Sport

Regular physical activity can help students improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions in later life.  At Samuel Ryder Academy, the school ethos has health and active lifestyles at its very heart. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is integral to us providing an education for life for all our students.

The extracurricular timetable at SRA aims to offer both breadth of choice and also to have a competitive edge to raise the standards of sport at the school.

For example, our Rugby clubs have had a hugely positive impact upon student engagement, seeing an increased number of pupils attending clubs this year. The club not only develops  students' physical fitness but has also had a positive impact upon their social health as well. Rugby has also helped break down gender stereotypes with the introduction of girls teams this year. The impact of this has seen girls from Year 7-10 training and competing against other schools in the district. Our Netball and Rugby sports tour has also helped to promote gender equality and to develop excellent relationships between male and female students within the Academy.

Our Going for Gold leadership programme is another example of how sport has developed student resilience and promotes independence. Students from Year 7 upwards are provided with opportunities to develop their leadership, officiating or reporting skills, through structured activities delivered by the PE department.

Our extracurricular programme also focuses on developing the core values of SRA.

All our clubs are fully inclusive, with the aim of raising student achievements, whether that is a complete beginner, learning the sport for the first time, or stretching our most able students to perform successfully against the best schools in the county and nationally.

The PE staff are all passionate practitioners who care hugely about offering as many opportunities as possible to the pupils at the academy, from EYFS through to Key Stage 5.  The students are taught through all activities the importance of respect, safety and fair play. Students regularly work with other year groups to share their knowledge and to help create role models for the younger community of the school to aspire towards.

Underpinning everything that is offered through the extra-curricular programme are the  school's high expectations for excellent standards. This could be in relation to ensuring students' appearance is of the highest standards, punctuality, training and matches.  Staff discuss with pupils the core values of sport and expect them to demonstrate these not only in PE lessons but across all aspects of their life at the academy. Our clubs are not only about producing excellent sportsmen and women, but also about developing outstanding individuals who will be able to contribute effectively to the local community.

We have representative sides who compete during both the school week and on Saturday mornings in the following sports: Rugby Union, Football, Basketball, Netball, Rounders, Athletics, Gymnastics, Dance, Cricket, Swimming and Cross Country.

Clubs and Recognition across the Academy

Here at Samuel Ryder Academy, every student has the opportunity to be recognised for their dedication, teamwork, passion and creativity by attending clubs regularly. Whatever their passion, there is a club for each student. These clubs normally run during their “typical” season and the timetable changes each term to reflect this. 

Students who demonstrate at least a year’s commitment will qualify to receive their “Recognition badge” for each club. If a student continues to contribute to a range of clubs, over a number years, then they can be nominated towards receiving “Half colours” and then “Full colours” towards the end of their time at SRA. The following categories are used for nomination:

• Aesthetic/Creative Achievement (Art, Dance, Drama, Music)
• Sporting Achievement
• Service to the School
• School Service in the Community
• Wider Achievement (Awards, Qualifications, Representation)