The immense satisfaction that goes with being an Academy Principal is derived by being given the licence to think differently, with the aim of solving specific educational challenges.

There was no doubt in my mind that Harefield abounded with challenges some seven years ago: underperformance, low expectations, low self-esteem (of the students and the community), to name just a few. The journey since opening has been exciting and full of rewards. I doubt if any school ever declares that it is has ‘arrived’ in terms of improvement and that is certainly never our modus operandi, but positive change has impacted on all aspects of life in the Academy and beyond. Success can be assessed through the normal measures of examination results, and also through incredible sporting success and positive student leadership, for example.

So why the further development of new boarding provision at The Harefield Academy, or at any other state school or Academy?

Although the phrase is overused, we really do want to ‘make a difference’ and the difference we are already making can, we feel, be further developed. We know that boarding makes a positive difference, and examples of successful boarding schools are many and varied. The top independent and state boarding schools produce successful young men and women who are keen to lead in their chosen field.

As a Sports Academy, we believe that our boarding provision combined with the programme of sport will be a winning combination. So, how is this slightly different to the norm?
As Pat Cottis, Academy Director (Specialism), says constantly, ‘It’s easy! You establish what the young person needs to allow them to perform at the highest level (both in their chosen sport and in the classroom) and you make it happen.’ What, then, are the very practical components of the programme?

Students have personalised timetables and schedules that allow them to train on-site or at an off-site facility at a time that is good for their regime. This means that talented sports students train at their optimum time regardless of whether it is during the normal school day or not. Academic studies affected by this training programme are supported through additional study sessions and distance learning. Students are set targets and monitored to ensure that they are focused and achieve their potential.

Sixty students are already day boarders. This enables them to complete a busy programme, meeting their academic and training needs, often working alongside other likeminded individuals who are able to share experiences, learn from and motivate each other. Every student who is performing at a very high level has a unique day. Their timetable is dependent on their training needs and, again, boarding will help tremendously.

All the elite sport students have a Sports Mentor who puts the students’ interests at the heart of their advice, support and guidance. Students often have difficulty in scheduling their training needs with their academic work and social life, particularly leading up to major competitions. Their Sports Mentor identifies issues and helps to guide the individual so as to prevent or minimise any clashes.

Students are encouraged to participate in at least one other sport, and in general PE. This enables all students to develop an expertise in another activity or major sport. This may be of particular help if the major sport does not develop as expected. Thus, a safety net is provided for those students who have reached their peak in their original chosen sport. As many sporting skills are transferable from one sport to another, the student is often able to progress quickly in a new sport, enjoy early success and focus on achieving his/her aspirations.

To manage potentially stressful situations the Academy Director (Specialism) meets with coaches, trainers, mentors, parents and students to discuss training and coaching regimes. During these meetings it is important that the students are given a voice and that they have a champion managing the meeting to achieve a unified approach.

All teaching staff have a commitment to all students, no matter how complex the individual student’s personalised curriculum is. Staff give the elite students one-to-one tutoring, if this is needed, to ensure all-round success. Work is set for those students who are competing or training away from school and the Academy’s Virtual Learning Environment is used for online learning.

All of those professionals who work on the Elite programme have to work together for the good of all the students. This means that the physiotherapist may be funded by Watford Football Club, but they must also offer support to students pursuing other sports. Similarly, the ballet teacher who is employed to work mainly with the young gymnasts also works with students training for other disciplines.
 

 

There are great benefits for students in working together. For example, footballers develop deep respect for the training regimes of gymnasts. Students are supportive of each other, and respect each other’s commitments and aspirations. These elite performers are high-profile, leading role models and enjoy a high status within the Academy. As a result, they are never isolated, and share their successes with the whole student body.

Our sporting programme is tried and tested, and to say that we have enjoyed sporting success at The Harefield Academy would be an understatement! During 2010/11 we are enjoying significant local, national and international success in football (girls and boys), cricket, swimming, table tennis, acrobatic gymnastics, tae kwon do, diving, in-line skating and ice dancing.

Being involved in the design and development process of the new boarding house has been very rewarding indeed, and there has been a huge interest in the scheme from other heads and principals.

We are very excited about the further opportunities that will be presented to students from September 2011 at The Harefield Academy with the development of the boarding places, and we are delighted by the number and range of applications we have received for places thus far.

In the words of Baroness Sue Campbell (Chair, UK Sport), ‘Sport has the power to change lives.’ We are sure that sport and boarding will be a winning combination at Harefield.

 

 

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