Competitive Edge

The Competitive Edge programme aims to increase participation and raise the standard of sporting excellence across the borough's schools.

The Sports Development Team organise five primary school tournaments as part of this programme, and there have been a number of Competitive Edge programmes with the borough's secondary schools:

Canoeing

Over May and June 2010, three Richmond schools took part in the Competitive Edge Canoe Programme at Richmond Canoe Club.

Pupils in school year 8 from Waldegrave School for Girls, Lady Eleanor Holles and Orleans Park took to the river. Coach Trevor Wetherall and volunteers from the club took the pupils out for an introductory course on the sport. All participants really enjoyed the experience, learning new skills and the fundamentals of canoeing. A regatta involving Waldegrave and Lady Eleanor Holles schools took place on Tuesday 29 July 2010.

The next programme will commence in May 2011.

Disability Dance

Between January and March 2010 pupils at Strathmore School and Clarendon School took part in dance sessions run by Combination Dance Company. They tried a variety of different styles and had lots of fun and Clarendon put on a performance for the entire school.

The next sessions will commence in January 2011

Sailing

Throughout 2009 and 2010 pupils from Orleans Park School have taken part in Competitive Edge sailing programmes at Lensbury Boathouse in Teddington. Mark Hughes and coaches at the Boathouse introduced pupils to the sport, teaching them techniques and skills.

The next programme will commence in March 2011.

Badminton

Richmond borough coach Emma Dudley is currently running Competitive Edge badminton sessions in a number of borough schools. Sessions are taking place at Waldegrave and Orleans Park, which will help prepare players for the School Sport Partnership borough competition.

Sessions are ongoing through the 2010/2011 academic year.

Martial Arts

Throughout 2010 Richmond Schools enjoyed sessions in Martial Arts from BUSEN Martial Arts club in Twickenham. Pupils were introduced to the sport and different forms of martial arts.The following schools took part: Twickenham Academy, Grey Court, Waldegrave, Orleans Park, Christ's and Clarendon.

The next programmes will commence in January 2011.