This recent Bishopsgate fixture started as touch games for all boys and more elements of their age grade rules were introduced when it felt appropriate. The top third of the Year 6s for example, got to a full contact, 2 in the ruck game with kicking the ball allowed. The middle third got to two in the ruck game but no kicking of the ball and those in the bottom third who wanted to stay playing touch rugby were able to happily do so. My colleagues and I could also interject in the matches and provide tactical advice, as and when required. So all-in-all, a very useful and enjoyable exercise for the boys and one that nicely encapsulated our progressive and differentiated approach to introducing rugby as gently as we reasonably can in the spring term.
On a sad note, next week will be Mr Henderson’s last Games sessions at Hampton Prep. He has been an invaluable part of the Games department over the past seven and a half years, bringing great passion, fun and energy to provide boys with engaging and enjoyable lessons. He has coached some great Hampton Prep teams over the years and given a lot of time and effort to ensure fixtures run efficiently and weekend tournaments and tours are a memorable experience. We wish him all the best for the future and he will be missed by the department, the boys, the school and me!
As this is the last sports bulletin of the Autumn, I’d like to wish you all a Happy Christmas. Eat, drink, be merry and then get outside to run/kick a ball around/go for a walk/play catch with your son.
And finally, come on England!