Sport is not only a social and positive part of daily life at Clifton High School, it stands as a dynamic force that evokes a sense of joy and belonging within our close-knit community.
The extensive physical and mental health benefits of participating in sports amplifies overall wellbeing while establishing a profound sense of accomplishment amongst our pupil body. We pride ourselves on our commitment to inclusivity, and this is no more prevalent than in sport, whereby all pupils are able to access any number of activities, regardless of their individual abilities, experience or interests.
Engaging in sport enables Senior School pupils to build upon their social skills, communication and teamwork. It also provides them with the confidence and direction to commit to a 'beyond the classroom experience' that requires them to try their individual best in order to achieve both personal and team goals.
YEARS 7-9
In Year 7 to 9, pupils are allocated three hours of sport in a timetabled week which consists of a Physical Education, Games and Swimming lesson.
YEARS 10-11
As pupils undertake GCSE studies in Year 10 and 11, they are allocated four hours of timetabled sport once a fortnight which consists of includes Physical Education, Games and Swimming lessons on a rotation. We feel it is important that at this point in a pupils' education, when they are beginning to narrow down their fields of studies, they remain healthy and use sports to provide a balance in their School life.
Swimming takes place in our on-site 25m swimming pool and Games lessons at Coombe Dingle, our off-site sporting facility. This multi-sports complex is shared in partnership with the University of Bristol.
WHAT'S ON OFFER
| PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
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Our Senior School pupils take advantage of the many on-site games environments during their PE lessons, including the Gymnasium, Strength and Conditioning Suite, Cardio Suite, Climbing Wall, Outdoor Multi-use Games Area, School Lawn, theater/studio space and many outdoor spaces. Their experienced and professional Sports teachers and coaches focus on developing essential physical skills, whilst encouraging them to experience disciplines they may not have tried before. These include yet are not limited to: Cross Country and Track Running, Tennis, Fencing, Basketball, Pilates, Strength and Conditioning, Climbing. Pupils also train for our much anticipated annual Sports Day in the Summer Term during PE lessons, competing against each other, aspiring to break and set new School records. This event is a highlight for all pupils, parents and staff members alike. |
| GAMES |
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Games lessons are held on the professional pitches and tracks at Coombe Dingle. During the Autumn Term pupils participate in Rugby and Hockey, throughout the Spring Term they play Football and Netball and the Summer Term consists of cricket. Each sport acquires tactical skills for the games through teamwork, effective communication and practice. |
| FIXTURES |
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The Clifton High School Games programme involves pupils competing in fixtures against neighbouring schools. This healthy competition instills a sense of prowess for our School and team whilst also developing friendships and bonds with opposing teams. First and second teams are primarily made up of Sixth Form students, however a number of our Senior pupils are often selected. |
| SWIMMING |
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Swimming lessons in the Senior School encompass the second and third stage of the National Swimming Programme. We run the Progressive Talent ID programme in Years 7 to 9 which affords pupils the opportunity to commence the fitness foundations required for competitive swimming, or simply those required for using swimming as a healthy lifestyle choice. Whilst this programme continues to enforce technical skills, it further excels club and competitive swimming for those who have chosen swimming as a main sport or for those selected athletes who will navigate the performance pathway. The majority of provision for chosen swimmers will be through after school clubs and in association with our partner club, Bristol Henleaze Performance Swimming Club. Year 10 and 11 swimmers advance to the final stages of the Progressive Talent ID programme, namely Elite Adaptations. This level of training is for competitive success, with pupils given access to dry land and pool slots as part of their curriculum timetable or within the After School Elite Training programme. All pupils, whatever their level or motivation, are encouraged to enjoy the sport of swimming whether they prefer to swim competitively or for enjoyment. All swimming sessions are delivered within the School curriculum and during our After- School Activity Club (ASAC), with access to additional sessions through our partner, Bristol Henleaze Performance Swimming Club. |
| Sports Scholars and Athlete Development Programmes |
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Senior School Sports Scholars (Year 7 to Year 13) are offered unique opportunities to further develop their skills and strengths in their individual fields. They are inspired through trips to specialist sports facilities, visiting speakers, workshops and training sessions. In addition, their sports teachers and coaches encourage pupils to undertake roles as ambassadors of the School in their sport, representing Clifton High School externally. The Athlete Development Programme is administered for Year 9 pupils and beyond. All pupils on this course are at county or national level and are required to attend weekly sessions tailored to their physical and mental development, in line with their individual needs as athletes. The programme covers power, strength and conditioning, pilates and aerobic conditioning, as well as promoting a deep understanding of nutrition and sports psychology. All sessions are delivered by current experts in their field of expertise. Clifton High School is proud of the wide ranging timetable of sporting disciplines offered to pupils in Years 7 to 13, with a focus that supports them to achieve success in those areas incorporating a conscious balance in their academic studies. |
Partnerships
| University of Bristol |
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Clifton High School share nearby Coombe Dingle Sports Complex with the University of Bristol and, together, they have established a number of sporting partnerships. These include a comprehensive tennis partnership offering elite coaching which is accessible through ten clubs per week, development squads and co-curricular opportunities as well as a hockey partnership which allows our players access to university coaches and offers pathways into the university's adult sports clubs. |
| BRISTOL SPORT: ELITE SWIMMER SCHOLARSHIP, BRISTOL FLYERS, BRISTOL BEARS |
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Bristol Sport is a dynamic, reputable beacon of sporting success and professionalism bringing together multiple sports under one unified umbrella. Together, we work in partnership to provide opportunities to our sporting stars of the future. The Elite Swimmer Scholarship is one such pioneering initiative that awards young athletes in the Bristol area the opportunity to combine elite, national-level coaching with a first-class educational experience. Since the programme's inception in 2021, scholarship recipients have achieved national and international accolades. Other connections affiliated with Bristol Sport are those associated with Bristol Bears Rugby Team, who currently have a number of Clifton High School boys, 14 to 18 years of age, training and playing as part of their academy teams as well as Bristol Flyers Basketball who coached our Under 13's team to be crowned Junior NBA South West Champions. |
| BRISTOL henleaze performance swimming club |
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Clifton High School is developing a reputation as one of the best swimming schools in the South West region and we are grateful for our unique partnership with Henleaze Performance Swimming Club which allows pupils in Year 4 and above, daily access to their club's outstanding coaches. Under the expert instruction of Bristol Henleaze Swim coaches, pupils can choose to learn at participation level via our co-curricular club provision, and/or access, via invitation, the Elite Squad of swimmers who train every evening. |
