Fencing
Who Participates: Prep School
Term(s) Offered: Autumn/Spring/Summer
What’s offered: A qualified fencing coach offers an after school club each week to children in the Prep School in Years 3 to 6. Community links are formed, and our children are offered a pathway to compete in fencing up to a national standard through their after school club coach. We follow British Fencing’s structured grading course to challenge and develop our future fencers. Specialist 1:1 coaching is also available for those wanting to compete at a national and international standard.
Facilities: Prep School Indoor Leisure Facilities, all fencing equipment provided.
Achievements: U11 boys epee ISA champion, U11 girls foil silver medalist, GB national finals qualifiers in foil, epee and sabre in all ages u12-18, international fencers representing England in Challenge Bratislava Competition, Wroclaw, Poland.
History at Westonbirt: Fencing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. In the age of chivalry, duelling was favoured as a method of settling matters of honour, because of its grace and simplicity. These remain the most attractive aspects of the sport today. It’s very rewarding; developing all round fitness, flexibility of movement, stamina, mental agility, co-ordination, balance & self-confidence.
It is the ultimate leveller – boys and girls compete on an equal basis, where focus and mental agility overcome physical strength to often win the day. Capturing imagination, providing escapism from the digital world, participants say it is an ideal way to find themselves, build mental resilience and have fun. Those not inclined toward team sports, believe it promotes individuality, improves mental well-being and sense of fulfilment. Above all, it’s great fun learning to duel with your friends using swords.