Figure 1.--Games receive considerablev emphasis at most prep schools. The academic master often help with the games program. The children receive considerable individual attention. |
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While academics have become increasingly important at the modern prep school, games (sports) continue to be important at most schools. This of course reflects the public school tradition. Most readers will be familiar with the Duke of Wellington's remark that the Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing field's of Eton. The prep schools after all are geared to prepare children for public schools. Here the ballance varies greatly from school to school. This is something prospective parents should seriously consider before selecting a school. Some headmasters place great importance on games. We have even known headmasters to get in fist fights on the games field--although that of course is quite rare. Schools have fixtures, mostly with other prep schools located near by. The various sports tended to be vary by gender. A considerable part of the afternnon at most schools is devoted to games. Here the emphasis is on the main sports and individual coaching is provided. The principal games for boys are cricket and rugby and now football (soccer). Field hockey was once common, but has gradually lost out to soccer. The girls compete in netball and hockey. A considerable part of the afternnon at most schools is devoted to games. Here the emphasis is on the main sports and individual coaching is provided. Attention is also given to other sports like track and field. The younger children might play games like rounders.
Athletics is the term for track and field in Britain. It is primarily a summer sport. Most schools run the events for the annual Sports Day.
Cricket is one of the principal games for boys. It is the principaal summer term sport. Only boys play cricket.
Soccer is one of the principal games for boys.
Field hockey was once common, but has gradually lost out to soccer as a Winter term sport. It is ine of the few sports in which boys and girls can play together.
The girls compete in netball. This is a sport similar to basketball, but without dribbling allowed.
Rounders is a sport with some similarity to baseball, in fact earky references to the gane used the term "baseball". Rounders became more common as baseball emerged as a major sport in America. The games appears to date back several centuries amd like many other teamsports, originated in England. Written references aee more modern. As in baseball, two teams take turns fielding and batting. The official ball is leather, but schools use a variety of balls depending on the field and age if the players. A small, short bat is used and swing with one hand. It is sometimes played as a sport by the girls. It is also used as a game activity for the younger children played during morning break, physical education (gym) or afternoon gams. It was a sport that could be used for mixed groups. The skill sets are not as demanding as cricket whuch many of the younger boys have trouble with. In that sence it is used rather like kickball is used in America. The children have a good time with it and is a popular choice for a game activity.
Rugby is one of the principal games for boys. It is the principal Fall sport. Only boys play Rugny.
