymer tracksuit as the outermost layer). On non-Games/PE days, students are permitted to attend school wearing their full Latymer Games uniform if they have a home or away fixture starting before lunchtime. Otherwise, they should come into school wearing uniform and change. Students should attend Saturday fixtures in their full Latymer tracksuit.
The following sports-specific items of sports uniform are also available for purchase:
• Rowing uniform can be purchased through Rival Kit: https://rivalkit.com/collections/latymer-upper-school
• Cricket whites (for hardball matches) can be sourced through Stevensons.
SENIOR SPORT & GAMES UNIFORM
Students involved in Senior Games who represent the school, should wear sportsspecific Latymer Games uniform sourced through Stevensons.
Students in Years 12 to 13 (Sixth Form) not involved in representational sport may wear the following for Games lessons only:
• Blue Latymer PE top (preferred) or non-branded, blue or navy top (sleeved) and navy blue or black leggings, tracksuit bottoms or shorts/skort (Latymer or non-branded).
SPORT, GAMES & PE EQUIPMENT
All students must bring the relevant equipment to all sessions:
PE lessons
Students will need non-marking trainers and a water bottle. For Swimming and Water Polo, Latymer swim suits, goggles and swim hats are required (sourced from Stevensons).
Games lessons
Rugby & Football: A water bottle, mouthguard (for Rugby), studs (for grass) and astros (for astroturf).
Hockey: A water bottle, Hockey stick, shin pads, astros and a mouthguard.
Netball: A water bottle, short white socks and non-marking trainers.
FIXTURES: SOCS SPORT/CO-CURRICULAR
Sports Portal (SOCS Sport & Co-Curricular):https://sports.latymer-upper.org/
All fixtures and training sessions can be viewed on the Sports Portal (SOCS Sport & Co-curricular), which can be downloaded as a web app on your mobile device.
Team lists and fixtures information will be available 48 hours before the fixture. Please note it is the students’ responsibility to check whether they have been selected and note the match details.
To access the team lists you will need to enter the following password: EdwardLatymer
COMPETITIVE FIXTURES & SELECTION
Team/Crew Selection: Sports team selection is based on perceived current and future skill level, the ability to work well as a team member, effort, attitude, as well as attendance at training.
Commitment to Latymer Sports Teams: It is our expectation that all students will represent Latymer in the major sports and those selected are expected to commit to all weekly training and matches (including weekends). These should take priority over all out-of-school commitments. Permission for absence from interschool fixtures will only be granted in exceptional circumstances e.g. representational selection. Where this is sought, parents should apply, in writing, two weeks prior to the date in question via the coach of the team or to: sport@latymer-upper.org
Saturday Trainings: We endeavour to run training sessions for those students who are not involved in inter-school fixtures on a Saturday morning. This is reliant on available staffing and facilities. Saturday training sessions will be posted a minimum of 48 hours beforehand on SOCS Sport.
Fixture Cancellation or Venue Changes: Occasionally it may be necessary for changes to occur and these will be updated on the Sports Portal (SOCS Sport and Co-Curricular). It may be necessary to cancel or postpone fixtures and, if last minute, we will endeavour to tweet (Twitter X) these changes on @LatymerSport. You can also view these messages on the Sports Portal (SOCS Sport and CoCurricular).
FACILITIES & VENUES
We have excellent facilities both on-site and at our sports grounds. As a result, for some sports, we may have to split/select groups and activities. Please find a list of our homes venues below:
• Latymer Sports Centre, Rivercourt Road, London W6 9TF
• Latymer Playing Fields, Wood Lane, London W12 0HJ
• Latymer Sports Ground, Chiswick, Quintin Hogg North & South Sides, Hartington Road, W64 3UJ
• Latymer Upper Boat Club, Upper Mall, London W6 9TA
• Linford Christie Stadium, Artillery Way, London W12 0DF
• Ravenscourt Park, Paddenswick Road, London, W6 0UA
TRANSPORT
Games Afternoons / After-School Training
Students are transported by coach to and from off-site venues for their Games afternoon and for after-school training. Students may prefer to be dismissed from the training venue, in which case, for students in Years 7 to 11, a parent should complete the School Post form termly.
Students in the Sixth Form are permittted to make their own way home from venues, without parental permission.
Fixtures
On Saturdays, all students are expected to make their own way to home venues for matches. For away matches, the school will provide transport to and from school. Students may prefer to make their own way to and from these matches, in which case, a parent must email sport@latymer-upper.org confirming this arrangement at least 24 hours in advance of the fixture.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Medication
Urgent medication, such as auto-injectors and asthma inhalers, must be brought to all PE and Games lessons, training sessions and fixtures.
Valuables
Students should not bring valuables to sessions (they should use their individual school lockers). Those students departing directly from the off-site venue, should take their belongings with them.
Non-participation / Off-Sport Procedure
We expect students who are well enough to be in school to take part in physical activity (exceptions are made for physical injury). If students are unable to participate in Games or PE, parents are asked to send a message, by clicking the ‘Off Sport’ link on the Parent Portal before 8:00am for PE lessons and 10.45am for Games. If the injury / illness is long-term, a medical note from a doctor may be required. During Games afternoons, excused students will be able to work quietly in an assigned classroom. During PE lessons, excused students will take a non-active part in the lesson.
Sixth form and Year 11 students who are unable to participate in their Games option but are well enough to be in school, will be assigned to Wellness Walking.
If a student needs to leave school for a medical appointment during PE or Games, absence@latymer-upper.org should be copied in to any correspondence before 10.45am.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Swimming
All students are expected to take part in every lesson, including Swimming. If a student misses two or more lessons they will be asked to repeat these lessons at another time. Weaker swimmers are encouraged to attend the catch-up sessions on offer and, if required, will be expected to take part in the catch-up sessions during summer PE lessons.
If a girl is unable to swim during her menstrual cycle, parents should send a message via the ‘Off Sport’ link on the Parent Portal. Girls should bring their PE kit with them, as they will be allocated another sport for that lesson.
Jewellery and Earrings
We would like to remind you that due to the potential risk of injury, all items of jewellery, including earrings, must be removed before taking part in any session. Please ensure that any piercing is carried out at the start of the summer holiday to allow for adequate healing.
Lost Property
Students should check Lost Property (located in the underpass) after school. Property left at an off-site venue will be returned to School Lost Property.
Animals at Home Venues
Due to Health & Safety regulations, dogs are not permitted at our school site but are permitted at our grounds on leads and on pathways only. Latymer staff reserve the right to ask for dogs to be removed if there are any health and safety concerns.
SPORTS INJURIES
Each sport and venue has its own comprehensive Risk Assessment. By the nature of sport however, accidents can happen and are often unpredictable. The majority of Latymer staff are First Aid trained and are able to treat minor injuries sustained by students at pitch-side. On Saturday fixture days, additional professional First Aid cover is provided.
Minor injuries, such as mild sprains and strains can often be treated initially using PRICE for two or three days. PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation:
• Protection – protect the affected area from further injury – for example, by using a support.
• Rest – avoid exercise and reduce physical activity. Use crutches or a walking stick if needed. A sling may help with an injured shoulder or collar bone.
• Ice – apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10-15 minutes every two to three hours. A bag of frozen peas or similar, works well. Wrap the ice pack in a towel so that it doesn't directly touch the skin and cause an ice burn.
• Compression – use elastic compression bandages during the day to limit swelling.
• Elevation – keep the injured body part raised above the level of the heart whenever possible. This may also help reduce swelling.
HEAD INJURIES AND CONCUSSION
Anyone presenting with one or more of the below symptoms must seek medical advice from their GP and/or attend A&E services. An ambulance will be called im-mediately if there are any of the following:
• Loss of consciousness for more than one minute, or reduced consciousness
• Any neurological alteration (cognitive processing – difficulty in speaking, understanding, reading, writing, any loss of feeling, difficulty with balance, general weakness, altered vision, unsteady gait)
• Any suspicion of a skull fracture (bleeding / clear fluid from nose, ear, black eye
• Seizure
• Amnesia
• Taking anticoagulant medication / history of clotting disorder
Latymer Upper School has a comprehensive policy to ensure that if a student sustains a concussion at school, or while representing the school in a fixture, they receive the appropriate management. We meticulously follow cross-sport guidelines on the return to play process, including the requirement of an assessment by a doctor and the undertaking of the Graduated Return to Play process.
GRADUATED RETURN TO PLAY
Latymer Upper School use injury management software to log and track the recovery of our students.
The process is as follows:
Live injury register - a live register of our students' current fitness to play sport is accessible to staff ensuring an injured player is not put at risk by playing before it is safe. This also allows us to track current injuries and audit previous injuries.
Injury Logging - as soon as a player's concussion has been logged onto the system, a notification email is sent to key staff, involved with both your child’s academic and sporting commitments.
One Week's Rest - any concussed player must have one week's mandatory rest period. During this period, symptoms can be recorded on the system to check a player is making a good recovery. This information is passed onto the doctor.
Medical assessment - appointments can be booked online by an approved sportsspecialist doctor. For maximum convenience, there are clinics available in the evenings.
Graduated Return To Play (GRTP) - once the doctor is happy, your child will be be allowed to start the GRTP phase of recovery. During this phase, advice will be issued on how the player can gradually build up the level of exercise and contact they are exposed to.
Final Medical Assessment - before any player can be declared safe to return to full contact sport, they must be assessed by the doctor again before being given the all clear to proceed.
Return to Sport - if the doctor is satisfied that a full recovery has been made, they will issue a certificate through the system, which is then automatically sent out to everyone who has an interest in the player.
SPORT CODE OF CONDUCT
The following Code of Conduct applies to students, parents, spectators and visitors to ensure fair and enjoyable play for all.
Latymer Upper School students should:
• Be proud to represent the School by being punctual, wearing the correct kit and displaying a full set of equipment; ready to give their best!
• Conduct themselves in a positive manner (in-keeping with the School’s behaviour policy)
• Treat all match officials, opposition and equipment with respect whilst adhering to fair play and good sportsmanship at all times
Parents, visitors and spectators:
We very much encourage support from parents and spectators at all our fixtures, both home and away. We request that all our spectators show both teams, officials and coaches the respect they deserve.
SPORTS TOURING PROGRAMME
Sports tours offer cultural and educational value and play an invaluable part of the wider Latymer Upper School co-curricular programme. Sports tours play an important role in rewarding young athletes for their commitment to Latymer Sport. Tours are key to promoting both team and whole-school spirit as well as personal and team development. Sports tours can also give Latymer Upper students an array of life-changing opportunities that they would otherwise not experience.
Previous touring destinations have included The USA, Canada, South Africa, West Indies, Spain and many more. Rowing training camps are a vital part of the rowing programme. Rowing camps are held at various times throughout the year and in the past destinations have included France, Belgium and Spain.
The School strives to offer both junior and senior tours in its major competitive sports, whilst adhering to a co-educational ethos, based upon the foundations of participation, aspiration and performance.
SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS (16+)
All candidates must first satisfy the academic requirements for entry to the School.
Sports scholarships are awarded to those student athletes who are expected to make a significant sporting contribution to the school. Sports scholarship award applications are made in the Autumn term of Year 11. Interviews take place towards the end of November and are made upon the recommendation of the Director of Sport. Sports scholarship awards are usually renewable for the second year of Sixth Form, subject to satisfactory academic progress and provided the recipient remains actively engaged in Latymer Sport.
Criteria for the Sports Scholarship at 16+ are:
• A high level of representation (at least County level or higher) in a major sport
• The ability to perform a second Latymer sport to a high level (if applicable)
• Proven leadership qualities
• An excellent record of commitment and sportsmanship
TALENTED ATHLETE PROGRAMME (TAP)
The Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) is to support talented individuals through a clear performance pathway, with the aim of helping them reach their sporting potential. The programme includes both practical and theoretical support sessions covering strength and conditioning, lifestyle management, sport psychology and nutrition.
We recognise that students develop at different rates and that physical skill alone does not signify athletic talent. A number of components contribute to the development of sporting talent, with both physiological and psychological parameters.
Heads of Sport identify talented individuals during the first half term of the school year and continually review these groups year on year. TAP athletes are expected to aspire to achieve 1st Team/Squad, Sports Scholar and/or Sports Captain status in the Sixth Form.
LUS TAP Criteria
•High level of physical prowess, particularly: speed, power and endurance
•High level of cognitive sporting ability (tactics and decision making)
•High motivation and commitment to progressing their skills
•Highly coachable and have a great attitude
•Multi-sport ability- can apply their skills with athleticism across many sports
SENIOR SPORTS COLOURS (LATYMER BLUES)
Latymer Sports Colours (or Latymer Blues) are a highly prized public recognition of both a student’s excellence and commitment to major senior sporting teams. All Year 13 nominees for full Sports Colours must have demonstrated throughout their senior sporting journey the following criteria:
• A record of significant athletic performance, loyalty and service to the school (students that have represented the school consistently at 1st team/squad level for at least two seasons)
• A strong sense of leadership, sportsmanship & fair play
• Reliability and commitment; a positive & collaborative attitude towards staff and their peers e.g. students who have shown consistent commitment to team fixtures and practices
All Sports Colours (Latymer Blues), as an addition to season awards, are presented at Prize Giving in the Summer Term.
KEY SPORTS STAFF
Mrs Natalie Maclean Director of Sport ndm@latymerupper.org
Mr Michael Docherty Head of Cricket msd@latymerupper.org
Mr Jorge Puchol Head of Athletic Development jap@latymerupper.org
Ms Ella Harvey Head of Netball & Athletics eph@latymerupper.org
Mr Nick Laws Head of Rowing nbl@latymerupper.org
Ms Emily Joice Head of Tennis erj@latymerupper.org
Mr Paul Gibson Head of Football ppg@latymerupper.org
Mr Jack Evans Acting Head of Rugby jle@latymerupper.org
Mr Craig Coltham Head of Aquatics cac@latymerupper.org
Mr Mani Kochar Head of Hockey mak@latymerupper.org
Mr Jack Boteler Head of Fencing jfb@latymerupper.org
Mrs Anna Beck Sports Administrator anb@latymerupper.org
