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Inspection report 2010
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Netball
Aim
We aim to maximise talent and performance through the development of core skills, tactical knowledge and games sense, alongside positive attitudes which value respect, commitment, determination and team work.
Netball is one of the main sports. It is popular amongst students, who enjoy participating and competing at a level suitable to their ability. Although we strive for excellence both in performance and attitude, we cater for all students regardless of their level.
Netball is played mainly during the Lent Term. Within the Lower School the focus is on gaining and improving core skills, with the students' enjoyment being paramount. Sessions are well staffed to allow every player to receive focussed training and feedback during this fundamental part of their development. In the Middle School there is still an underlying emphasis on the basic skills being performed well. A more technical viewpoint helps the development of players' understanding of the game, and a focus on team performance. In the Sixth Form the emphasis shifts towards the acquisition of tactical knowledge and players are encouraged to become more independent in their decision making on court.
Coaching staff
A member of staff manages and coaches each netball team. All coaches have a good level of playing and coaching experience, with suitable AENA coaching and umpiring qualifications. In addition, we employ the current Cambridgeshire Head Academy Coach who works with all age groups and provides coaching staff with opportunities to develop their netball knowledge and coaching practice.
We also provide visiting external international coaches (e.g. Karen Atkinson, current England Captain) during the course of the year, giving players the opportunity to further their skills.
Teams
It is our aim to provide every student in Years 7 to 9 with the opportunity to represent the school in netball fixtures. In the Lower School we have five teams, in Year 9 we field three teams, Year 10 two teams, and then within the Sixth Form we are proud to field six senior teams.
Fixtures are played throughout the Lent Term in a competitive and sporting spirit. Teams play a strong and well established fixture list, which is becoming more competitive as netball at the school gains strength. Regular matches are played against schools such as Framlingham, RHS, The Leys and Felsted School.
The school enters the National Schools Netball Championship each year, as well as the Independent Schools' Netball Knockout Competition. In addition we enter the Uppingham U15 Invitational Tournament.
The Perse achieved success in 2011 with our U14 team being crowned County Champions and going on to compete in the Regional National Schools Netball Competition.
Tours
Tours provide the opportunity to play high quality opposition as well as experience a different culture. At the Perse we aim to provide each pupil with at least one touring opportunity during their school career.
The senior squads have been on mini tours which have included the Marlborough College Invitational Tournament as well as visiting other schools in England. Further mini tours will be planned each academic year. As part of the 3 year touring cycle a Netball development tour for students in Years 8 and 9 will be taking place.
Talented individuals
A number of girls are involved in the England Netball Regional Excel Pathway. We offer positional specific master classes with specialist coaches throughout the year, as well as ‘Netball conditioning’ sessions which are open to all players throughout the Lent Term. These focus on core skills and techniques as well as working on various aspects of fitness related to netball. In addition, we have a school conditioning coach who will support or establish fitness programmes specific to the individual and their sport.
Local links
We encourage and create opportunities and pathways for individuals to develop and achieve further honours within their sport by joining local clubs and leagues.
