Physical Education & Sport

In the Merchant Taylors' Prep Physical Education and Games Department we have a strong commitment to inclusion and ensuring that all boys benefit from their experience in sport. Pupils experience a diverse curriculum, offering opportunities in both team and individual sport. The vision of the department is firmly embedded in the idea of every pupil being provided the opportunity to reach their potential and develop at a pace which suits the individual. Our aim is to provide a range of sporting experiences supporting all levels of development and encourage achievement within a safe and supportive environment. Our overriding goal of lifelong participation in physical activity and an understanding of a healthy lifestyle, is one which we hope to have instilled in all boys during their time with us.

To this end, our curriculum is delivered by a department of highly experienced teachers and coaches which begins with Nursery PE and Pre-Prep Games Sessions. Our broad and balanced curriculum is not limited to statutory requirements of the National Curriculum, and offers additional choice and value. Pupils have the opportunity to play competitively, either through fixtures against other schools, through our extensive House Competitions and Development Festivals, and through intra-year group fixtures. Our aim from Year 4 onwards is that every boy will represent the school in competitive fixtures over the three terms, as well as being fully involved in regular games sessions and other representative activities. We celebrate the occasions when we are successful and instil the understanding that enjoyment, resilience and sportsmanship are some of the key values of sporting development.  

In Pre-Prep our boys participate in a variety of activities with a focus on movement, enjoyment and participation. Individual creative developments and co-ordination are further fostered within fundamental movement skills and gymnastics programs. In addition, the fundamentals of working with a group underpin the curriculum through a variety of modified games activities. 

In addition to the Physical Education Curriculum, boys participate in our Games Curriculum each week significantly increasing their exposure to physical activity. Games are played seasonally with football and hockey being played in the Autumn Term, rugby, cross country and hockey in the Spring, and cricket, tennis and athletics in the Summer. 

Our sports facilities are extensive and timetabled in such a way that weather conditions very rarely interrupt sessions. Boys benefit from a fully equipped sports hall, indoor cricket nets, floodlit astroturf and several acres of enclosed playing fields, enabling several activities to be run simultaneously. Our facilities are also fully utilised through our extensive extra-curricular program which takes place at the end of the normal school day.

We organise several Sports Tours (Bath Hockey Tour, Manchester City Football Tour, Barbados Cricket Tour) which run based on the current interests and strengths of the boys. All boys in Y6-8 also have the opportunity to attend an annual skiing visit in Italy at Easter, which is open to both skiers and non-skiers, and is extremely popular.

Cricket at MTP continues to go from strength-to-strength with more boys involved at club level than any other sport. Regular use of Merchant Taylors’ Senior School and our close links with Middlesex CCC means that our boys enjoy significant access and opportunity to coaching and facilities at the highest level.

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