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 is dedicated to enhancing its Games programme to ensure that each pupil in the School can benefit from the following:
- Opportunities for participation in competitive sports, fostering a sense of healthy competition and teamwork.
- Development of skill levels and a deeper understanding of various games, nurturing a lifelong passion for sports.
- Enjoyment of sports in both practice and match situations and learning how to handle victory and defeat with humility and resilience.
- Cultivation of good sportsmanship and respect for others, understanding the importance of being a team player.
- Recognition of the health and social benefits of sports involvement, inspiring pupils to continue their sporting pursuits even after leaving School.
The Academy aims to provide a substantial number of competitive fixtures in core sports, with pupils expected to be available for Saturday morning fixtures, which are considered a crucial part of The Edinburgh Academy experience. While other sports may have a more recreational focus, occasional fixtures may also be arranged to further enhance the sporting opportunities for pupils.
Games Options
Core Sports
Boys: Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics and Tennis.
Girls: Hockey, Netball, Athletics, Tennis, Cricket and Rugby.
In the Senior School the pupils are asked to choose their Games option via MS Teams.
The PE Department provides a diverse range of activities during curricular PE time. We are proud that, while we are a relatively small school, we are able to turn out multiple teams in our major sports and we strive to provide other options for those seeking other forms of exercise and wellbeing. Nevertheless, we aim to inspire our students to engage in sporting activities during their free time, which can have positive impacts on their fitness, health, and social well-being.
Here are the current choices:
Autumn and Spring Terms
Geits–4ths
Boys: Rugby or Hockey
Girls: Hockey or Netball or Rugby
5ths–7ths
Seniors have a range of options including; Hockey, Rugby, Football, Climbing, Gym, S&C, Dance, Yoga, Golf, Pilates, Run Club, Squash, Netball, Basketball
Summer Term
Geits–4ths
Boys: Cricket, Athletics or Tennis or Rounders
Girls: Cricket, Athletics or Tennis or Rounders
5ths–7ths
Seniors have a range of options including; Cricket, Tennis, Rounders, Softball, Climbing, Gym, S&C, Dance, Yoga, Golf, Pilates, Run Club, Squash, Netball, Basketball
Development of Core Sports
The EA Games staff comprises a number of teachers 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 Games timetable is flexible enough to enable senior coaches to work at a number of levels, which can allow some very useful in service opportunities for the games staff as well exposing pupils to our most experienced coaches.
The following staff are in charge of the core sports:
Director of Sport: Paul Livesey
Director of Rugby/Athletics: Chris Martin
Director of Hockey: Alan Wall
Head of Cricket: Ryan Sales
Head of Tennis/Academic PE: Jude Johnston
Main Games Practice times (Autumn & Spring terms)
These are the timings with the 6 periods per day model.
| Mondays | Geits and 2nds: 11.15am – 12.30pm |
| Tuesdays & Thursdays | 5ths – 7ths: Rugby, Hockey 3.15 – 5.00pm (Collect at New Field 5.00pm) School Based option sports run from 2.40 – 4.00pm Junior School based options run from 3.15 – 4.30pm |
| Wednesdays | 4ths: 3.15 – 4.30pm |
| Thursdays | 3rds: 11.15am – 12.30pm |
Team practices
| Mondays | 3rds Rugby, all Hockey: 2.10 – 5.00pm (Collect at New Field 5.00pm) |
| Wednesdays | Geits and 2nds: 4.10 – 5.00pm (Collect at New Field 5.00pm) |
| Thursdays | 4ths Rugby, all Hockey: 4.10 – 5.00pm (Collect at New Field 5.00pm) |
Main Games Practice times (Summer term)
These are the timings with the 6 periods per day model.
| Mondays | Geits and 2nds: Cricket, Rounders and Tennis at New Field, Athletics at Junior School 11.15am – 12.30pm |
| Tuesdays & Thursdays |
5ths – 7ths: School Based option sports run from 2.40 – 4.00pm During exam leave in May cricket, Athletics and Tennis are available, all other activities do not continue until 5ths & 6ths return from exam leave. |
| Wednesdays | 4ths: Cricket, Athletics, Tennis and Rounders 3.15 – 4.30pm (Cricket, Rounders and Tennis at New Field, Athletics at Junior School) |
| Thursdays | 3rds: Cricket, Rounders and Tennis at New Field, Athletics at Junior School 11.15am – 12.30pm |
Team practices
| Mondays | 3rds Cricket: 4.10 – 5.00pm (Collect at New Field 5.00pm) |
| Wednesdays | Geits and 2nds: 4.10 – 5.00pm (Collect at New Field 5.00pm) |
| Thursdays | 3rds and 4ths: 4.10 – 5.00pm (Collect at New Field 5.00pm) |
If you are in a team squad you are expected to attend the team practice. If you are not in a team squad but keen to attend you are welcome to join in.
If the team practice is cancelled, pupils may go home from Henderson Row at 3.40pm. Pupils unable to go home at this time can be supervised in the Library until 4.15pm.
Losing daylight arrangements for Games (mid-November till end of Autumn term) will be posted on the web site.
Pupils can leave Games sessions in sports kit. In Autumn and Spring terms 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, pupils should 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 three as they walk up.
Pupils should make their way directly to their Games commitment.
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. Lockers are available in New Field pavilions to secure valuables. Pupils will need their own padlock for lockers.
Reminders
Please check that all items are named clearly, especially kit bags.
Please look after property: it should be stored in a locker or one of the green containers at Henderson Row.
Never leave valuables in an unlocked changing room.
Off games
Any pupil who is injured or ill must get their parents to send an email to their class teacher and Reception before morning break. The class teacher or Reception will mark them down as off games at registration.
They must attend a supervised study session for off games pupils.
| Mondays | (Geits & 2nds) 10.55am – 12.45pm |
| Tuesdays & Thursdays | (5ths – 7ths) 2.40 – 3.35pm |
| Wednesdays | (4ths) 2.40 – 3.35pm |
| Thursdays | (3rds) 10.55am – 12.45pm |
Cancellation of Games practices
When pitches are unfit for play or the weather is extremely poor, some Games sessions may have to be cancelled. If there is a succession of cancellations, the Director of Sport will share indoor facilities around the different Games groups.
A message will be posted on the students year group Teams with the different arrangements. Information will be posted on the SOCS website: (www.edinburghacademysports.org.uk) in the news section to inform parents. It is worth knowing which practice group your son or daughter is in, as the notices sometimes specify particular teams.
| 6ths (S5) & 7ths (S6) | 1st XV, 2nd XV in rugby 1st XI, 2nd XI in hockey and cricket (5ths – 7ths) |
| 5ths (S4) | U16 A & B |
| 4ths (S3) | A & B or U15 A & B |
| 3rds (S2) | A & B or U14 A & B |
| 2nds (S1) | A & B or U13 A & B |
| Geits (P7) | A & B or U12 A & B |
Fixture Arrangements
EA sports information can be found on SOCS website at www.edinburghacademysports.org.uk
The main features are the sports calendar with fixtures details, and team lists.
The password to gain access to team sheets is EASports! (exclamation mark is needed).
Saturday teams are typically selected on the Thursday or Friday of that week and are posted on the SOCS website.
Match Days
On Saturday match days, pupils can arrive for matches taking place in Edinburgh wearing their sports kit with full School track suit or wet tops. Please note that hoodies are not permitted.
The School will organise transport for matches outside of the Edinburgh area and pupils will travel in EA tracksuits unless otherwise specified.
If a pupil is ill overnight and cannot play in the morning please contact the team coach via their School e-mail address.
Match Day Refreshments
A Food Truck will be on-site to provide refreshments.
Cancellation of matches
Information will be posted on the SOCS website at www.edinburghacademysports.org.uk
Mouth guards and shin pads
Mouth guards are compulsory for Rugby. Mouth guards and shin pads are compulsory for Hockey. These recommendations are in line with National Governing Body guidance. The EA Games staff will try to enforce the wearing of mouth guards for practice and match situations. If a pupil has forgotten their mouth guard, they can use a temporary mouth guard from the staff changing room supply.
We work with Opro, who are the largest manufacturers of Custom-Fit mouthguards in the world. Opro have launched their Instant Custom-Fit mouthguard which is a dentist level mouthguard that can be fitted at home.
To order an Instant Custom-Fit please follow the steps below:
- Visit https://opro.info/TheEdinburghAcademy
- Choose the mouthguard you’d like to purchase
- Enter the discount code EdinburghAcademy10 at checkout to receive 10% off
- The Opro Instant Custom-Fit will be sent to the delivery address provided
- Follow the fitting instructions included with the mouthguard
- The mouthguard is then ready to use!
Team selection
In many sports, team selections are based on the professional and subjective opinion of the coach who oversees the team. At the beginning of each new year, information is passed on from the previous coaches, but it is made clear to students that a new year presents a fresh opportunity for all players to prove themselves, as a different coach will be making the selections. Factors such as changes in players’ size and skill levels can impact the selections.
There may be instances where difficult decisions need to be made, and it is expected that parents respect the coach’s decision. The underlying principle is to strive for fairness to all players, and coaches will explain to a student any decision that may involve moving down a team or not being selected, often providing targets for areas to work on. It is hoped that players can respond positively to setbacks and strive to improve their performance.
Especially at younger stages, there may be instances where there are more players eager to play on a team than there are available spots. In such cases, coaches will try to share the match experience among players as much as possible.
In skill-based core sports such as Hockey and Cricket, the initial approach is for players to compete in their respective year groups. However, if there are talented individuals playing at the District or National level, there may be consideration to play them at a higher level, while their core priority remains playing with their year group. Several factors need to be considered in each case to ensure that decisions are fair to all participants in team sports across the School.
In Hockey, there is potential for players to compete for their own year group and also serve as substitutes for higher level teams on match days when their own year group does not have a match. Training in all sports is aimed at improving and challenging all players, and there may be occasions where some individuals are invited to train with the year group above to aid their development.
If there are concerns regarding selection issues, please feel free to email the head of that particular sport and the Director of Sport.
Captaincy Selection
There will be opportunities for some to experience the roles of Captain or Vice Captain in the various teams. The teachers/coaches will help with guidance.
It is left to the teacher in charge of a team to decide upon the Captain. It is recommended that they refer to the teachers/coaches of the previous year and sometimes class teachers for their thoughts and views. In some years it may be appropriate to give more than one person the opportunity to experience the responsibility.
Medical Provision
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: 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.
There are stretchers in the pavilions. EA does not have access to neck collars in accordance with medical advice regarding the dangers of non-experts fitting collars.
The Games staff will contact parents if there is a serious injury.
Use of fitness room at the EA Sports Centre
Pupils can only use the sports hall, squash courts or fitness rooms during School time (9.00am – 5.00pm) if supervised by a member of School staff. The time from 5.00pm onwards and weekends is open to members of the Sports Centre.
5ths – 7ths pupils will be able to use fitness rooms between 5.00 – 7.00pm on weekdays and weekends under the supervision of the EA Sports Centre staff. They would need to go through an induction course. All pupils must sign in before using the facilities.
Sports Uniform
This information is detailed in the Uniform Section.
Sports Colours
| Sports | Half Colours |
|
5ths to 7th (younger pupils by exception) |
| Sports | Full Colours |
|
6ths/7ths (younger pupils by exception) |
| Sports | Sports Blue | Pupils have represented nationally. | Any Pupil |
Pupils can also gain recognition with sports colours if they excel at elite level in sports outwith our normal sports programme. Consideration is given when they are in 6ths or 7ths and have excelled over a significant period of time.
Half colours criteria
This is awarded at the end of a playing season to 7ths only, in recognition of a pupil’s commitment to their sport. Pupils must comply with the following in their chosen sports:
- Demonstrated a reasonably high quality of performance, but not high enough for full colours.
- Shown a consistently high level of commitment.
- Engaged in a consistently good level of behaviour on and off the pitch in order to display the correct characteristics to be a consistently good role model to other pupils.
Rationale: playing first team is a significant commitment with three sessions a week, extra skill sessions, strength and conditioning plus all the fixtures. Some will not meet all the requirements to get full colours and this is a recognition of their efforts.
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. 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 School in team sports is an important privilege and excellent opportunity to reflect the Edinburgh Academy School Values. To ensure a positive experience for all, the following Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for pupils and parents:
Pupils’ Responsibilities
Availability for Matches (Engagement): When selected for a team, pupils are expected to be available for Saturday fixtures. If unavailable to play in a match, pupils must inform their teacher/coach well in advance and with ample warning. Pupils should regularly check the team lists and be aware of match arrangements. Attendance at team meetings is mandatory and punctuality is expected.
Effort and Encouragement (Ambition): All players must strive to give their best effort at all times and support their teammates with suitable encouragement. Positive teamwork and camaraderie are essential to foster a healthy team environment.
Proper Attire (Integrity): All players must wear the correct School sports kit and ensure that they are neatly dressed, representing the School in a respectful manner. Wearing the designated sports kit is a requirement for all team members during matches and practices.
Sporting Etiquette (Integrity): All players must exhibit good sporting etiquette during matches, showing respect towards officials, opponents, and spectators. This includes following the rules of the game, adhering to fair play, and accepting decisions made by referees or umpires without dispute.
Post-match Gratitude (Compassion): At the end of each match, all players must shake hands with the referee/umpire, opponents, and opposing coach, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to compete. Demonstrating respect towards opponents and officials is crucial in upholding the values of sportsmanship and fair play.
Representing the School (Collaboration): Pupils must always remember that they are representing themselves, their team, and their School. They should conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the Edinburgh Academy, both on and off the field, and uphold the School’s values of integrity, respect, and sportsmanship.
Parents’ Responsibilities
Supportive Role: Parents should provide positive support to their child and the team, fostering a healthy and encouraging environment. Parents should avoid unnecessary interference during matches or practices and allow coaches to carry out their roles without undue pressure.
Respect for Coaches’ Decisions: Parents should respect the decisions made by coaches regarding team selections, recognising that selection takes into account player performance in practices and matches. If concerns arise, parents should address them through appropriate channels, such as the head of the respective sport, the Director of Sport, or the Head of Girls’ Games.
Parents should not enter the field of play without the express permission of the umpire/referee.
Parents and spectators must not enter the changing room areas.
Video recording of matches will only be undertaken for educational purposes.
Spectators are requested to comply with any notices to keep out of playing areas for safety reasons.
By adhering to this Code of Conduct, pupils and parents can contribute to a positive and rewarding experience for all involved in team sports at the Edinburgh Academy.
Players Disciplinary code
- In the event of a player being sent off in a Rugby or Hockey match refereed by a society referee, the referee will send their match report to the SRU/SHU Disciplinary Committee.
- If a player or an opposing player is sent off in a match officiated by a non-society referee/umpire, the EA teacher/coach will submit a written report to the Director of Sport. In the case of an opposing player the relevant Person i/c Sport will contact the opposing school.
- The School will ask the player to write their version of events and this will be followed up by a meeting with the Rector and Director of Sport.
- The School will consider their actions by reviewing the circumstances of each individual case and referring to the National Governing Body’s Disciplinary Code.
- The School’s actions will, where appropriate, be notified in writing to the EA parents concerned, the opposing school and the National Governing Body.
- A punishment beyond that of match officials will be considered in light of investigations and reference to national codes and may be commuted in part on reference to previous conduct and behaviour.
- Decisions and actions around fixtures will take account of the age and stage development of the pupils.
