Written by Mr Toby Blood, Head of Sport, Surbiton High Boys’ Preparatory School
Early Experiences and a Love of Sport
Sport has always played a huge role in my life. Growing up, football and cricket were constants for me, played recreationally but with great passion. They were more than just games; they were an outlet, a source of joy, and a way of connecting with others. Looking back, it is clear that these early experiences laid the foundations for my journey into becoming a PE teacher.
I attended a primary school in the heart of London, a setting that posed its own challenges for sport. Our playground was a small tarmac space, and we had no playing fields of our own. However, rather than limiting us, this became part of our story. We were regularly bused around Ealing and collected from various sporting sites, making sport feel like an event and something truly special. These logistical challenges never dampened our enthusiasm; if anything, they strengthened our appreciation for every opportunity we were given.
The Influence of an Inspirational Teacher
A defining influence during this time was my French teacher, Mrs Holt. Her dedication went far beyond the classroom. She ran before-and-after school cricket sessions, giving up her own time to ensure we could train, improve, and believe in ourselves. Under her guidance, we embarked on an incredible journey that culminated in becoming national champions in Kwik Cricket. Winning against Greasby School from the Wirral at Trent Bridge is a moment that remains vivid in my memory and one I will always cherish. That experience was transformative. It sparked an even deeper love for sport and, more importantly, showed me the power of a teacher who truly believes in their pupils. Mrs Holt’s commitment, belief, and willingness to go the extra mile inspired me profoundly. She demonstrated that sport is not just about competition or winning, but about opportunity, confidence, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Shaping My Ethos as a PE Teacher
This experience directly shaped my ethos as a PE teacher. I firmly believe that every pupil, regardless of ability or background, should have access to a wide variety of sports. My aim is to expose pupils to as many different activities as possible, allowing them to discover what they enjoy while developing a broad and secure base of physical literacy. I place great emphasis on fundamental movement skills, coordination, balance, agility, and confidence, as I believe these are essential if pupils are to continue participating in sport long after they leave Surbiton High Boys’ Prep School.
Physical and Cognitive Preparation
In line with this philosophy, I have placed increasing importance on both the physical and cognitive preparation of pupils. At Surbiton High Boys’ Prep, I have worked closely with Mr Trigwell to integrate structured cognitive warm-ups into training sessions and fixtures. These warm-ups are specifically designed to switch the boys on mentally before activity, developing focus, reactions, decision-making, and awareness. By engaging pupils cognitively at the start of sessions, we ensure they are mentally alert, purposeful, and ready to apply tactical understanding, particularly in competitive environments. This approach has led to improved concentration, smoother transitions into sessions, and greater confidence when pupils are required to make decisions under pressure.
Developing Fundamental Movement Skills
Alongside this, I have been instrumental in the implementation of the Boys’ Prep fundamental movement programme. This programme runs consistently across all year groups and is designed to ensure that every boy develops a secure foundation in physical literacy by the time they leave us. Through a progressive and structured focus on balance, coordination, agility, running, jumping, throwing, and catching, pupils build the competence and confidence required to access a wide range of sports. This approach ensures that no pupil is disadvantaged by gaps in early movement development and underpins long-term participation in physical activity. It provides the physical foundations upon which all sporting skills are built and reinforces my belief in long-term athlete development.
Broad and Ambitious Co-Curricular Sport
The co-curricular programme further enhances pupils’ sporting experiences through its breadth and ambition. Pupils are offered a wide range of sports beyond the core curriculum, allowing them to explore new activities, develop diverse skill sets, and discover areas of personal interest and strength. These opportunities are enriched by regular fixtures, festivals, and sports tours, both locally and abroad, which provide valuable experiences beyond the School environment. Participation in sports tours not only develops pupils’ sporting ability but also fosters independence, resilience, teamwork, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Collectively, this breadth of opportunity ensures that sport is a central and memorable part of School life for all pupils.
I strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all pupils feel valued and capable. Success in PE, in my view, is not defined solely by performance or results, but by engagement, enjoyment, and personal progress. By fostering a positive relationship with physical activity, I hope to instil lifelong habits that encourage pupils to remain active, confident, and healthy as they move through their education and into adulthood.
Continued Involvement Beyond School
This philosophy is reinforced by my continued involvement in sport beyond school. As an adult, I remain heavily involved at my club side, Dorking Cricket Club, where I hold the roles of Head of Junior Cricket and Club Captain. These positions allow me to continue giving back to the sport that has given me so much, while also reinforcing the importance of leadership, responsibility, and community. Working with young players in a club environment further strengthens my belief in long-term athlete development and the vital role early positive experiences play in sustaining participation.
A Lasting Impact Through Sport
Ultimately, this is why I do what I do. I love providing opportunities for all the boys at the prep school to experience the same excitement, sense of belonging, and achievement that I felt as a pupil. The lessons I learned through sport — resilience, teamwork, discipline, and self-belief — continue to guide my practice and shape my commitment to ensuring sport remains a meaningful and lasting part of every pupil’s life.
Learn more about our Sport Programme and Surbiton High Boys’ Prep School.
