At Melbourne Girls Grammar, we recognise the immense potential that sport can have during these developmental years, not just as a physical activity but as an instrument that promotes resilience, teamwork, courage and wellbeing well beyond school.

We encourage our Grammarians to engage in a variety of sports rather than specialising in just one at an early age. This allows young girls to explore different activities, discover their interests and develop a diverse set of physical and cognitive skills. The benefits of sport sampling during these crucial middle years cannot be understated, as it provides our students with the opportunity to challenge themselves in various ways, both mentally and physically, without the pressure of excelling in a single discipline.

For our Middle Years students, sport serves as a powerful counterbalance to the pressures of adolescence and growing up. At a time when body image issues, social comparisons and self-esteem challenges can emerge, sport offers a space for our students to focus on what their bodies can do rather than how they appear. We help our girls build positive relationships with their bodies, reinforcing the idea that physical strength, endurance and capability are to be celebrated over the ever-growing pressures around ‘looks’, and what they see through social media.

Every Grammarian Active, Every Day is our key goal, ensuring that girls remain engaged in physical activity throughout the Middle Years. We understand that for many young women, particularly those who may not have a natural inclination toward competitive sports, maintaining interest in physical activity can be challenging. To address this, we thoughtfully engage a variety of strategies aimed at making sport accessible, fun and inclusive.

Our incredible Artemis Team focuses on providing a range of options that appeal to diverse interests. From traditional team sports like basketball, netball, and football to more individual pursuits such as swimming and athletics, or recreational options like horse riding, dance, taekwondo and sailing, and adventure-based programs like rock climbing and even skateboarding. Girls are encouraged to try different sports without the fear of judgment or failure. By removing the pressure to specialise early, we allow them to enjoy the learning process and find activities that resonate with their personal interests and abilities. In the Middle Years, we foster a culture that emphasises participation over performance. Whether a student is a natural athlete or someone who is simply trying out a new activity for the first time, the emphasis is on personal growth, teamwork and enjoyment. This inclusive approach ensures that every girl feels valued and that she belongs, which encourages her to stay active and continue exploring new ways to move her body.

We place a strong emphasis on educating our students about how physical activity is not just about building strength or maintaining fitness, but also about nurturing their mental health, and we work alongside all students to help them develop a holistic understanding of wellbeing. Our teaching team present and share information with parents and students, bringing an awareness of all the benefits of physical activity, reminding them that engaging in regular exercise promotes better sleep, improved concentration and higher energy levels, all of which are crucial for academic and personal success during these important years.

It goes without saying that sport provides girls with a sense of accomplishment and confidence that extends beyond the playing field. Whether mastering a new skill in tennis or pushing themselves to run a little further in cross country, these achievements build self-esteem and resilience. The positive reinforcement girls receive from these experiences can be a powerful tool in helping them develop a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities to improve.

Resilience is perhaps one of the most valuable lessons girls can take from sport. In every game, race, or competition, there are moments of challenge and often failure. Learning to recover from a missed shot, a lost game, or a personal setback teaches our Middle Years students the importance of perseverance. They learn that failure is not an endpoint but a stepping stone to future success. This mindset fosters emotional resilience, which is vital in both academic and personal challenges.

Team sports provide an excellent platform for developing social skills and we encourage all students entering the Middle Years to get involved in a team sport. Girls learn how to collaborate, communicate and support each other. They experience firsthand the importance of trust, co-operation and shared responsibility. Again, these skills extend far beyond the sports oval, helping them navigate group projects, leadership roles and social dynamics throughout their time at MGGS and beyond. Courage, too, is cultivated through sport. Whether it’s stepping onto the racetrack for the first time or taking on a leadership role in a team, girls are constantly encouraged to push their limits and face their fears. By doing this, they build self-confidence and an understanding that they are capable of far more than they might initially believe.

Sport is a crucial part of a well-rounded education. In the Middle Years, when girls are forming their individual identities and developing lifelong habits, sport becomes a powerful tool for fostering self-confidence, teamwork and responsibility. By encouraging our students to explore the full range of physical activities available to them, we are setting them up for a lifetime enabled by healthy bodies and healthy minds. Sampling our range of sports empowers them and safeguards their future.

‍