Philosophy of Taunton School Sport – Failing is Critical!

Sport has always played a significant role in the development of every student that comes to Taunton School. Sport provides development challenges like no other learning domain and contributes to a truly holistic development experience for students, staff and parents.

The school has sought to provide opportunities to engage everyone through a diverse, challenging, multi-sport experience at all ages across all abilities. Whether an aspiring Olympian or for a social and recreational purpose, we recognise the significant mental and physical benefits that come with regular play and competition. Equally, we recognise the development of fundamental behaviours that emerge by participating and competing in sport, helping young people to achieve excellence regardless of where their path may take them beyond Taunton School.

The sporting ethos of the school is built on the concept of ‘GRIT’, encouraging students to embrace an understanding that perseverance and passion will lead to achievement of ambitious long-term goals. The four main areas of ‘GRIT’ – Grounded, Resilient, Integrity and Tenacity – are explored extensively throughout the school year, in both individual and team sports. Our students are actively encouraged to transfer their core skills, competencies, behaviours, and attitudes far beyond the sporting arena, impacting positively all areas of school life.

We support and create opportunities for all students to contribute to the sporting story of Taunton School, whether selected to represent a school team or through participation in a house competition. There are over 120 representative teams across 18 different sports, demonstrating the breadth of offer at Taunton School. Our extensive programme also enjoys outstanding levels of achievement, with considerable success in county, regional and national competitions.

The ‘GRIT’ model extends beyond the sporting arena and into the everyday lives of the students. One of the principles that we consistently talk about is ‘creating good people’ though sport. With this in mind, we ask that you as parents think about your impact on this ethos and the opportunities you take and give your children to develop resilience and tenacity. Talking about the reasons for winning and losing is fine, but apportioning blame is not. The officials are a big part of any sport, but they always will be, and our students need to learn how to adapt to different officials and overcome barriers that are out of their control, just as the national team in any sport would.

Team selection is a huge issue in any sporting organisation (just read the back pages of any newspaper on any day of the week), but never more than in an independent school. There are a finite number of players that can be selected for any team and students improve and develop at different rates. Not being selected can lead to confusion and disappointment. Hopefully the coach has already spoken to the student, but this is an opportunity for the student to come and talk to the coach, find out what they need to improve, work hard and earn that spot. No one player is entitled to any position in any team.

The earlier we can allow our children to face adversity, failure and disappointment, but to support them to develop coping mechanisms and strategies, the earlier we are setting them up for higher levels of performance and for success in adult life in general. We all want to protect our children and it’s a very strong instinct to ignore, but when we rush in to ‘fight’ for them, we are taking away an opportunity to become a more resilient, grounded, and tenacious person.

Failure is critical to long term success. So encourage, support , and enjoy your child’s journey.