Here at Hermitage Academy, we have launched a brand-new initiative which aims to boost young people into sporting careers.
With the first students starting this September, the Hermitage Academy Institute of Sport (IOS) will help sixth form students with their sights set on elite-level participation and sport-based careers to excel within a particular sport.
Having secured a high-quality partnership with Durham University, the IOS will offer our students the unique chance to attend university style lectures with professionals in sports related fields as well as gain access to their own elite-level mentor and bespoke programme of training.
Students will also study extra sports-based topics including nutrition, sport science and sport psychology alongside their traditional BTEC and A level qualifications.
Head of Physical Education here at Hermitage Sixth Form, Tim Hardy, said:
“I’m really excited to launch the IOS this year where we will help students to nurture their relationship with their chosen sport and offer them the support and expertise they need to mature into the sportsmen and sportswoman they aspire to be.
“Our programmes will go way beyond the usual courses offered to sixth formers interested in sport by giving them chance to have their chosen sport put on a pedestal throughout their time with us through elite level mentoring and sports-based university seminars.”
Year 12 student Oliver Barron, who plays in the Russell Foster Under 17 Premier League, and who starts at the Institute this September says:
“I am passionate about sport and always looking to develop as an athlete; the Institute will help me to do this. I also hope to get an insight into how coaches and leaders within sporting fields do their jobs... and do them successfully!”
Another Institute recruit, Sarah Heely who plays for North Durham Vixens Netball Club adds:
“I am hoping that being part of the Institute will help me apply for scholarships and universities that have a high standard in teaching sporting degrees.”
We are accepting applications for September 2020 from students who are actively participating in sport and who wish to study sporting qualifications at BTEC or A-Level. Find out more here.