Prep School
Sport
We foster a sport for all philosophy in the Prep and teach the benefits of being active which has far reaching benefits into adulthood.
Sport is integrated into daily life through our core sports, PE lessons and extra-curricular sporting opportunities. We benefit from specialist teaching as not only do we have our own dedicated sport teachers, our children also enjoy lessons by the Senior school staff as well as outside coaches in various disciplines.
Every child, regardless of initial ability, is given the opportunity to represent the school in fixtures both on and off the island and experience a healthy level of competition, again which is vital life skills.
Opportunity
Each term we focus on core sports which integrate into the week alongside PE lessons and extra-curricular sports:
| Term | Core Games Focus (Boys & Girls Combined) | PE Curriculum Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | • Football (Core focus for both girls and boys during the first half of the term) • Netball • Tag & Contact Rugby | • Fitness & Baseline Bleep Testing • Basketball (Technique & Tactical Awareness) • Gymnastics (Balance, Counter-Balance, & Vaulting) |
| Spring Term | • Hockey • Netball (Continued fixtures) • Rugby (Continued progression) • Cross Country | • Badminton & Short Tennis (Rallying & Serving) • Creative Movement & Theme-Based Dance • SAQ (Speed, Agility, and Quickness) & Functional Movement |
| Summer Term | • Cricket • Tennis | • Athletics (Sprinting, Long Distance, Relays, Long Jump, High Jump, & Throwing) • Swimming (Curriculum swimming lessons for Years 3 & 4; competitive Swimming Galas for Years 3–6) |
Southampton Football Partnership
Through our partnership, Prep pupils enjoy and benefit from specialist coaching directly from Southampton FC coaches. This partnership has many benefits which also include visiting the stadium and for older children, health and nutritional education.
Pupils in Years 5 and 6 receive expert coaching directly within their timetabled PE and Games sessions.
For our younger cohorts in Years 1 to 4, an exclusive Southampton FC after-school club is available for pupils to join, ensuring premier development pathways begin early.
Swimming
Growing up surrounded by water means water safety and competence are essential. Swimming is a core part of our physical education framework, taught by specialist teachers who help children progress from water confidence to more advanced swimming.
Pupils in Years 3 and 4 receive regular, structured swimming lessons built directly into their school week.
Living on an island, open-water awareness is paramount. Our pupils receive targeted water safety training, such as the SeaSafe programme, ensuring they understand coastal conditions, beach safety and how to stay safe in and around the sea.
Throughout Years 3 to 6, children participate in both competitive and celebratory school swimming galas, focusing on personal improvement and team spirit.
Sailing
At Ryde Prep School, our sailing programme aims to develop resilience and teamwork from Year 3, targeting the RYA Stage 1 award. Progressing to Stage 2 by Year 5, pupils have the opportunity to hone racing skills during Friday games sessions. Competing nationally at Weymouth, we embrace our unique maritime heritage and surroundings to inspire lifelong connections with the sea.
These foundations help develop our young sailors and prepare them for our sailing programme in the Senior School.
