Contents Introduction P.3 Team Bede’s Values P.4 What do we offer? P.5 Our sporting facilities P.6 Sport for everyone P.8 Sports teams P.9 Sports Academies P.10 Cricket P.12 Football P.14 Hockey P.16 Tennis P.18 Netball P.19 Swimming P.20 Basketball P.21 Other sports P.22 Co-Curricular sport P.24 Strength and Conditioning P.25 GCSE PE P.26 BTEC Sport P.29 Sports Development Programme P.31 Scholarships P.32 Sport at Bede’s Prep P.34 Support sports at Bede’s Prep P.36 Senior Sports Pathway P.37 Meet the coaches P.38 2
At Bede’s we nurture, challenge and inspire future athletes Introduction At Bede’s, we deliver a programme that not only promotes excellence through sport but also has health and wellbeing at the centre. Both our Professional and Participation Pathways supports pupils of all ages and levels to develop a lifelong passion for and participation in sport providing them with a varied sporting programme and access to professional coaching and first class facilities. It is our ambition to equip every pupil with enhanced levels of confidence, self-esteem, discipline, cognitive ability and concentration, to encourage them to work hard and become resilient sports people. We pride ourselves on providing a structure which nurtures, challenges and inspires future athletes. The expectations of our pupils are simple: respect the opportunities presented to them, work hard, practice outstanding etiquette, and possess a commitment and desire to improve. Far from being only beneficial on the sports pitches, these attributes readily transfer to academic excellence and the enjoyment of a happy and fulfilled life. This focus on individual and holistic success and wellbeing creates a positive sport environment which sets Bede’s apart. It is our desire for pupils playing at all levels to have a progressive and rounded experience with the support they need to reach their sporting goals. For those looking to convert their passion for sport into a professional career, we have extensive training programmes, fixtures schedules and expertise to enable them to perform at the highest level – and our many success stories prove that this is consistently achieved. However, our main measure of success is how well we have equipped pupils to better themselves: a much higher-value benefit than any leader board ranking. Everyone’s sporting journey started by participating, by discovering enjoyment and camaraderie. Talent will get you so far, but knowledge, nurture and dedication will take you all the way – whichever route that might be.
David Byrne Director of Sport
E: david.byrne@bedes.org 3
Team Bede’s values Our pupils are encouraged to embrace our core values from the very beginning of their journey at Bede’s:
Teamwork . Respect . Enjoyment . Humility . Discipline . Leadership
Our Philosophy Our philosophy of engagement is threaded through all of sports and year-round Academy Programmes, from the Pre-Prep years right up to Sixth Form, and we put heavy emphasis on encouraging children to try as many sports as they can. Bede’s aims to provide the opportunity for excellence in sport, to encourage passion and participation for sport in every generation, to give our pupils the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop leadership skills and reach their goals. In addition to our three Core Pathway Sports - Football, Hockey and Cricket and our three Core Sports - tennis, swimmingand netball there are are over twenty different sports programmes available and our expert coaches in all sporting fields look to enable success in every young person at every skill level.
Our Mission Sport plays a fundamental part in life at Bede’s and our pupil centred approach and varied sporting programme allows all of our pupils to find a sport which they enjoy while fostering a culture which recognises achievement and endeavour. With a nationally-recognised programme, which included three Core Sports, four Competitive Sports, and eight Support Sports, we offer world-class facilities and specialist coaches. Whether pursuing sport as a career or a hobby, Bede’s pupils are encouraged to exceed all expectations, grow in confidence and develop a lifelong passion for health and fitness.
Core Sports Core Pathway Core Sports Cricket Football Hockey
Netball Swimming Tennis
Competitive Sports Support Sports Equestrian Rugby 7’s Basketball Athletics Golf
Sailing Badminton Squash
Although we do prioritise our sports, we also encourage pupils to get involved with a broad range of sporting activities and we endeavour to deliver high quality coaching and facilities across the board. 4
What do we offer? •
Physical Education at GCSE
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BTEC Sport Level 3 National Diploma in Sports Coaching & National Extended Certificate in Sports and Coaching Development
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Vocational Qualifications in a variety of activities such as NPLQ Lifeguard Award, Royal Yacht Association certifications in sailing and tennis coaching qualifications
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Sports scholarships for Individual and Team Awards
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Sports Academies in Cricket, Football, Hockey, Tennis, Netball and Swimming
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Peerless support for those interested in sports scholarships at universities in the USA
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Our sporting facilities
Bede’s provides extensive, state of the art sporting facilities across the 120 acre campus site at the Senior School. There are exceptional indoor and outdoor facilities for team games and other sports including:
Sports Centre: Our multi-purpose hall, acts as the hub for sport at Bede’s and is home to an 8-court sports hall, squash courts, fitness suite and our 25 metre, 6 lane competition sized swimming pool as well as classrooms for the teaching of PE.
Astro: Bede’s water-based astro was constructed to a national standard in 2015 and is one of only a handful of such high-quality pitches in the country. The pitch is hydrated by water jets ahead of matches enabling the ball to glide across the pitch in ways which increase both accuracy and control.
Pitches: Seven high quality, full size grass pitches as well as an olympic standard water-based astro. Our professional Grounds team works tirelessly all year round to maintain our pitches, ensuring the highest quality training grounds for teams of all levels.
Tennis courts: Known as the “Wimbledon Courts” due to the purple and green colour scheme, the five main courts at Bede’s have been supplemented with additional courts on the neighbouring MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) which also contain seven outdoor cricket nets. Fitness Suite: Our gym is of the highest standard and is the centre of our highly regarded Strength and Conditioning Programme. The equipment is regularly upgraded in order to ensure that our gym continues to offer the same calibre as any private gym and suits the requirement for both functional and sport specific training.
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Sport for everyone At Bede’s we believe that Academic, Pastoral and Co-Curricular life is interconnecting and helps to prepare our pupils for life after School. Sport is an important part of life at Bede’s. It enables our pupils to increase their confidence, tolerance and empathy for others, enabling them to demonstrate a high level of commitment, develop leadership skills, challenge themselves and create memories with their peers. In addition to academic PE lessons, Bede’s offers a variety of sports-focused activities three afternoons per week, all supported by expert coaching, state-of-the-art facilities and a peerless Strength and Conditioning provision. There is a plethora of opportunities for all of our pupils to participate in a wide range of competitive and non-competitive sport, from playing in cricket, football and hockey national leagues to trying their hand at kayaking, sailing, climbing, toughmudder, horse riding and cross fit.
In-season sports Pupils have the options to pick a variety of sports through the year, with most core and competitive sports offering a three term programme
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Sports teams Our Sports programme offers significant coaching contact hours, regular fixtures and supplementary training, with additional training and fixtures also taking place on Saturdays.
There are numerous squads within each core and competitive sport, ensuring all those who wish to represent the school are able to whilst enabling everyone the opportunity to play and enjoy sports from a diverse programme, regardless of their ability.
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Sports Football Academies Cricket
Our Cricket Academy has strong links with county partners Sussex and Kent County Cricket and many of our pupils are involved in County teams and pathways, with many of our pupils transitioning from the Senior School 1st XI through the England U19s, county cricket, franchise cricket and beyond.
Our Football Academy is led by UEFA licenced, fully qualified and experienced coaches with a professional background in football. Our elite First Year players will join our junior academy through to ISFA and county and professional clubs.
At Bede’s Senior School, we have Academies in our Core Sports (Cricket, Football, Hockey and Tennis) which run all year round. In addition to the access to world-class facilities, professional level coaching and a structured programme of training, membership of a sports academy at Bede’s offers:
Our Senior players join the Bede’s HUDL football league, a prestigious independent schools league which offers year round training and fixtures against local academies and Premier League Football Clubs such as Brighton & Hove Albion.
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In hockey, our pupils have access to a full two-term club season through our external partnerships, including entry into all local, regional and national competitions plus a summer league.
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Individualised strength and conditioning programmes Nutritional optimisation Sports psychology (relevant to a pupil’s sport) Individually tailored participation programmes to optimise pupils’ performance Progression tracking alongside academic studies Links to regional and national squads with the opportunity to represent the School to drive progression Additional one-to-one or small group coaching outside of the School Term
Hockey Tennis Our Tennis Academy offers tennis over four levels on a recreational, developmental, performance and elite level with the aim of instilling a disciplined, professional and high quality approach to practice, training and competition. Pupils also have the opportunity to gain a Level 1 coaching qualification, allowing for a breadth of opportunity and inspiring the next generation of players.
Netball “I feel inspired and supported by the coaches at Bede’s. Knowing I am being developed as a sportsperson by a team of cricket coaches who have had professional backgrounds in the sport really drives me. I enjoy sport so much at Bede’s and also representing the School.” Freya, Upper Sixth 10
We play and train across all three terms including entering both the Thursday evening Summer and Winter Eastbourne Netball Leagues to form a year round competitive programme.
Swimming
In Swimming there is 12 hours of contact time avaliable per week, across all three terms including landbase training. We enter all the regional and national competitions.
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Director of Cricket & Level 4 Coach Alan Wells had a professional cricket career that spanned 21 years for Sussex and where he was captain from 1992 to 1996. He also played for Kent from 1997 to 2000 and played a Test match and One Day International for England. He captained an England Lions tour to India and scored over 30,000 career 1st team runs which included 55 centuries.
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Cricket
Bede’s is considered to be one of the top cricket schools nationally and operates all year round with a winter indoor programme focussing on skill and technical development supplemented with specialist strength and conditioning training, and the summer term being our predominant competition season. At Bede’s we have a highly skilled team of technical coaches with professional experience who share their passion and expertise to develop pupils cricket skills, knowledge and understanding of the game in addition to some of the best cricket facilities in the country. Our highly-competitive fixture programme sees us play other top cricketing schools across the country. We run 15 teams across the year groups at the Prep and Senior Schools to ensure that all pupils with a desire to play and compete can do so. A high percentage of Bede’s players are selected for national and representative programmes, including Sussex CCC, franchise cricket and England.
Bede’s recent cricket alumni include Sarah Taylor, Archie Lenham, Danial Ibrahim, Alice Capsey, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Luke Wells, Ollie Rayner, Callum Jackson, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Henry Crocombe, Delray Rawlins, Ali Orr, Joe Sarro, Freya Kemp, Mary Taylor and Shai Hope.
“The coaching and facilities at Bede’s has played a big part in making me the player I am today. As a professional Sussex CCC player, I now play regularly alongside some of the best cricketers in the game - people like Chris Jordon and Rashid Khan - and thanks to my Bede’s coaches I can continue to train at school as well as continue my academic studies.” Archie, Upper Sixth Head of Junior Cricket Neil Lenham is a former Sussex CCC professional, Neil played ‘first class’ cricket for 14 years and played for, and captained Young England. Neil is an ECB Advanced Coach, played and coached both at home (EPP & County pathway) and overseas, Australia & South Africa. He worked with England Women’s team and was Namibia National Coach for 6 years taking them to two ICC World Cups.
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Football
Football at the Senior School is played by boys in both the Autumn and Spring terms. A girls football Programme runs all year round led by UEFA B, ISFA coach David Caryer supported by ex-professional player Dan Harding. Our comprehensive fixtures schedule ensures that pupils consistently play in high-level matches, allowing them to be challenged and to progress. Pupils have the opportunity to train three times a week and play matches every Saturday from September to April across all age groups having access to professional standard pitches and video analysis sessions. We are members of the prestigious HUDL League which includes the top nine footballing schools in the country and were league champions in 2020. We have a highly competitive fixture list including fixtures against professional academies and schools. Each year, we enjoy a pre-season tour to top European academies and also have strong links with Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and Crystal Palace Football Club as well as American and British universities.
Bede’s recent Football alumni include Solly March, Ellison Wright, James Norwood and Isaac Drogba. 14
“I didn’t join Bede’s as the best footballer but I worked hard and received incredible support and was proud to be made captain of the 1st XI. The dedication of the coaches has helped me grow as a player and as a person and I will soon leave Bede’s for America on a football scholarship.” Jake, Upper Sixth Football Professional Dan Harding is an exprofessional player who played for a number of clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds, Southampton and Nottingham Forest. Dan played over 400 professional games including four England U21 caps. The ex-Bede’s pupil passed his UEFA B licence working in Southampton’s world-class academy and currently helps to run the football programme at Bede’s Senior School.
Director of Football David Caryer is a UEFA B, FA Youth Advanced Award qualified coach with over 15 years’ coaching experience across all age groups. David is currently the Sussex Schools U18 Manager, and an assistant ISFA U17 coach.
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Hockey Coach Robbie Redhead is currently a Girls Junior Development Coach at Eastbourne Hockey Club, and Ladies Coach at the University of Brighton. Robbie is a former county and regional hockey player, and a member of England satellite club teams. He played National League 1999 to 2001, and was Captain of Eastbourne Men’s 1st team for six seasons gaining three promotions. Robbie now coaches Hockey at Bede’s Prep and Senior School.
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Hockey At Bede’s hockey is run across all three terms, three times per week with up to 15 hours contact time per week. Led by a former international player and coach, an ex-England U21 goalkeeper and National League hockey player, pupils have access to an unrivalled coaching provision and access to our national standard water based Astro Turf, one of only a handful of such high quality pitches in the country.
“Hockey has always been my passion. I love the team camaraderie and the quality of coaching. I can feel how much I have improved as a player already and I know there is better to come!”
Bede’s also provides international standard goalkeeper specialist coaching, international standard video analysis for both individuals and teams and a hockey specific Strength and Conditioning programme.
Recent Bede’s hockey alumni include Issy Field, Matilda Collins, Dilly Newton, Alicia Caillard and Theo Dowse.
Ellie, First Year
With close links to local and regional hockey clubs we also have a well-established and competitive fixture list giving pupils the opportunity to represent their clubs, counties and performance centres and compete in the Futures Cup. Many of our current pupils play at county, regional and national level. Director of Hockey Chris Borsoi is a National League Hockey player, currently playing for Brighton & Hove where he is also the Assistant Coach for the Men’s team. Chris has an extensive background in Hockey coaching having also been the Lead Coach of Eastbourne’s Hockey Club and Goalkeeper Coach at East Grinstead Talent Academy. Chris has been accredited with the England Hockey Advance Coaching Program and has a wealth of experience as both a National League player and coach. 17
Tennis Bede’s offers a year round tennis training programme at the Senior School with a competitive summer fixtures programme and successful annual tennis tour. Led by a former Junior, National and Great Britain player and Level 4 LTA coach with support from a Level 3 LTA coach and Level 5 High Performance Coach and Level 4 LTA Tutor, our coaching provision is second to none. Quality coaching combined with outstanding facilities, gives pupils the opportunity to develop as players. Our strong links with American Universities also sees many elite players gaining full scholarships overseas. Training sessions take place three days per week at the Senior School with additional lunchtime sessions available. Fixtures run throughout the summer term and pupils have the opportunity to join a tournament tour including the Eastbourne International tennis tournament and Wimbledon. Our year-round tennis academy has special training sessions focussed on technical and tactical detail.
“All the coaches are incredible, and I can never thank them enough for helping me to grow and work towards my dream of becoming a professional tennis player.” Jack, Upper Fifth
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Director of Tennis Francesca Byrne played for Great Britain U18’s and competed internationally, nationally and represented Sussex at every age group. She was formerly tennis coach to all levels at the Bath International Performance Centre between 2009 and 2013. Francesca is currently Director of Tennis at Bede’s and Tennis Eastbourne, as well as an LTA Level 4 performance coach.
Netball
At Bede’s we take pride in our netball provision across the Prep and Senior School which is led by England Netball-accredited tutor and umpire mentor and supported by a former County netball player. The provision for netball is extensive and allows pupils of all abilities to develop their own personal skills at recreation or team level. Bede’s offers a year round netball training programme at the Senior School. Netball pre-season training takes place in the Autumn term with training twice a week. At the Senior School a full fixtures programme runs during the Spring term with training three times per week, also participating in the Sussex Independent Schools Association League and the Eastbourne Netball League.
“I love to play netball. More specifically, I love to play netball at Bede’s. We can grow as individual players and as a team.” Freya, Upper Fifth
Head of Netball Jodie Kavanagh coached netball for 13 years in Barbados to U16’s and U19’s. She has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science and is a qualified P.E teacher and netball coach. Jodie had the role of Head of P.E for many years at a private international school and led her netball teams to the finals of inter-island games. Jodie has played competitive netball for 20 years and joined the adult Caribbean league in 2006. She is also a qualified fitness instructor.
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Swimming At Bede’s we have an outstanding reputation for producing exceptional swimmers. With a superb 25 metre, 6 lane, competition sized swimming pool and led by a former England medallist, our swimmers are able to access training sessions throughout the year with six sessions per week and regular fixtures throughout the school year allowing the opportunity to compete at the highest level. We work in partnership with Hailsham Swim Club giving pupils access to discounted membership and additional swimming sessions creating a programme for all abilities.
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“Swimming is a sport which demands dedication but having the support of coaches helps get you through the tough bits. The pool at Bede’s is also great and I am still improving as a swimmer all the time.” Matthew, Lower Sixth
Head of Swimming Phil Osborn was an international swimmer between 1978 and 1984 during which he swam in several major championships, these include: European swim championships in 1981 and the Commonwealth Games in 1982. Phil also won a double Commonwealth silver medal. Phil has coached swimming for the last 5 years and he is now in charge of implementing Bede’s expanding competitive swim programme. Phil is the Head Coach of our swimming partner, Hailsham Swim Club.
“I played a lot of basketball back home in Hong Kong and being part of a team here at Bede’s has helped me get to know people outside of my boarding house. I love training and playing against other schools. When I look back on my life at Bede’s this will be a big part of it.” Samuel, Pre-Sixth
Basketball
Basketball is played both in the Autumn and Spring terms with pupils receiving five hours of training per week at the Senior School in addition to developmental training once a week in the Summer term. Led by our English National League Level 4 referee Head Coach with over 30 years’ experience, pupils play a competitive fixtures programme in the local independent school basketball league and have access to specialist strength and conditioning. Academy pupils can further develop their skills, specifically technical and tactical plays through fortnightly small group sessions
Head of Basketball Noel Malone has over 30 years’ experience in Basketball. He has extensive coaching experience in various schools and as Assistant Coach at the England U16 trials. Alongside his role at Bede’s, Noel is currently coaching St Richard’s Senior Men’s team in the Sussex League and he is still active in the English National league as a Level Four Referee.
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Other sports Whether designed to complement our many sport options or act as a stand-alone activity, our Support Sports programme encourages pupils to try as many different sports as possible, develop skills and stamina and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Athletics
Bede’s Athletics Programme runs across two Activities sessions in the Summer Term and pupils have access to additional facilities at Eastbourne Sports Park. Bede’s enters a team into the main county and national competitions.
Badminton
Training and fixtures for Badminton run throughout the Autumn and Spring Terms.
Golf
Golf training runs throughout the school year with access to the excellent facilities at East Sussex National Golf Course where players can also access professional coaching. Our golf teams are also entered into the main county and national competitions.
Squash
Training and fixtures against other local schools run throughout the academic year. Bede’s has its own squash courts where pupils are able to train during all activities sessions. 22
Riding
Bede’s has long enjoyed a happy association with equestrian pursuits. Our elite Equestrian Team has celebrated great success in county and national competitions, representing the school in several equestrian disciplines, including the NSEA Championships and British Riding Club Championships – with some pupils selected to represent national teams.
Target Rifle Practice
Target rifle practice takes place year-round at Ringmer RBL Rifle Club. Bede’s is affiliated with the Sussex Rifle Association and participates in its winter County League. We also compete in the English Schools Long Range Championships and BSSRA Winter Open Event. Training is run by Bill Richards, a senior Great Britain and England coach.
Rugby 7s
Our Rugby 7s team trains in activity sessions throughout the year. 23
Co-Curricular sport It is our firm belief that all pupils should have the opportunity to enjoy sport and the physical and mental health benefits that an active lifestyle brings. At Bede’s Senior School, our Co-Curricular Programme has been boosted with a range of activities requested by pupils, including parkour, skating, wakeboarding, yoga and a scuba diving PADI course. All of these activities are incredibly popular, as are a range of other non-competitive events such as indoor triathlons, duathlons, crossfit sessions and tough mudder.
“I like getting involved in all the sports available at Bede’s, because they help me in different ways, such as building confidence, keeping fit and forming strong friendships to name just a few. The teachers at Bede’s have been amazing to work with and push me to achieve the absolute best that I can.” Ella, Year 9
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Strength and Conditioning All pupils have access to our ground-breaking Strength and Conditioning Programme led by our Level 3 High Performance Coach, Tony Morriss with generic and bespoke programmes depending on their needs. Tony is also highly experienced in providing rehab programmes for those pupils who have suffered injuries to ensure they have minimum recovery downtime and are back training as soon as possible. Pupils in Academy and Club teams are provided with team training programmes, with speciallyallocated gym times for elite squads. Sessions led by Tony Morriss are tailored to each sport and with an in-depth understanding of the strength and conditioning needs of individual players and teams. Beyond our elite fitness programmes, all our pupils can take advantage of our well-equipped Fitness Suite. We also offer a range of non-competitive strength and conditioning activities throughout the week, including yoga sessions. “Strength and conditioning training plays a key role in the Bede’s Sports Programme. There are huge benefits from this training including preventing injury, improving posture, our mental well-being and increasing our fitness and metabolism, enhancing performance overall.” Tony Morriss, Head of Strength and Conditioning
Head of Strength and Conditioning Tony Morriss is originally from a boxing background and was an ABA National Quarter Finalist and Surrey Champion. He developed his skills to become a High Performance Strength and Conditioning Coach, and specialises in the development of young athletes, sports injuries, prehab and rehab. Tony develops our bespoke strength and conditioning programmes for individuals and sports teams across the Trust. 25
GCSE PE Qualifications
IGCSE Physical Education and Cambridge National Certificate in Sport Science In the Fifth Form at Bede’s we offer two sport courses the IGCSE and a Level 2 Cambridge National Certificate in Sport Science. The IGSCE in Physical Education is aimed at highly able sports performers who are looking to further their knowledge of sport, physical activity, fitness and health and who have a passion for the subject and a keen interest in sport. We suggest pupils should be representing the School A teams, county or region in at least two sports and should be fit and willing to improve their performance through committed training. We have high academic expectations and find the exam is comparable to GCSE Biology, requiring candidates to apply their full range of sports knowledge. 26
The Cambridge National Certificate in Sport Science offers a GCSE equivalent course and is ideal for the passionate sports enthusiast who is looking to further their knowledge of sport, physical activity, fitness and health. The course offers the opportunity to study key areas of sports science including anatomy and physiology linked to fitness, health, injury and performance; the science of training and application of training principles; and psychology in sport and sports performance. However, pupils are not judged on their practical sports performance. The course provides an excellent foundation for the BTEC National Level 3 Diploma in Sport where our pupils have been highly successful.
“At my last school I was able to train once a week. At Bede’s I train for around 15 hours a week and play matches which I combine with my County programme. The coaching team here helped me so much in the run-up to my professional debut in The Hundred tournament which has obviously been an amazing experience for me. My ambition is to play for England and I know the team at Bede’s will do everything to help make that happen for me.” Alice, Upper Sixth
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“I picked IGCSE PE because I absolutely love sport. I am a keen hockey and netball player, currently playing for the county in both. The subject combines my love of biology with playing sport. I would definitely recommend the subject if you are a keen athlete, wanting to develop your knowledge of the science behind physical education.” Maddy, Upper Fifth Pupil
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BTEC Sport Qualifications BTEC in Sport
Entry requirement(s) 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4
At Sixth Form we offer pupils who have a passion for sport the opportunity to study a BTEC in Sport with two different options: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sports Coaching (equivalent to two A Level options) and a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sports Coaching and Development (equivalent to one A Level option). Pupils will learn about careers and employment in sport, health and wellbeing and sports coaching. There will be a range of practical experiences to support the theory learning, including coaching sessions, fitness testing and health screening. Pupils are assessed throughout the course allowing them to see how they are doing at every stage, and therefore understand what they have to do to achieve their personal goals. Universities widely respect the course and the benefits it offers to pupils in terms of transferable skills sets them up very well to enter the world of work - whether in sport or otherwise.
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“I am really glad I chose to study BTEC Sport. The course content offers a broad and practical approach to sport allowing you to explore a wide range of topics. I’m particularly interested in how the mind and body work together, so found the Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology modules really interesting and relevant as I’m thinking of pursuing a career in Sports Therapy or Sports Psychology. The course has also enabled me to develop independent learning, research and thinking skills, which will be invaluable in later life.” Max, Upper Sixth Pupil
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Sports Development Programme Bede’s is committed to providing quality support and provision to all our athletes who are looking to become elite sports people through our Sports Development Programme. Open to all Sports Scholars, our Sports Scholars’ Development Programme focuses on the individual and holistic development of our athletes, offering a range of workshops in addition to the technical and tactical sessions they receive in our Sport Academies and activities. Elements of psychology, nutrition, lifestyle management and additional physical support form the core of the programme.
“We have access to a huge range of games and opportunities, leading to national and county representation. The Sports offer was a big factor in my decision to stay on at Bede’s for Sixth Form, as it was too good a chance to turn down.” Seb, Upper Sixth
Scholars in our three Core Sports (Cricket, Football and Hockey) have the opportunity for contact time with our expert coaches during Academy and activity sessions across all three terms. Bede’s sports offering has been built on pupils’ needs and feedback over many years, and as such is unique from other independent schools. Pupils are able to specialise in one sport, or play two alongside each other depending on their preference.
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Scholarships Our scholarship development programme ensures that our young sportspeople gain the most from their time at Bede’s, enabling them to progress and achieve in their sporting and academic life. We help pupils to balance sport with their academic life and offer both Individual and Team scholarships. An Individual Award is given for our three Core Sports – cricket, hockey or football. Applications from those who have significant achievements in other sports, particularly basketball, netball, swimming and tennis, will be considered for a Team Award and pupils will be asked to trial in their chosen sport and one of our Core Sports. Sports scholars at Bede’s will receive regular small group training sessions with professional level and experienced coaches, personalised strength and conditioning programmes, use of our superb facilities, access to seminars from industry experts, video analysis and or regular feedback, a comprehensive fixtures list and additional coaching and training sessions. Bede’s also offers Exhibitions in our core and competitive sports. These are awarded to candidates who are not quite of scholarship standard, however they are offered access to elements of the Scholars’ Development Pathway and academies (where applicable). These do not carry any financial award. For further information on Sports Scholarships and how to apply, please contact Richard Mills (Senior School Registrar) at admissions@bedes.org
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Sport at Bede’s Prep The longstanding reputation which Bede’s has forged for sporting excellence is firmly embedded in our Prep School as well as at senior level. Few prep schools can offer the calibre of coaching found at Bede’s Prep and these opportunities deepen year or year, with a gradually more expansive training and fixtures programme. The Team Bede’s ethos guides sporting life at Bede’s Prep in just the same way as it does at the Senior School. The core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, humility, discipline and leadership provide the cornerstone for how sport is taught at Bede’s Prep. By the time that pupils move up to the Senior School, pupils are
accustomed and comfortable with how values should be applied to sports lessons, training and competitive fixtures. Sport for all is reflected through the bespoke style of teaching and coaching which enables progression and participation at every level and the holistic development of each individual. Sport and fitness at Bede’s are for all and we aim to encourage a lifelong love of sport.
Gemma Towner Head of Prep School Games E: gemma.towner@bedes.org
Core Sports As at the Senior School, we offer three Core Sports at Bede’s Prep:
Cricket
Our cricket provision is extensive, offering the opportunity for pupils to train three times a week to play matches throughout the Summer Term alongside an indoor cricket programme which runs during the winter months. Many of our most successful cricketing alumni including Luke Wells, Ollie Rayner, Archie Lenham and Ali Orr began playing cricket at Bede’s Prep before moving on to the Senior School and then onto professional playing careers. Continuity of coaching, our year-round programme, access to top level facilities as well as to specialist support including Strength and Conditioning training are all key elements of our success in developing cricketing talent. We participate in a highly competitive fixture programme against other top cricketing schools across the country and run sufficient teams such that all girls and boys who want to compete for their school can do so. The programme is led by former professionals Alan Wells, Sarah Taylor and Neil Lenham. 34
Football
Pupils at Bede’s Prep play football through the entire Autumn term (boys) and Spring Terms (girls) with training twice a week and fixtures on Wednesdays or Saturdays. There are also opportunities in Year 7 and 8 to trial with the Junior Football Academy, run in conjunction with Swerve Soccer, which offers top level weekly coaching and trains on a Thursday evening. Coaching is led by Football Specialist and Ex Chelsea player Kellie Larkin, Director of Football (UEFA A and ISFA coach) David Caryer, supported by ex-professional Dan Harding (Ipswich Town, BHA, Southampton) and Director of Swerve Football Academy, Oliver Davies. This integrated approach to coaching supports players as they transition up to the Senior School; by the time pupils join the Senior School our coaching team will have been able to put in place individualised action plans. The Junior Academy also competes against other local academies and this combination of training and fixtures provides a singular and foundational opportunity for young players.
Hockey
The Hockey Programme at Bede’s Prep School is closely aligned with the Senior School in terms of coaching strategy and philosophy. Our girls teams are coached by our staff in the Sussex Junior Development League through club side Priory Lemurs which runs on Saturdays throughout the winter against a host of Sussex sides. The Boys Hockey Programme is split between seniors and juniors with training held during Monday and Tuesday Activities sessions as well as on Fridays. During the Spring Term hockey is also played during Games lessons as well as in Friday Activities. Coaching is led by hockey specialist Pat Skinner, Wales Goalkeeper and performance analyst, Theo Dowse and Brighton Junior development coach Jon Williams.
Competitive Sports Tennis
Tennis coaching takes place throughout the year at Bede’s Prep School. All levels are catered for, including elite, development and club levels. Coaching is led by Level 4 LTA coach, Jane Nash, with assistance from Junior National and Great Britain player, Francesca Scollo.
Netball
Netball training and fixtures are played throughout the Spring Term, with preseason training also offered during the Autumn Term. Pupils at the Prep School also have access to our Level 2 accredited coach based at the Senior School.
Group coaching take place during the school day with every year group receiving a one-hour group coaching lesson each week. In addition, there is an early morning Team Tennis coaching session by invitation. Academy training is available year-round at an extra cost. We also aim to offer an annual tennis tour to Spain, trip to Wimbledon and a parent/child tournament as well the opportunity to play in Sussex County Championships, LTA Team Tennis Schools Event and the Bede’s Schools Championships.
Swimming
Children from Reception through to Year 6 enjoy weekly swimming classes, with Years 7 and 8 swimming on a fortnightly timetable. In addition to the swimming programme offered as part of the curriculum, we offer five swimming squad training sessions as well as activities including lifesaving, diving, kayaking, snorkeling and water polo.
Basketball
There is the opportunity for Bede’s Prep pupils to be coached by the Senior School coach who has 30 years of experience playing and coaching basketball. Basketball is taught as part of the PE curriculum across one half term.
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Support sports The Co-Curricular Programme at Bede’s Prep is an important and integral part of school life, and physical activity features heavily within it. These Support Sports complement our Core and Competitive Sports Programmes and our aim is to offer a breadth of opportunity and encourage pupils to give new activities a try and step out of their comfort zones. As part of this programme, pupils have access to a wide range of other recreational sports including athletics, sailing, mountain biking, yoga and horse riding, climbing, trampolining and table tennis.
Coaching
Coaching staff at Bede’s Prep are made up of a combination of dedicated Prep School coaches, whose specialism lies in teaching sport to younger children as well as the input of coaches from the Senior School, who help secure pathways through to senior level sport.
Facilities
At Bede’s Prep School, pupils have regular access to a large sports hall, swimming pool and astro as well as sports pitches which are located in a stunning spot on the cliffs. Prep School pupils also have regular access to the facilities at Bede’s Senior School, including the gym, cricket nets and Olympic standard water based astro.
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Senior Sports Pathway
From a young age, pupils at Bede’s Prep have regular access to both the facilities and coaches at Bede’s Senior School. The advantages of this are evident as pupils transition through to the Senior School. Pupils will be familiar with many of the coaching team at the Senior School; those aiming to pursue sport at an elite level will benefit from continuity of coaching ethos and for pupils across the board, the reassurance of knowing staff before beginning at the Senior School helps maintain confidence, motivation and interest in sport which manifests itself in high levels of engagement and participation through the First Year and beyond.
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Meet the coaches David Byrne Director of Sport David has been at Bede’s since 2011, during which time he has significantly modernised and expanded the Sports offer at both Prep and Senior Schools. David has a strong background in Business and completed his MBA in 2017. As Director of Sport at Bede’s, David is responsible for the Trust’s entire sport programme, which comprises extensive elite and participation programmes. David is passionate about lifelong enjoyment of sport and the positive physical and mental benefits that an active lifestyle brings. He is passionate about ensuring that all pupils are involved in some form of physical activity that they enjoy. Alan Wells Director of Cricket and Level 4 Coach Alan had a professional cricket career that spanned 21 years for Sussex and where he was captain from 1992 to 1996. He also played for Kent from 1997 to 2000 and played a Test match and One Day International for England. He captained an England Lions tour to India and he scored over 30,000 career 1st team runs which included 55 centuries. Neil Lenham Head of Junior Cricket A former Sussex CCC professional, Neil played ‘first class’ cricket for 14 years and played for, and captained Young England. Neil is an ECB Advanced Coach, played and coached both at home (EPP & County pathway) and overseas, Australia & South Africa. He worked with England Women’s team and was Namibia National Coach for 6 years taking them to two ICC World Cups.
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Petch Lenham Cricket and Hockey Coach Petch is a Level 2 hockey coach. She played county and regional hockey, where she was a part of the squad that won U18 Nationals. Petch is also a Level 3 cricket coach, and has coached multiple Sussex county age groups. In her time at Bede’s Petch has led Hockey and Cricket teams to county and national wins, including the U13 boys national championships and U15 girls indoor and outdoor cricket nationals. David Caryer Director of Football David is a UEFA B, FA Youth Advanced Award qualified coach with over 15 years’ coaching experience across all age groups. David is currently the Sussex Schools U18 Manager, and an assistant ISFA U17 coach.
Kellie Larkin Head of Prep Football Kellie played for the Brighton & Hove Albion Centre of Excellence from the ages of 8 to 16 years old. At the age of 12, Kellie was selected for various England talent camps, and she went on to represent England at U17 and U19 level, including two international tournaments. Kellie has 7 caps for England. As a pupil at the Senior School, Kellie was selected for the ISFA Regional and National side. She continued her football career at Chelsea Football Club, winning the league in her first season. Kellie signed for Lewes Football Club and within her first season she won the National League Plate with Lewes.
Dan Harding Professional Football Coach Dan is an ex-professional player who played for a number of clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds, Southampton and Nottingham Forest. Dan played over 400 professional games including four England U21 caps. The exBede’s pupil passed his UEFA B licence working in Southampton’s world-class academy and currently helps to run the football programme at Bede’s Senior School. Chris Borsoi Director of Hockey Chris is a National League Hockey player, currently playing for Brighton & Hove where he is also the Assistant Coach for the Men’s team. Chris has an extensive background in Hockey coaching having also been the Lead Coach of Eastbourne’s Hockey Club and Goalkeeper Coach at East Grinstead Talent Academy. Chris has been accredited with the England Hockey Advance Coaching Program and has a wealth of experience as both a National League player and coach. Robbie Redhead Hockey Coach Robbie is currently a Girls Junior Development Coach at Eastbourne Hockey Club, and Ladies Coach at the University of Brighton. Robbie is a former county and regional hockey player, and a member of England satellite club teams. He played National League 1999 to 2001, and was Captain of Eastbourne Men’s 1st team for six seasons gaining three promotions. Robbie now coaches Hockey at Bede’s Prep and Senior School.
Noel Malone Head of Basketball Noel has over 30 years’ experience in Basketball and has extensive coaching experience in various schools and as Assistant Coach at the England U16 trials. Alongside his role at Bede’s, Noel is currently coaching St Richard’s Senior Men’s team in the Sussex League and he is still active in the English National league as a Level Four Referee. Phil Osborn Head of Swimming Phil was an international swimmer between 1978 and 1984 during which he swam in several major championships, these include: European swim championships in 1981 and the Commonwealth Games in 1982. Phil also won a double Commonwealth silver medal. Phil has coached swimming for the last 5 years and he is now in charge of implementing Bede’s expanding competitive swim programme. Francesca Byrne Director of Tennis Francesca played for Great Britain U18’s and competed internationally, nationally and represented Sussex at every age group. She was formerly tennis coach to all levels at the Bath International Performance Centre between 2009 and 2013. Francesca is currently Director of Tennis at Bede’s and Tennis Eastbourne, as well as an LTA performance coach. Jane Nash Head of Prep Tennis Jane was a Number 1 player in the UK at Under 10, 12 and 14 level. She captained Great Britain’s U12 team until she was 16 years and competed worldwide, including in mixed doubles at Wimbledon. Jane is an LTA licensed Level 4 Senior Performance and Development coach, as well as an ABTO LTA Accredited Referee, and holds a Sports Psychology Diploma.
Jodie Kavanagh Head of Netball Jodie coached netball for 13 years in Barbados to U16’s and U19’s. She has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science and is a qualified P.E teacher and netball coach. Jodie had the role of Head of P.E for many years at a private international school and led her netball teams to the finals of inter-island games. Jodie has played competitive netball for 20 years and joined the adult Caribbean league in 2006. She is also a qualified fitness instructor.
Tony Morriss Head of Strength and Conditioning Tony is originally from a boxing background and was an ABA National Quarter Finalist and Surrey Champion. He developed his skills to become a High Performance Strength and Conditioning Coach, and specialises in the development of young athletes, sports injuries, prehab and rehab. Tony develops our bespoke strength and conditioning programmes for individuals and sports teams across the Trust.
Dani Maynard Head of Prep Swimming Dani is a level 2 swimming teacher, fitness instructor and also specialises in Nursery swimming for the younger years. Dani has taught swimming for the last 13 years at local swimming clubs, swim schools and in the private school sector. Dani is currently growing and developing our Prep squad team as well as more swim fit focused sessions and water polo.
Kashif Ibrahim Cricket Consultant Kash is a former Pakistani first class cricketer and now a Level 3 coach, with an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Kash has left an indelible mark on the world of cricket. Kash was a right handed batsman who bowled right arm medium pace. Kash’s innate ability to read the game and his remarkable work ethic set him apart as a player. He is now a lead coach for the Sussex pathway.
Gemma Towner Head of Prep Sport Gemma has extensive sporting experience, from being a club hockey player and county swimmer, to a county 1500m runner and National League volleyball player touring Europe with the University of Exeter team. With coaching awards in hockey, volleyball, netball, trampolining and swimming, Gemma is also a qualified windsurfing and sailing instructor, and is perfectly placed to lead on Bede’s Prep’s comprehensive and varied sports offer being a qualified teacher with over a decade of experience as a sports lead, focusing on ensuring that everyone has access to the positive physical and mental health benefits that sport brings.
Jamie Francis Head of Prep Hockey Jamie is a level 2 hockey coach. Having represented County and Regional hockey, he is currently playing National League Hockey. Jamie has coached junior teams at club and County level and is now coaching Eastbourne Hockey Club Ladies 1st Team. Matt Pope Head of Prep Cricket Matt is an ECB level 2 qualified cricket coach. Matt was brought up in South Africa and represented his provincial side in age group levels before coming over to the UK where he is currently playing in the Sussex Premier League.
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Bede’s Senior School Upper Dicker East Sussex BN27 3QH
T 01323 356609 admissions@bedes.org bedes.org
