Sport
Our pupils are encouraged to stay active and healthy and we provide top-class coaching and facilities to help them enjoy their chosen sports. Our emphasis on participation for all is based on a recognition that healthier bodies lead to healthier minds.
Junior School & Nursery
Aims
In the Junior School we have developed a programme that is inclusive to all, and full of lots of different activities and sport.
We believe that exposing our pupils to as many different sports, activities and opportunities as possible will help to improve and strengthen their long term athletic development. We also hope that, by fostering a love of all sport in both practice and match situations, our pupils will learn how to handle victory and defeat with humility and respect.
Our ACCIES values are key to our sporting programme and fit superbly in to our underlying philosophy:
AMBITION: How can you challenge yourself?
COMPASSION: Do you respect your fellow teammates and show kindness?
COLLABORATION: Do you work well with all your teammates and support everyone?
INTEGRITY: Do you always do your best and behave with honesty, especially when no one is looking?
ENGAGEMENT: Do you make the most of every sporting opportunity you get at the Junior School?
We strive to make all our PE and Games sessions fun. If the pupils are having a great time, it will foster a love for the subject and a lifelong passion to be involved.
The PE and Games Curriculum
All our PE lessons from the Nursery to P6 are taught by specialist PE teachers.
Nursery: each room has PE lesson a week, looking at fundamental movement skills
P1-P3: children have two 45-minute PE lessons a week
P4-P6: children have one 45-minute PE lesson a week plus one 1.5hr Games afternoon
Games Curriculum
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys | Rugby* | Hockey | Cricket / Tennis |
| Girls | Hockey | Netball | Cricket / Tennis / Touch Rugby |
*Please note: there is always a non-contact rugby group in every session
Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Athletic Clubs (after school)
We have our specialist JS PE teachers taking these clubs after school.
The Rugby and Hockey run over both the autumn and spring terms (from 3.30pm – 4.45pm on a Thursday). Hockey is for P6 pupils and the Rugby is for the P5 and P6 year groups. There is a separate P5 Hockey club run by another teaching colleague. In the summer term, there we run an Athletics club for P6 pupils and Cricket for both P5 and P6.
If your child would like to represent the school on a Saturday morning (P6s), we would like them to attend these clubs (if this is not viable, then we can discuss this on an individual basis).
If these clubs have to be cancelled due to adverse weather, we try to let parents know by lunchtime on the day. Parents can then collect their child (if possible) at the normal pick up time. If this is not possible, they can be looked after by their coach until the club pick up time of 4.45pm.
Saturday morning matches
These are predominately for Primary 6 pupils. Junior School Saturday teams are typically selected by Thursday at the latest and are then posted on the SOCS website (www.edinburghacademysports.org.uk)
The main features of this secure website are the sports calendar with fixtures details, and team lists.
The password to gain access to team sheets is EASports! (exclamation mark is needed).
Team Selection and Captaincy
At the Junior School, all P6 pupils are encouraged to take part in matches and to represent the school. If they want to be in the team – they will be! As the term progresses, there might be a need to go to a selected team and some pupils will be rotated in and out (number dependent). Here the team will be selected on sporting merit. The captaincy of the team is always rotated at the Junior School to give as many pupils as possible the opportunity to experience this.
Sports Uniform
This information is detailed in the Uniform section.
Senior School
Aims
The Edinburgh Academy seeks through its Games programme to offer the following to each pupil in the School:
- To give the opportunity to participate in competitive sports.
- To develop skill levels and games understanding.
- To enjoy their sports in practice and match situations and deal with victory or defeat in an appropriate spirit, developing humility and resilience.
- To understand how to be a good team member and to develop respect for others.
- To understand the health and social benefits of sports involvement and be inspired to continue their involvement after they have left School.
The aim is to provide a significant number of competitive fixtures in the core sports. Pupils should be available to play in the Saturday morning fixtures. It is an important part of The Edinburgh Academy experience. The exception to this is Netball where competitive matches take place midweek, typically during Team practice slots. This is the norm across the wider Netball landscape in Scotland. The other sports take place on a more recreational basis although there may be occasional fixtures arranged.
Games Options
Core Sports
Boys: Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics and Tennis
Girls: Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Athletics and Tennis
In the Senior School the pupils are asked to choose their Games option via MS Teams Forms. The PE Department cover a wide range of activities during curricular PE time.
As a relatively small school, it is not feasible to offer too wide a range of sports in Games time as it would affect the School’s ability to field teams for the core sports’ competitive fixtures. It is hoped that our provision encourages pupils to pursue sporting activities in their own time, which will have fitness, health and social benefits.
Here are the current choices:
Autumn and Spring Terms
Geits–4ths
Boys: Rugby or Hockey
Girls: Hockey or Netball
5ths–7ths
Seniors have a range of options including Hockey, Rugby, Netball, Football, Climbing, Gym, S&C, Yoga, Pilates, Run Club, Squash, Basketball
Summer Term
Geits–4ths
Boys: Cricket, Athletics or Tennis
Girls: Cricket, Athletics or Tennis
5ths–7ths
Seniors have a range of options including Athletics, Cricket, Tennis, Climbing, Gym, S&C, Yoga, Golf, Pilates, Run Club, Squash, Basketball
Development of Core Sports
The EA Games staff comprises of several teachers & coaches with strong sporting backgrounds, backed up with a number of specialist external coaches. The aim is to deliver a high quality of coaching provision to all levels.
The following staff are in charge of the core sports:
Director of Sport: Paul Livesey
Director of Rugby: Andy Royle
Assistant Director of Rugby: John Hardie
Director of Hockey: Alan Wall
Assistant Director of Hockey: Jack Kinloch
Director of Netball: Rita Venermo
Head of Cricket: John Blain
Head of Athletics: Andy Royle
Head of Tennis: Jude Johnston
Main Games Practice Times (Autumn & Spring Terms)
| Mondays | Geits and 2nds: 11.00 am–12.30 pm |
| Tuesdays & Thursdays |
5ths – 7ths: |
| Wednesdays | 4ths: 2.40–4.30 pm |
| Thursdays | 3rds: 11.00 am–12.30 pm |
Team Practices
| Mondays |
3rds Rugby: 4.00–5.00 pm (Collect at New Field, 5.00 pm) |
| Wednesdays |
Geits & 2nds: |
| Thursdays |
4ths Rugby: 4.00–5.00 pm (Collect at New Field, 5.00 pm) |
Main Games Practice Times (Summer Term)
These are the timings with the 6 periods per day model.
| Mondays | Geits and 2nds: Cricket & Tennis (New Field), Athletics (Junior School) 11.00 am–12.30 pm |
| Tuesdays & Thursdays |
5ths–7ths: Cricket, Tennis, Athletics 2.40–5.00 pm (Collect at New Field, 5.00 pm) During exam leave in May: Cricket, Tennis, Athletics continue; all other activities pause until 5ths & 6ths return. |
| Wednesdays |
4ths: Cricket, Tennis (New Field), Athletics (Junior School) 2.40–4.30 pm |
| Thursdays |
3rds: Cricket, Tennis (New Field), Athletics (Junior School) 11.00 am–12.30 pm |
Team Practices
| Mondays |
3rds: Cricket & Tennis (New Field), Athletics (Junior School) 4.00–5.00 pm (Collect at New Field, 5.00 pm) |
| Wednesdays |
Geits & 2nds: Cricket & Tennis (New Field), Athletics (Junior School) 4.00–5.00 pm (Collect at New Field, 5.00 pm) |
| Thursdays |
3rds & 4ths: Tennis (New Field), Athletics (Junior School) 4.10–5.00 pm |
Notes: Team squad members are expected to attend team practices. Non-squad pupils may join if keen.
If a team practice is cancelled, pupils may go home from Henderson Row at 3.35 pm. Pupils unable to go home will be supervised in the Library.
Pupils can leave Games sessions in sports kit. In Autumn and Spring terms, ideally this will be full tracksuit and trainers or pupils can choose to change back into School uniform.
They should avoid wearing a mixture of School uniform and sports uniform.
Guidance for walking up to Games
Please note that the walk up to Games is considered an important part of their weekly exercise. Some staff walk up and some are mobile on bikes to keep an eye on the pupils. The Geits and 2nds are more closely monitored to ensure safe practice.
- At any road crossing, all pupils must be vigilant and take responsibility for looking right, left, then right again to check for cars!
- At all times respect other users of the paths and pavements making space for others to pass easily.
- Pupils are advised to be in a group of at least 3 as they walk up.
- Pupils are not permitted to buy sweets at the ice cream van opposite the Botanics or any other shops on their way up to Games.
- At the start of the Games session, a register will be taken by the teacher in charge.
Valuables
Pupils are reminded to hand in valuables at the start of Games practices, if they are in an unlockable changing room.
Lost Property System
Items left at New Field will be placed on the tables in the middle rooms of pavilions. If an item is named, the student will be contacted via Microsoft Teams message, and the item will be returned accordingly. Items without names will be kept in the School Office. If these items are not claimed within a reasonable time, they will be donated to the Uniform Exchange.
Reminders
Please check that all items are named clearly, especially kit bags.
Please look after property: it should be hung up or placed on the shelves in the games bag shed. Never leave valuables in an unlocked changing room.
Off Games – Procedure for Injured or Ill Pupils
Notification
Any pupil who is injured or unwell must ask their parents to email both:
- Reception: reception@edinburghacademy.org.uk
- Mr Livesey: pbl@edinburghacademy.org.uk
This should be done before morning break.
Off-Games Supervision
Pupils who are off games must attend a supervised study session in the library.
| Mondays | (Geits & 2nds) 11.00 am – 12.45 pm |
| Wednesdays | (4ths) 2.40 – 3.35 pm |
| Tuesdays & Thursdays | (5ths – 7ths) 2.40 – 3.35 pm |
| Thursdays | (3rds) 11.00 am – 12.45 pm |
Cancellation of Games Lessons
We will never cancel Games lessons. When pitches are unfit for play or the weather is extremely poor, some Games sessions will have to be merged to cater for all the pupils. We will prioritise our A squad trainings and organise alternative arrangements indoors for all other students.
Cancellation of Team Practice
In the event of poor weather or unplayable pitch conditions, some team training sessions may need to be cancelled.
Where possible, we will prioritise training for the A Squad.
Communication of Cancellations
Students 3rds and above: via Microsoft Teams group message
Parents of Geits and 2nds: via email
The library will be available to students who need to wait for parents.
Fixture Arrangements
All EA Sports information is available on the SOCS website
Key features include:
- Sports Calendar with full fixture details
- Team Lists for upcoming matches
To access team sheets, use the password: EASports! (note: the exclamation mark is required).
Team Selection & Posting:
- Saturday Fixtures: Teams are usually selected on Thursday of the same week and posted on SOCS.
- Netball Fixtures: Typically midweek; team sheets are published 48 hours before the match.
Match Day Guidelines
For Saturday Matches in Edinburgh:
- Pupils may arrive wearing their sports kit with a full School tracksuit or wet top.
- Hoodies are not permitted.
- Tracksuit tops and bottoms must not be worn while playing.
For Matches Outside Edinburgh:
- The School will arrange transport.
- Pupils should travel in EA tracksuits, unless otherwise specified.
If Unable to Play:
- If a pupil becomes ill overnight and cannot play, please notify:
- The team coach via their school email address, or
- The Director of the relevant sport
Rugby: aroyle@edinburghacademy.org.uk
Hockey: awall@edinburghacademy.org.uk
Netball rvenermo@edinburghacademy.org.uk
Cricket: jblain@edinburghacademy.org.uk
Athletics: aroyle@edinburghacademy.org.uk
Tennis: jhj@edinburghacademy.org.uk
Cancellation of Matches
Information will be posted on the SOCS website
Mouth Guards and Shin Pads
- Rugby: Mouth guards are compulsory.
- Hockey: Mouth guards and shin pads are compulsory.
These requirements follow National Governing Body guidelines. EA Games staff will enforce the use of mouth guards during both practices and matches.
If a pupil forgets their mouth guard, a temporary one may be available from the staff changing room supply.
Custom-Fit Mouth Guards
We partner with Opro, the world’s leading manufacturer of custom-fit mouthguards. Opro offers an Instant Custom-Fit mouthguard, providing dentist-level protection that can be fitted at home.
To order:
- Visit: https://opro.info/TheEdinburghAcademy
- Select your preferred mouthguard
- Enter discount code EdinburghAcademy10 at checkout for 10% off
- Your mouthguard will be delivered to your chosen address
- Follow the included fitting instructions
- Your mouthguard is then ready to use!
Team Selection – Our Approach
At Edinburgh Academy, team selection is guided by the professional judgment of our coaches, who aim to create the best possible experience for all pupils.
At the start of a new academic year, previous coaches share information, but every pupil begins with a new opportunity to impress. Players develop and change in size, skill, and confidence, so selections reflect these factors.
Coaches consider performance in practices and matches each week, as well as attitude and effort. While some decisions can be challenging, our goal is always to be fair and transparent. If a pupil moves down a team or is not selected, coaches will explain the reasons and provide targets for improvement.
We kindly ask parents to trust and support our coaches in their role. Positive encouragement helps pupils grow and enjoy their sport without unnecessary pressure.
Occasionally, especially in younger age groups, there may be more pupils than available places. In these cases, coaches will do their best to share match opportunities fairly.
In skill-based sports (Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Cricket), pupils generally play within their year group. Exceptionally talented players at pathway or National level may be considered for playing up, but their priority remains their own year group.
For safety and development, younger rugby players may be asked to play down an age group to align with other schools’ age bandings.
Our aim is to ensure every decision is made with care, fairness, and the best interests of all pupils, fostering a positive sporting environment where everyone can thrive.
In Hockey pupils may play for their own year group and also act as a substitute for the team above on match days, or when a senior team has a fixture and their own year group does not.
In all sports, training aims to challenge and improve every player. Occasionally, individuals may be invited to train with the year group above to support their development.
If you have concerns regarding team selection, please email:
- Director of Sport for that discipline
- Director of Sport – Paul Livesey pbl@edinburghacademy.org.uk
Captaincy Selection
There are opportunities for pupils to take on the roles of Captain or Vice-Captain within various teams. Teachers and coaches will provide guidance and support throughout this process.
The Coach in charge of the team is responsible for selecting the Captain. It is recommended that they seek input from:
- Coaches from the previous year
- Class teachers, where appropriate
In some cases, it may be beneficial to allow more than one pupil to experience the responsibility during the season.
For Geits and 2nds, we encourage coaches to rotate captains to give as many pupils as possible this valuable leadership experience.
Medical Provision
Saturday Match days: there are external first aiders on duty for Saturday home Rugby and Hockey matches. Games staff will have access to first aid bags for all other matches.
Games practices and mid-week match days: the teachers with first aid qualifications deal with any first aid issues during practice sessions. Each team/practice has access to first aid bags and ice.
Use of fitness room at the EA Sports Centre
Pupils may use the sports hall, squash courts, or fitness rooms during school time (9.00 am – 6.00 pm) only when supervised by a member of school staff.
From 6.00pm onwards and at weekends, facilities are open to Sports Centre members.
All pupils must complete an induction course before using the fitness room. Every pupil must sign in before using any of the facilities.
Sports Uniform
It is important that pupils look smart on match days and wear the correct kit.
It is acceptable to wear baselayers and track suits during practice sessions in cold conditions as practice sessions tend to be more stop start than matches. The Games staff will give guidance to the pupils and reminders where necessary.
We have streamlined the requirements for student kits based on different activities. For Physical Education (PE) lessons, Games lessons, or Team practice, students are required to wear the training range, with some items being mandatory and others optional. However, when competing against other schools, students must wear the performance garments. This simplifies the kit requirements and ensures that students are appropriately dressed for different activities. Additionally, some items can be used interchangeably between the training and performance ranges, providing flexibility and convenience for students.
This information is detailed in the Uniform Section.
Sports Colours
| Half Colours | Pupils must have demonstrated a consistently high quality of performance. | S1 | 5ths to 7th (younger pupils by exception) |
| Pupils must have demonstrated a consistently high level of commitment. | S2 | ||
| Full national representation in a regional standard competition. | S3 | ||
| Full Colours | Pupils must have demonstrated a consistently high level of behaviour on the pitch, commitment to the programme and application in all facets of the sport which go above and beyond the expectation in order to display the correct characteristics to be a consistently good role model to other pupils. | S4 | 6ths/7ths (younger pupils by exception) |
| Played 1st Team for majority of the season with consistently high quality of performance. | S5 | ||
| Full national representation in a national competition. | S6 |
Sports Tour information
There is no set pattern of sports tours. A tour could be organised by any of the sports teaching staff at any suitable time. It is a major organisational task to set up and run a tour. There have been a number of tours organised in the past to locations such as Argentina, South Africa, Canada, Holland and Ireland. The staff must follow the EA policy guidelines for trips and seek permission from the Rector to plan a tour. Where possible, a significant amount of notice will be given to the parent body.
APPENDIX: CODE OF CONDUCT
Code of Conduct for Team Sports
Representing The Edinburgh Academy is a privilege and an important part of school life. Our Code of Conduct reflects our core values of Ambition, Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, and Engagement (ACCIE) to ensure that participation in team sports is enjoyable, rewarding, and respectful for all.
Expectations for Pupils
- Ambition: Strive to give your best effort in every practice and match.
- Collaboration: Be available for Saturday fixtures and inform your coach promptly if unavailable. Check team lists early, know match arrangements, and attend team meetings on time.
- Engagement: Commit fully to your team and the sport.
Players’ Code of Conduct
- Ambition: Always try your hardest and encourage teammates positively.
- Integrity: Wear the correct school sports kit and maintain a smart appearance.
- Compassion: Show respect to officials, opponents, and spectators at all times.
- Collaboration: Shake hands and thank referees/umpires, opponents, and coaches after the match.
- Engagement: Remember you represent yourself, your team, and The Edinburgh Academy.
Guidance for Parents and Supporters
- Engagement & Compassion: Your presence and support are valued—please set an example of good sporting etiquette.
- Integrity: Avoid criticism of officials and do not enter the field of play or changing rooms.
- Safety: Comply with notices and restrictions around playing areas.
- Video Recording: Only permitted for educational purposes.
Players’ Disciplinary Code
- Integrity: Any player sent off in a Rugby or Hockey match refereed by a society official will be reported to the SRU/SHU Disciplinary Committee.
- For matches with non-society officials, the EA coach will submit a report to the Director of Sport.
- The School will review each case individually, referring to National Governing Body codes, and communicate decisions to parents and relevant parties.
- Additional sanctions may apply, considering age, stage, and previous conduct.
