All Hallows School has introduced an exciting new sports programme which has been specifically developed for Year 7 pupils to promote all-round athletic development.
The specialist sports performance programme for athletic development called ‘Body Armour’ and is an inclusive voluntary programme, open to all pupils in Year 7, but soon to expand to other year groups. The programme aims to assist pupils in becoming less injury prone and more robust; developing fundamental movement skills for strength and conditioning; sprint mechanics; preparation for sports scholarship; and working on individual power and speed.
The philosophy behind the programme is not a fitness class, but instead places an emphasis on the long-term benefits of good movement patterns, mental well-being and a rounded, positive approach to being healthy and fit.
The programme is being delivered by the school’s sports staff including Olly Biddulph, former Team GB bobsleigh pilot, Tammie Anderson, a member of the England Senior Squad for Rounders and will have contributions from visiting staff such as Maddie Smith, an Olympic skeleton athlete, and Sandra Smith who is British record holder and European Champion power lifter. The children will also take part in a workshop at Bath University Sports Training Village which includes presentations on speed for sport, hand-eye coordination and a Q&A session with Team Bath Athletes.
All Hallows is one of a few prep schools in the country to set up a programme of this type, that not only supports the children’s physical development but also prepares them for a lifetime of sport, physical activity and physical well-being.