EDUCATION
Children adjust to the “new normal” to keep fit and well Pupils at The Downs Malvern, a school renowned for its sports and games facilities, are quickly adjusting to safe ways to boost their fitness and wellbeing in the wake of the lockdown. “We encourage every child to participate in games and sports they enjoy and which complement their natural abilities,” says Michael Strong, the school’s Head of Sports, “but accommodating that in the current situation has involved a great deal of planning!” Swimming and outdoor fitness activities will provide the core to this term’s programme: one innovation is Ready4Rugby: a new, non-contact format designed by England coach Eddie Jones. There will also be football and cricket for the boys, whilst the girls will focus on hockey. “Obviously with the children restricted to ‘bubbles’, no team fixtures are planned until at least half term - although this is under constant review,” says Mr Strong. The impressive sports facilities at The Downs
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Malvern – which in the past have enabled pupils to compete at county and national levels as well as win sports scholarships at their chosen Senior School – also make it possible for pupils to exercise in safety. Set in a 55-acre campus, there is an extensive main games field with its own cricket pavilion, Astro Turf pitch and netball/tennis courts. Indoor resources include the two-floored Sports Hall with four lanes of cricket nets, four badminton courts, netball court, basketball court, hockey and tennis courts. Pupils also make use of Malvern College’s Sports Complex with its 25m indoor swimming pool. n
