Wellington School is pushing back against an exaggerated Sunday Times article last weekend that claimed it had dropped team sports such as rugby and cricket in favour of activities such as Zumba and mindfulness.
“Whatever the headline writers say it is of course incorrect that Wellington School has decided to ‘abandon competitive sport in favour of Zumba, mindfulness and yoga’,” said headmaster Henry Price.
“What is true, however, is that the School has a fresh and innovative approach to timetabled PE lessons, which are now called Wellbeing lessons and delivered by a talented team of professionals led by Steffan Jones, an ex-professional cricket and rugby player. Pupils are taught a healthy lifestyle which will serve them at school and long into the future.
“This is not remotely to say team sports have become redundant. Girls and boys still thrive in a team environment and I would not wish to see an element of competition removed from school sport, as long as it is tempered by sportsmanship and a sense of perspective.
“The school believes passionately in the wellbeing of our pupils and will keep striving to provide an education and range of opportunities that benefit them while they are at Wellington and long into the future
“Our aim is not only to increase fitness and confidence at school, but also to teach pupils how to look after themselves long after they leave school.”