Sport at Stowe
Sport is an important part of life at Stowe, whether representing the School, playing in an inter- House event or just for enjoyment with friends. Through the enjoyment of sport we enable Stoics to develop a range of desirable personal qualities such as initiative, perseverance and leadership skills, while learning to understand the importance of team spirit and sportsmanship. Development of physical confidence helps establish self-esteem, so valuable in other areas of life.
The main sports for boys are rugby, hockey and cricket; for girls, lacrosse, hockey and tennis. Stowe also offers an exceptionally wide range of other sports, giving everybody the opportunity to take part in an activity they enjoy. A boy who always knew he was a strong rugby player may suddenly discover he has a real talent for clay pigeon shooting. In the same vein, the county lacrosse star may find herself sculling on the lakes or teeing off on the ninth.
We are proud of Stowe's sporting achievements with 3 of our recent Old Stoics obtaining professional contracts in Rugby and Cricket, with the 2 cricketers going on to represent England in the Under 19 World Cricket Series.
Facilities include floodlit Astroturf pitches, a six-lane, twenty-five metre heated indoor swimming pool, a modern sports hall, a 400 metre running track, a golf course, tennis, squash, badminton and fives courts, and a weights room as well as extensive playing fields. Of course, parental support on the touchline is very much welcomed and encouraged.
All Stoics must have at least two sessions of cardiovascular exertion a week. Many have more than this, taking every opportunity not only to represent the School in sporting fixtures but to use the facilities in their activity and leisure time.
Those with exceptional talent will become members of our Stowe Elite Sports Squad which gives support through a programme of mentoring, lectures on sport science and individual training programmes. Junior Stoics may be made members of the Stowe Academy Sports Squad which will give help with training programmes, psychology and leadership, nutrition and will also be mentored by a specialist member of staff.
Our Physical Education programme aims to complement the overall educational plan of the School and is designed to develop positive attitudes to participation in physical activity, leading to an understanding of the need and benefits of continued exercise throughout their lives. Sports lessons are conducted using a range of teaching styles, a variety of experiences, and professional coaches within our Sports team are on hand to give expert advice.
Sports tours play a key part in the development of our sports teams and have included a rugby tour of South Africa, a cricket tour of India and other tours to Chile and Argentina.