Junior School Sports Programme at St George’s: Building New Skills and Confidence

By Christine Fourie, Director of Sport, St George’s School

"At the start of the year, when we restructured our Junior School’s sports programme here at St George’s, we had one clear goal: to give every girl the opportunity to explore, grow, and excel through sport. The impact has been transformative—not only for the girls but for the entire school community. From hockey to lacrosse, netball to gymnastics, the range of sports we offer is designed to nurture a love for physical activity and help girls discover their individual strengths.

Early Years Sports Development at St George’s Junior School

"This year, we extended our winter core sports offering—hockey, netball, and lacrosse—starting from Primary 1 right through to Primary 5, ensuring that sport becomes an integral part of their early school experience. Now our youngest students can dive straight into hockey from Primary 1. On Tuesdays, for example, our P1s and P2s have dedicated hockey sessions during school hours. The programme is designed to gradually build skills and confidence, starting with basic coordination and ball-handling techniques and progressing to more structured gameplay as they move through the year groups.

"We’ve also developed an exciting after-school sports programme, offering sports nearly every day of the week as part of our clubs and activities programme. Mondays are dedicated to netball for P4 and P5, where the girls build on their fundamental netball skills. Wednesdays feature lacrosse for the older juniors, with an emphasis on stick skills and field positioning, while gymnastics for P3s hone balance, flexibility, and coordination. Each session is led by experienced coaches who ensure that learning is both fun and effective, helping every girl to thrive.

"Our aim is simple: to give the girls a taste of each sport at a young age, build their fundamental skills and confidence, and ensure they’re ready for competitive matches by the time they move up to the Middle School.

“When you give young girls the chance to compete early, it’s amazing how their confidence grows. Our first P3 fixture this year was against St Mary’s, Melrose, and the excitement was intense—from the bus ride to the game itself. The girls loved every minute and couldn’t wait for the next match!

Encouraging Competitive Sports for Girls

"Competition plays a big part in our programme, reflecting our commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for every girl to grow both on and off the field. This year, we’ve significantly increased the number of fixtures, giving the junior girls a chance to experience the excitement and challenges of team sports. Whether it’s a friendly match or a tournament, these games are invaluable for building resilience, teamwork, and confidence.

"By participating in matches with other local schools, the girls learn about sportsmanship—how to celebrate success with humility, manage setbacks constructively, and support one another both in victory and defeat. These experiences develop camaraderie and encourage personal growth beyond the playing field.

"We want to cultivate that competitive character early on. It’s not just about physical training—it’s about experiencing the dynamics of a real game environment. As the girls progress, they’ll be well-prepared for more competitive leagues, including the Scottish Cup and district-level competitions, where their skills, teamwork, and mental toughness will show through.

Specialist Sports Coaching and Skill Development

"One of the things that sets St George’s apart is our team of specialist coaches. Every sport is led by highly experienced professionals who are passionate about what they do. With consistent coaching, the girls benefit from a structured and progressive development pathway.

"Our sports programme is carefully designed to match the girls’ development stages. In the younger years, it’s all about fundamental skills—how to hold a hockey stick, how to pass a ball, and how to understand the flow of a game. As they move into P4 and P5, the focus shifts towards game sense and strategy.

Summer Sports Activities: Cricket, Athletics, and Tennis

"The fun doesn’t stop with winter sports. In the summer, we introduce a whole new set of activities: cricket, athletics, and tennis. We’ve even invested in age-appropriate equipment—smaller cricket bats and softballs, junior hockey sticks, and colour-coded tennis balls—so the girls can learn and play with confidence.

“Our facilities are another big draw. From the Astroturf hockey pitch to our gymnastics equipment and spacious outdoor courts, the girls have access to everything they need to thrive.

The Benefits of All-Girls’ School Sports

"One of the unique advantages of being at an all-girls’ school is the absence of distractions that can sometimes come with mixed environments. Here, the girls can focus entirely on the game, without worrying about appearances or competing with boys. It’s a space where they can truly be themselves and shine, allowing their authentic selves to come through in every practice and game.

"In this environment, girls feel encouraged to take risks, step outside their comfort zones, and try new skills without fear of judgment. For example, in our lacrosse sessions, girls are often challenged to take on new roles within the team, such as leading an offensive play or trying out as a goalkeeper for the first time. These experiences help build resilience and confidence, showing them that growth often comes from taking on unfamiliar challenges.

"Many parents have commented on how much their daughters’ confidence grows through sport at St George’s. One parent shared, "We’ve seen such a transformation in our daughter—she started off shy and uncertain, but after participating in the netball and hockey programmes, she’s developed into a confident leader on and off the field."

"In a girls’ school, the emphasis on collaboration and mutual support is heightened, creating an empowering community where each girl’s success is celebrated. This spirit of teamwork and encouragement not only enhances their performance in sports but also helps develop essential life skills like leadership, communication, and resilience, which carry over into their academic pursuits and future endeavours. The absence of external pressures allows them to develop a healthy relationship with competition, focusing on personal growth and collective achievement rather than external validation.

Future Opportunities in Competitive Girls’ Sports

"We’re constantly evolving our programme to keep things fresh and exciting. Our department stays ahead of the game by researching the latest trends and sharing best practices. Whether it’s introducing new drills from international coaching communities or investing in the latest equipment, we’re always looking for ways to inspire our girls.

"The pathway is clear: from building core skills in the Junior School to competing at district and national levels in the Upper School, the opportunities are endless. We even offer an Aspiring Athlete programme for girls showing exceptional potential, complete with strength and conditioning sessions, nutrition workshops, and sports psychology support.

“We want every girl at St George’s to feel like there’s a place for her in sport—whether she’s a future hockey star, a netball enthusiast, or just loves the camaraderie of a team.”