Sport at St Columba’s College
We are proud to promote the sheer inspiration and enjoyment of sport at all levels, not only as an end in itself, but also as a constant opportunity to foster our core values in every student.
Athletics
Athletics is one of our main summer sports at St Columba’s College. In the Trinity term athletics takes place in PE and games lessons for both boys and girls in all years.
Pupils have the opportunity to take part in various competitions throughout the summer including district friendlies; county league and the English schools track and field cup.
There are lunchtime clubs twice a week for all age groups for both boys and girls.Basketball
Basketball is a well-established sport at St Columba’s and is played in all years across the first two terms both in the curriculum and as an extra-curricular sport.
Both boys and girls can take part in squads from year 7 to 6th form and we enter a range of competitions including district, county and national competitions. We also enter the Junior NBA competition each year.
There is break time shooting practice which occurs daily and weekly training sessions at lunchtimes for all year groups across the school.Cricket
Cricket is one of our main summer sports at the St Columba’s. In the Trinity pupil have the opportunity to play cricket in lessons as well as in an extra-curricular setting.
There are after school and lunchtime clubs across all years groups open to both boys and girls as well as matches against other independent and state schools.Cross Country
Cross country takes place in the first two terms. We offer training and competition races for those who wish to take part.
It is open to both boys and girls across all groups. We enter the distinct cross country competitions as well as county and English schools events.
Cross country is also one of our inter house events of the year for year 7 to 9.
Fencing
Fencing is offered to students in all years for both boys and girls as an extracurricular activity.
We enter various tournaments and competitions throughout the year and students have the opportunity from year 10 onwards to select fencing as an activity in their weekly games lessons where sessions are led by an external coach.
Fitness Suite
At St Columba’s we are pleased to have a very well-equipped fitness suite, consisting of a weights gym and cardio room. Both areas are used by pupils in year 9 upwards during lessons and as part of the extra cuurricular-progrmme. All pupils are fully inducted into the gym to ensure proper use when not guided by a teacher.
The facility is open every day mid-week allowing our pupils the opportunity to work on their strength and conditioning and cardiovascular fitness as part of their own training programme.
Football
Football is a well-established sport at St Columba’s and is played across all years both in the curriculum and as an extra-curricular sport. It is predominantly played in the Lent Term allowing for lessons and fixture to accompany each other developing skills as well as playing competitive matches.
Boys and girls teams across the age ranges enjoy a competitive fixture programme against both independent and state schools.
Extra-curricular clubs run on a lunch time and after school to allow for squad training.
Golf
Golf is offered to students in all years for both boys and girls and selection for teams is dependent on handicap.
We enter various tournaments and competitions throughout the year including the HMC Foursome; Independent schools singles; Rose Bowl competition and mid handicap tournament.
Students have the opportunity from year 10 onwards to select golf as an activity in their weekly games lessons where sessions are led by a PGA golf coach.
Netball
With our expansion to co-education Netball has been introduced for girls as one of our main sports. It is played in all year groups where girls are present. Currently in its infancy, we look forward to seeing it develop over the years.
In year 7 and 8 both girls and boys play netball as part of our ethical curriculum.
For extra-curricular match play the girls are entered into local district leagues and cups and training for teams takes place weekly after school and typically runs in the first two terms.Rugby
Rugby is a well-established sport at St Columba’s and is played across all years both in the curriculum and as an extra-curricular sport.
It is predominantly played in the Michaelmas Term allowing for lessons and fixture to accompany each other developing skills as well as playing competitive matches.Boys from year 7 to 6th form enjoy a competitive fixture programme against both independent and state schools.
At present Rugby is a curriculum option for girls with a recreational extra-curricular club for skill development.
Swimming
Swim club takes place over the first two terms whilst not on the curriculum we offer an early morning swim club for squad members.
We enter the Hertfordshire league and English Schools league as well as a year 7 swimming league for the younger swimmers.
It is open to both boys and girls across all the age groups and we enter a junior, inter and senior team. Swimming takes pride of place as our first inter house event of the year.
Tennis
Tennis is one of our main summer sports St Columba’s and is offered in the Trinity term. It is played in PE lessons across all the year groups and there are also after school practices open to all.
We enter both boys teams and girls teams into a variety of matches at district and county level as well as playing friendly fixtures with other schools in the area.
Meet Our Sports Staff
Mr A Lowles BEd
Head of Senior Games,
Director of Basketball,
Head of Martin
Mrs K Poole
Head of Girls’ Sport and Curriculum PE (4-18)
Mr S Murphy BSc
Head of Charles & Head of Sports Science
Mr M Finn
Deputy Head of Joseph & Teacher of PE
Mr D Raymen BA
Teacher of PE
Mrs H Stott
Teacher of PE & Teaching Assistant
Mr M Turpin
Head of Prep PE & Games and Activities Subject Leader
Mr N Batten
Head of Prep Rugby & PSHE Subject Leader
Mr T Malhotra
Prep Form Tutor & Teacher of Prep PE