Athletics offers varied challenges to suit every pupil – and across the athletic disciplines we aim to encourage individual excellence and collective endeavour.
Athletics provides opportunities for boys and girls with a whole range of skills and abilities to participate in the varied track and field disciplines. Athletics is offered to all pupils during the summer term, making the most of our outstanding facilities.
There are competitive multi-school meetings throughout the season, which provide a focus for our training. We encourage as many pupils as possible to aim for inclusion in their relevant age group teams.
Our objective is to encourage all those participating in athletics to push themselves to be their best, and to develop as athletes. Pupils can choose to specialise in one particular event, or to take part in a wide range of disciplines. For all athletes, we focus on developing correct techniques, effective training and core conditioning.
As they progress, pupils will have their own targets to achieve throughout the season, striving to improve on their personal best performances. As well as this individual focus, we emphasise the collective team-based nature of competing for the school.
Coaching
Many members of staff are involved in coaching athletics, all of whom have expertise in one or more athletic discipline. All coaches also play a role in team management. In addition, we invite external coaches and professional athletes to provide specialist training.
Facilities
Training takes place on the Leicester playing fields, where there is a 400m running rack, discus cage, shot circle and long/triple jump pits with all-weather run-ups.
Competitions
Uppingham competes in block fixtures which range in size from triangular meets upwards. The opposition varies, but includes a wide range of schools from across the country. We enter teams across the pupil age range. The usual age profile for meetings is seniors (Upper and Lower Sixth), intermediates (Upper and Lower Fifth) and juniors (Fourth Form). Individuals are normally allowed to compete in two track and one field event, or vice versa, plus relay.
Relay teams compete in specific events, including the National Track and Field Cup. Many of our athletes qualify to take part in the Leicestershire and Rutland County Championships each year, with a number going on to represent the county at district and national schools competitions.