Westminster Under School’s PE and Games provision aims to nurture healthy, happy and confident pupils who enjoy being active, embrace challenge and develop strong character through physical activity. The Department promotes both participation and excellence, encouraging every pupil to discover activities they love while also supporting those with ability and ambition to perform at the highest level.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to combine the enjoyment of regular physical activity with systematic development of core movement skills, sport-specific techniques and tactical understanding. Across their years at the Under School, pupils encounter a broad range of traditional team games and individual activities, enabling them to build competence, discover new interests and extend existing talents.
Key strands run through the programme from the early years onwards.
- Development of fundamental movement skills, balance, coordination and agility, forming the basis for confident participation in all sports;
- Progressive teaching of games concepts such as attacking and defending, spatial awareness and decision-making, so that pupils can apply learned skills effectively;
- Emphasis on personal and social skills – communication, leadership, integrity and inclusivity – through practices and fixtures where pupils learn to gracious winners and good losers.
Throughout the week, timetabled lessons and Games afternoons are complemented by a wide range of extra-curricular sports, allowing keen performers further opportunities to train, represent the School and in some cases, progress towards local, regional or national pathways. At every stage, the aim is that each Westminster Under School pupil leaves with the fitness, confidence and character to enjoy sport and physical activity long after their time at the Under School has ended.
Enrichment
In addition to PE and Games, we run an Extras programme after school and have a full complement of sporting activities for our pupils to choose from. Activities such as Climbing, Fencing, Futsal, Cricket and Table Tennis operate all year round and give an extension to the sports programme we offer.
We also offer sports trips throughout the year, including Senior Cricket to South Africa, U13 and U11 football to Lisbon, Senior Tennis to Marbella and two ski trips for recreation and to compete in the IAPS Ski Championships.
Departmental Staff
Mr Patrick Daly
— Head of Classics
Mr Tom Dumas
— Assistant Director of Sport
Mr Matthew Kerr
— Assistant Master (Extra-Curricular)
Mr Nick Starbrook
— Director of Sport
Miss Tamara Zunic
— Sports Coach; Acting House Master of Martlets
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“Sports at WUS is different to anything I have ever experienced before, if I were to summarise all of it in one word, it would be 'Extraordinary'. Firstly, we have a huge playing field called Vincent Square, which we get to train on twice a week and even do matches sometimes on weekends! Also, we have an equally amazing sports centre where we get to do indoor sports such as climbing and a wide range of after-school sports clubs. WUS has the best coaches that I have ever met in my life for almost any sport you can imagine from golf to hockey, that can help you with a sport even if you have never done it before or you just aren't really sporty. Everyone is welcome! Additionally, all of my teammates are always very enthusiastic, supportive and encouraging, which helps me to do only my best. Sport at WUS is the best sporting experience that I will ever have and when I will leave the school, I will never forget all the memories I have made and I will cherish them forever.”
— Sasha, Year 6
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“Games at WUS is not just a sport, or a session, but an experience, and I have enjoyed every minute of it! From interactive sessions which are critical to every player, to the long-awaited fixtures that feel professional, there is everything for everyone, like laughing after an own goal, celebrating with the game-winning hit or diving catch. The coaches are great, and so are the facilities. I have always looked forward to getting out on Vincent Square, sharing amazing memories with friends and having the time of my life, so thank you for all the opportunities I have had with sports over my time here!”
— Hugo, Year 8
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“At Westminster Under School, we aim to offer the best possible experience for all our pupils and endeavour to present the broadest range of opportunities to help them develop a lifelong interest in sport and exercise that they will carry with them long after leaving the School. ”
— Mr Nick Starbrook, Director of Sport
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