Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-trending-in-girls-sport">What&#8217;s trending in girls&#8217; sport?</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112037.370.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146951" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112037.370.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112037.370-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112037.370-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112037.370-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With the increase in elite womens&#8217; cricket on TV, a rise in participation nationally and pathways to success being created for players, the greater focus on cricket has been a natural progression in recent years. The students at St Helen &amp; St Katharine&#8217;s start cricket in Y5 and continue through to Upper Sixth with fixtures in different forms. There&#8217;s also more interest from girls in football, rugby and basketball, so expect to see more breadth in girls&#8217; sport. Football in particular has really taken off, and we&#8217;ve found that some students who don’t take part in other traditional sports find their passion for sport through football.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-a-tricky-balance-offering-sport-for-all-and-elite-success-right">It&#8217;s a tricky balance offering sport for all and elite success, right?</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1054" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/SHSK-weighlight-training.jpg" alt="St Helen’s St Katherine’s athletic training" class="wp-image-147282" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/SHSK-weighlight-training.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/SHSK-weighlight-training-800x562.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/SHSK-weighlight-training-1000x703.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/SHSK-weighlight-training-400x281.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/SHSK-weighlight-training-747x525.jpg 747w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Well, it&#8217;s important to offer sport for all, and  good schools will be able to demonstrate it&#8217;s more than lip-service. We have a comprehensive ‘Beyond’ programme of sport before, during and after school hours, as well as weekends with over 80 sessions each week (both recreational and competitive). From creative sessions such as dance, cheerleading and gymnastics; more traditional netball, lacrosse, tennis, athletics and cricket and the niche options of badminton and rugby. It&#8217;s crucial for girls to get the right advice to improve their physical fitness, stay healthy and work on performance, so we also have a state-of-the-art fitness suite and a Head of Athletic Development and Health where students are taught about health, fitness and how to train.   </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112116.372.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146953" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112116.372.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112116.372-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112116.372-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112116.372-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For girls who are taking sport to the next level, performance provision with specialist sessions including strength and conditioning support and injury prevention is key. If your daughter is talented at sport, it&#8217;s worth pursuing a sports scholarship, but make sure you do your research. Our Sports Scholars programme at 13+ and 16+ allows our students to receive one-to-one training sessions and mentoring from experts in their field, but just as importantly, those who are not scholars have the opportunity to join the Developing Athlete Programme (DAP) where they receive specialist training programmes and support.  </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teen-girls-opting-out-of-sport-how-do-we-change-that">Teen girls opting out of sport, how do we change that?&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112057.919.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146954" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112057.919.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112057.919-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112057.919-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112057.919-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The most important thing is to have a supportive and collaborative environment between teachers and students. Consistency of provision, coupled with student voice, helps to provide opportunities that the students want to take part in. Providing more football throughout the year as well as recreational dodgeball and badminton clubs is one example of this. At the end of the day, as well as playing sport, students want to have fun with their friends. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-should-sport-and-mental-health-be-part-of-a-wellbeing-programme">Should sport and mental health be part of a Wellbeing programme?&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112018.255.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146955" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112018.255.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112018.255-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112018.255-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112018.255-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Emphasis on mental health and wellbeing is crucial to educating students and for us that&#8217;s delivered through PE. We incorporate personal, emotional and social (PES) themes in our curriculum lessons to educate students on alternative viewpoints on sport. This engages them in a different way to just performance and when they reach Y10, we&#8217;ll bring in themes of teamwork, leadership and self-reflection.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-sports-initiatives-are-making-a-difference">What sports initiatives are making a difference?</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112140.592.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146956" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112140.592.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112140.592-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112140.592-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112140.592-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>In 2022, our Parents’ Association funded indoor cricket nets that allowed students to practise hardball batting and bowling throughout the year. Not only has this supported our county and club players, but allowed the transition from softball to hardball and led to more fixtures against local schools.&nbsp;We&#8217;ve also taken ownership of new indoor hockey rebound boards and goals to support our indoor hockey programme by hosting fixtures and tournaments for the local area.&nbsp;We&#8217;re now looking to expand our links with a netball super league club to hold hub training sessions, as well as a cricket academy in school that will be led by our Head of Cricket to increase participation and performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-your-teen-s-given-up-sport-is-she-a-lost-cause">If your teen’s given up sport, is she a lost cause?&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112210.512.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146957" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112210.512.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112210.512-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112210.512-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112210.512-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Definitely not. There is a sport and activity for everyone. We still have weekly PE as a compulsory part of the timetable in Sixth Form and we include activities such as spinning, time in the fitness suite, sailing, swimming, yoga, dance workshops, tennis coaching, badminton, volleyball and trampolining, to name a few. It&#8217;s a broad reach, which is crucial at this age so as not too lose those who don&#8217;t enjoy traditional sports. Encourage your daughters to take part in school clubs, and we suggest they join a club or activity at university – it&#8217;s a great way to make friends and enhance wellbeing. PE lessons should really be a stepping-stone to trying as many activities as possible with the view to maintaining lifelong activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-parents-help">How can parents help? </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112228.860.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146952" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112228.860.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112228.860-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112228.860-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Untitled-design-2023-07-04T112228.860-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Encouraging children to get involved in fun and engaging physical activity is important whatever it is, whether outside of school or during the school day.  She needs to decide what&#8217;s right for her as it might be something you&#8217;ve never tried &#8211; or heard of. Finding the right activity is key, so keeping your own experiences as a child separate to your daughter’s, and being enthusiastic and positive about opportunities to try new things is crucial.  </p>



<p><em><strong>Read Muddy&#8217;s review of St Helen &amp; St Katharine School in Abingdon, <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-helen-st-katharine-school-abingdon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</strong></em></p>


Girls and sport: how to keep them playing right through their teens

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