Somerset House is committed to providing pupils with a comprehensive sports programme designed to ensure maximum participation. It is our firm belief that the programme we offer will enhance our children’s physical ability and develop their self-confidence. Sport not only promotes physical fitness, builds self-esteem and introduces children to a healthy lifestyle, but also encourages teamwork, the development of self-control, co-operation, loyalty, unselfishness, determination and leadership.
Somerset House has a system of compulsory sport participation and therefore has an obligation to develop every child who participates in the programme to the best of their ability. Somerset House is also committed to sporting excellence in terms of being competitive and developing individuals who are able to represent not only their school, but their province and their country.
Participation
Somerset House has a system of compulsory sport participation and therefore has an obligation to develop every child who participates in the programme to the best of their ability. Part of this development involves matches arranged between schools on a non-league or friendly basis. It is important in these games to give everyone an opportunity to participate. Participation and enjoyment are the most important elements here. Sporting excellence in this context means developing each individual so that they achieve according to their potential.
Excellence
Somerset House is also committed to sporting excellence in terms of being competitive and developing individuals who are able to represent not only their school, but their province and their country. League fixtures are arranged in the team sports codes. Team sports include football, swimming, cricket, tennis, hockey, netball and rugby. At this level of competition, Somerset House will always field the strongest team. As such, some players may not get to play in certain games. Sporting excellence in this context means selecting the strongest teams or players who will achieve the best results.
1-Team
The Somerset House 1-Team concept originated on our sports fields where our pupils all carry the number 1, instead of their names or a personal number, on their sports kit. The reason for this lies in one of our core values – team spirit. A team is strong when there is trust, cohesiveness and co-operation between its members. No one team member is more important than another.
The 1-Team philosophy spread to the classrooms, the playgrounds the staff room and the parent body and has become a phrase used daily. Together, as a community, as a team, we celebrate our successes, face our challenges, live out our values and look out for one another.
