Here at RHS we simply love this game. As one of the fastest sporting games, basketball makes high demands on players’ performance in terms of agility, speed and stamina; it requires them to permanently assess the changing situations, to make immediate decisions under a lot of pressure, and to convert them into success-oriented actions. This highly intensive and dynamic game asks for a constant cooperation and strong cohesiveness of all players involved and does not allow one individual to act above the rest. Therefore, as much as we are committed to the improvement of our players’ individual skills, the main emphasis lies with the development of the team as a collective. Ultimately, playing with friends in a close-knit unit not only creates a positive and fun environment which allows every single player to become a self-confident, well-rounded athlete with excellent physical and cognitive abilities, but also and foremost serves as a perfect breeding ground for fostering valuable social competences within our students, such as:
 

The opportunity to become a confident and competent team player and the feeling of belonging to a select squad that unites pupils from various countries through its strong sense of team spirit and work is what we believe has made basketball such an attractive and popular sport within school.

Basketball at RHS runs over all three terms, and pupils can practise their techniques during training sessions 3 times a week. We currently have basketball teams as follows: Seniors (Mixed U18s) and Juniors (Mixed U16s). As competition strengthens camaraderie, our teams are participating in numerous friendly matches as well as tournaments throughout the year. Regular social events are another means of increasing team chemistry and tightening the bonds between its members. Connecting and networking with local clubs is seen as vital for any further personal development of our players, if desired.

Find out what teams we are playing and upcoming matches:
 

U18 Basketball Fixtures 

U16 Basketball Fixtures

The Royal Hospital School offers horse riding through a partnership with neighbouring Bylam Livery Stables and experienced horsewoman, Caroline Colwill.

The riding school, located in picturesque Suffolk countryside just 3 miles from the School, provides a comprehensive programme of riding lessons, equine care training, GCSE qualifications in Equestrianism and British Horse Society stage examinations catering for every level of experience from beginner to advanced level.

Livery facilities are available for those pupils who wish to bring their own horse or pony to School during the term time and riding may be chosen as a games option or as an after-school activity.

Facilities:

• 22 spacious stables for livery
• 50 acres of grazing
• 40 x 20ft floodlit outdoor school with silica sand & rubber surfacing
• 20 x 20ft lunge pen
• Grassed show jumping area
• Miles of beautiful bridleways across the picturesque Shotley Peninsula

Services:

• Full livery
• Preparation & transport for shows
• Cross Country training days

Caroline Colwill has been working with horses for many years. She read Equestrian Studies at Hartpury College and opened her livery yard in 2002, primarily to produce young horses and re-school. In addition, she was equestrian consultant for Suffolk EQ magazine from 2006-2010.

She has been training the Royal Hospital School Equestrian Team since 2008, preparing them for competitions such as National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) events and the Windsor Horse Show.

Horse Riding LEAFlet

The School has one of the most impressive indoor climbing walls in the region and certainly in any school. Pupils are offered taster sessions as well as a regular after-school activity. With NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) Centre status we can also offer climbing as part of the GCSE PE syllabus.

As well as regular swimming lessons, pupils can use the School's large indoor swimming pool for leisure swimming whilst keen swimmers join the school squad training on three evenings a week throughout the year. Senior pupils can apply to train ‘in-house’ for the NPLQ award to become qualified lifeguards, and scuba diving lessons are provided in preparation for a regular trip to the Red Sea.

The School has its own 9-hole golf course with outstanding views across the River Stour. Pupils can use the facility recreationally or take lessons with a visiting professional.