We have thought long and hard about what kind of gym we want to create. The gym should be a place that pupils are excited to use, where they can learn about fitness and how to use equipment correctly, and which helps them to achieve both their individual and collective health and fitness goals.
It also needs to be an aspirational space – and to achieve this, we have taken inspiration from some of the best university gyms in the UK. Our Director of Sport, Mr Thompson, has agreed a preferred layout and specification, with the new gym set to include areas for cardio fitness, strength and conditioning, free weights, and floor work - with flexibility built into the design to allow teams, PE classes and individuals to be able to take full advantage of everything the new facility will have to offer.
Above, you can see just a small sample of the UK university gyms that we are taking inspiration from.
The gym specialist that we are working with, who has also advised some of the major European sporting organisations, has provided us with innovative layout and equipment options, which will allow several teams to train at once - something that will make a tangible difference our competitive preparations. However, it's not just about team sports, we are also discussing ways in which all pupils will be able to access the new gym, whether that’s in curriculum PE, a lunchtime club, or through team training.
Tenders have been issued by the Bursar to construction firms, and it remains our aim to commence enabling works at Easter and begin the transformation in earnest in July, with completion still estimated for November.
I will keep you posted on further updates – and hope to be able to show you some artist's impressions in my next communication.
With best wishes and my thanks again for your support.
