QES_Sports_Bulletin_6_November_2023

FEATURED IN THIS EDITION: STARTING RIGHT WITH RUGBY MAGICAL DAY OF RUGBY COACHING APP BOOSTING BOYS’ FITNESS FANTASTIC FUN AT HOME OF RUGBY ANNOUNCING FIRST RUGBY DINNER

AUTUMN TERM, 2023

EDITION 6

SWIMMING STAR SHINES

RUGBY

ENJOYING RUGBY

SAFELY

Introducing QE’s youngest to the sport

Rugby is an exciting and rewarding sport – but one that is unfamiliar to many of the boys who join the School in Year 7 each September.

The PE & Games department therefore has a special programme designed to introduce rugby to the School’s youngest pupils safely and to help them get the most out of the game.

Guy Ashby, PE teacher in charge of Year 7 rugby, reports that the new cohort are getting on well: “The Year 7 students are now well under way on their exciting journey into the world of rugby – for many, their first-ever encounter with the sport – and the initial apprehensions have quickly been transformed into enthusiastic participation.”

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The programme begins with a comprehensive introduction to the basics, emphasising core skills such as catching and passing. This early training in ball-handling and spatial awareness lays the groundwork for the more intricate aspects of the game.

“Students were quick to grasp the fundamentals, showing an impressive level of dexterity and coordination,” says Mr Ashby.

Safety is always paramount for the department, and never more so than with novices in a contact sport such as rugby. The coaching staff have instituted a gradual build-up to full-contact play.

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The emphasis is on laying a strong foundation in tackle technique and other safety-critical aspects of the sport. To achieve this, boys start with non-contact drills and simulations.

RUGBY

“One of the key elements of the programme’s design is the deliberate delay of competitive fixtures. The first half of the Autumn Term is solely dedicated to preparing students for the physical demands and strategic nuances of rugby.

By our postponing fixtures until the second half of term, pupils have ample time to refine their skills and understanding of the game.

“This approach ensures that students are not only excited by rugby, but are adequately prepared, so that match play is then a safe and rewarding experience,” Mr Ashby adds.

“Overall, it’s been a delight to witness the enthusiasm of our Year 7 students and to see their skills grow as they embrace rugby. We believe that this slow, deliberate approach to introducing the sport ensures that each student is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to enjoy rugby safely and effectively.”

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“ Coming from a football background, I didn’t think I’d enjoy rugby quite so much. Tackling has been really fun, and now we get to play against a lot of other schools. I’m looking forward to the inter-house competition at the end of the year!”

Year 7’s Jerry Ju, who had never played rugby before and is now the Broughton Games captain

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RUGBY

Former England international Russell Earnshaw gave an expert coaching session to help QE’s top rugby players take their game to new heights.

Covering technical skills, tactical strategies, teamwork, mental resilience, and leadership, it was led by the Magic Academy, of which Russell is a co-founder, along with experienced, international rugby coach, John Fletcher.

Director of Sport Jon Hart said: “Earnshaw’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of player development and coaching leadership, ensuring that participants gain a fresh perspective on their game, and take away essential skills and knowledge to enhance their performance on the field.

“He has an impressive track record: our Year 9 and 10 boys’ eyes lit up when he mentioned working with [England and Harlequins rugby star] Marcus Smith and Jude Bellingham [who plays soccer for England and Real Madrid]. This was a thrilling and hugely valuable opportunity for our boys, who loved the interactive sessions, hands-on training and personalised guidance.”

Russell Earnshaw clearly enjoyed the session, too, writing afterwards on social media: “So. Much. Fun. Loved hanging, and the lads were brilliant at owning the sessions, problem-solving and being kind... some ‘naughty’ skills on show too...”

One of his key messages was about being aware of the score – and not just relying on the coach – so that individuals could make tactical decisions based on the scoreboard.

His mini games had complex scoring systems, where teams could lose as well as gain points. He would stop and ask a random player the score; if he got it wrong, his team went back to zero!

Exercises teased out the effectiveness of different defensive shapes and how kicking (grubber kicks*, for example) could be used not just in attempting to score a try, but to change the way the opposition set up their defence. By dropping players back to cover kicks, or not rushing up so quickly, the attacking team gained time and space to run with the ball. He then went into the technical detail of body-positioning to make an opponent’s life harder.

Russell Earnshaw emphasised that rugby is largely about the work done off the ball – what supporting lines you run, how you position yourself, and how you communicate with other team mates.

Year 13’s Taro Niimura, First XV rugby captain, praised a “fantastic experience”, adding: “We came away with more resilience techniques and also technical changes we can make.” * A low, rolling kick, where the ball bounces unpredictably along the ground.

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Russell Earnshaw has worked with élite sporting organisations including: • GB Hockey • The Football Association • The England and Wales Cricket Board • Rangers Football Club • England Netball • England Handball

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GENERAL FITNESS

RUGBY

App actively encouraging

ACTIVE LIVES

The PE and Games department is taking advantage of the School’s new 1:1 programme to trial a groundbreaking app designed to encourage young people to lead active lives.

The miMove app was introduced in September to Year 7, the first cohort to receive their 1:1 devices (tablet computers). The app not only tracks the boys’ physical activities, but also allows teachers to access this data, helping them to provide better, more individual support.

Director of Sport Jon Hart said: “This is an exciting development, which aligns well with QE’s commitment to providing a holistic and well-rounded education.

It should help us foster a culture of active living in a generation for which sedentary lifestyles have become a widespread concern. We are monitoring how it is used carefully and, if successful with Year 7, we plan to roll the app out to other year groups.”

Designed to be easy to use, miMove aims to instil a sense of ownership in users’ own health and fitness, empowering them to take charge of their well-being.

The app generates a personal activity record – a comprehensive record of a boy’s physical activity – thus helping to give him a sense of achievement and progress over time. Importantly, the app assigns value to all forms of physical activity, whether it’s an athletics event, a charity walk with classmates, or a breaktime airflow football game. It thus enables a holistic approach to physical well-being.

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RUGBY

Some 40 Year 8 rugby players headed to Twickenham on a special trip that combined a visit to the stadium with the chance to take part in an expert training session.

Their day began with the training, which was led by the Lions Rugby Academy, based in Maidenhead. The academy, which partners with the RFU, aims to build confidence through sport and physical activity.

After the session, the pupils took a tour of the RFU’s mighty Twickenham Stadium, often referred to as the ‘home of rugby’, where the England national rugby union team play their home matches.

One of the tour guides who showed the QE party around was Old Elizabethan Mike Hagger (1955–1961).

Director of Sport Jon Hart said: “The training session had a focus on developing the boys’ passing skills and all our pupils enjoyed it. They also really enjoyed listening to Mike’s stories of Queen Elizabeth’s rugby in years gone by.”

“ It was a fantastic opportunity to train with professional coaches in a fun environment.

The session was very good at helping us improve our handling. Having the chance to visit the home of rugby and to sit in the royal box and the home changing room was an amazing experience.”

Kevin Gajera, A team captain

SIX TWICKENHAM FACTS • The world’s largest rugby stadium.

• Capacity: 82,000 (for rugby); 75,000 (for American football).

• Opened: 2 October 1909.

• Affectionately known as ‘the cabbage patch’, because the site was previously used to grow vegetables.

• 19 March 1938: hosted first-ever live televised rugby match – the England vs Scotland (Calcutta Cup) match.

• Has hosted concerts by the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Iron Maiden, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, Genesis, U2, Beyoncé, the Police, Eagles, R.E.M., Eminem, Metallica and Depeche Mode.

AUTUMN TERM, 2023 | EDITION 6

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RUGBY

Get ready for an evening of camaraderie and celebration!

The PE and Games department are thrilled to announce the first Rugby Dinner on Friday 26 January. All set 1 rugby players are cordially invited to this exciting event.

Join us for a memorable night featuring a sumptuous three-course dinner in the Shearly Hall. The event will be attended by the Headmaster, our dedicated coaches, and an inspiring guest speaker.

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SWIMMING

Rocco Giustiniani is QE’s latest swimming star National medal-winning swimmer Rocco Giustiniani has been selected for the Sport England-funded Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) in a further confirmation of his shining status as an undoubted star of the pool.

His success in winning a place on TASS follows an impressive performance at this summer’s English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) Championships: in the 200m butterfly, Rocco trimmed an impressive 10 seconds off his personal best (PB) and secured a bronze medal, despite being seeded seventh.

Now in Year 12, Rocco began his rise some years ago, before the pandemic, when he held the prestigious title of number-one swimmer in the UK for his age group in the butterfly discipline.

Director of Sport Jon Hart said: “His accomplishments then were a testament to his commitment to the sport, and I am glad to say he has continued in the same vein since.

Rocco is today one of the School’s most promising swimmers in over a decade.

“His success is not just the result of physical prowess, but also of his unwavering mental strength: he is a shining example of dedication, talent, and mental resilience.”

“Balancing the rigorous demands of training with his studies has not been easy, but Rocco remains undaunted, displaying determination, focus, and a mindset that refuses to accept defeat.”

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TASS bridges the gap between academic and athletic pursuits, allowing student athletes aged 16 and above to excel in both areas without having to make a choice between them. The scheme is dedicated to nurturing and supporting young people in both their sporting and academic careers and also to continuously developing support staff.

“Rocco’s selection reflects not only his sporting achievements, but also his potential for future growth and success,” said Mr Hart.

Rocco helps with lunchtime swimming sessions for younger pupils. Away from the pool, he likes to play rugby.

“We wish him all the luck with his training this year: who knows where it will take him!” Mr Hart said.

ROCCO’S RISE: Pre-pandemic: number one for his age group in butterfly.

2021-2022 season: won 100m butterfly London regional championship.

Summer 2022: qualified for the national championships, finishing a commendable seventh overall.

Summer 2023: smashed his PB in the national championships to achieve a time of 2 minutes and 21 seconds in the 200m butterfly, securing the bronze medal.

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