As a Sports College we believe that through maintaining a basic level of fitness and good health students not only gain huge physical benefits but also learn important social skills – as individuals and as part of a team. Students learn tolerance, cooperation, sportsmanship, how to accept and manage responsibility plus many other valuable attributes.

By being fit and healthy students are better prepared for learning. Research has shown that: enhanced brain function, energy levels, perception of body-builds, self-esteem and behaviour have been attributed to physical activity and to improved academic performance; sport is an important leisure activity for adults and children; sport can contribute to neighbourhood renewal by breaking down barriers to social inclusion and promoting healthy living. The Academy will be the hub for the community for family learning, providing positive role models for students and building confidence in adults, encouraging everyone to take on new learning activities.

As a Sports College we have set two priorities to ensure that sport helps drive the Academy forward:
1. To raise attainment in Physical Education and school sport. This priority aims to:
• ensure the delivery of Physical Education and school sport of the highest quality
• ensure that Physical Education and sport initiatives complement national and local plans.

2. To maximise the wider impact of effective Physical Education and school sport. This priority aims to:
• monitor the impact of quality Physical Education and school sport
• focus on improved attendance and reduced
exclusions
• promote outdoor play and Early Years
development
• promote the links between participation and
citizenship
• link with the strategies for health, particularly the Healthy Schools initiative
• monitor and promote the contribution to the Every Child Matters agenda.

For more about our innovative sport and PE curriculum go here

For full information about our Sports Specialism download our new prospectus (3.2Mb pdf)

In partnership with Reading Football Club the Sixth Form offers a unique opportunity for elite footballers. The Football Studies course has three main elements:
 •  BTEC National in Sport
 •  Level 1 and 2 Football Coaching
 •  specialised Football training sessions
 •  opportunities to represent the Academy in
    a variety of competitions, cup and league
 •  opportunities to trial with professional      clubs.
The purpose of the John Madejski Football Studies course is to give players the opportunity to study and train in a professional environment. We give them the chance to develop, not only as players but also as coaches. The ultimate goal of the course is to develop professional footballer.

Such is the competition to get onto the course that numbers are restricted and there is a rigorous selection process.

Find out more at the Academy Pathways to Success Open Evening: Wednesday 10 February 2010

Trial Dates:
1st Trial: Monday 15 February 10am–2pm
2nd Trial: Tuesday 2 March 6pm–8pm
Final trial and Football Studies interviews: Tuesday 16 March 6pm–8pm

Click here to download more information and the application form (296kb pdf