Sport

OUR SPORTS POLICY

Aligned with our school motto and values, we embrace a “strive with all your might” culture that promotes long-term success by prioritising growth and development over winning at all costs in the near term.

As in life, challenges and opportunities are like stepping stones on the path to success, and the lessons learned from these contribute significantly to growth and development in sport.

BELONGING AND TEAMWORK

When children experience a genuine sense of belonging, they are inclined to shoulder greater responsibilities and find the confidence to voice their thoughts, collaborate effectively, and contribute positively to the team.

This ensures that children feel valued and respected but it also encourages them to embrace their authentic selves while actively participating in the shared objectives of the team. They comfortably coexist with the team’s identity, aligning their goals and aspirations with the collective vision.

“Belonging is a wildly undervalued condition required for human performance.”

– Owen Eastwood

THE VALUES THAT DRIVE SPORT
AT UMHLALI PREP

When it comes to sport, our approach at Umhlali is grounded on a set of five fundamental values, each contributing to the holistic growth of children and fostering a thriving sports environment. These values not only define our philosophy but also guide our interactions within our sporting community.

#1 Fun
#2 Mamba Mentality
#3 Shoshin
#4 Development
#5 Accountability

FUNDAMENTAL VALUES UPON WHICH OUR SPORT IS GROUNDED

FUN

At Umhlali Preparatory School, we infuse fun into everything we do. It’s an integral part of our identity and our pursuit of becoming the best versions of ourselves. Our joy on the sports field is woven into every sporting fixture and school endeavour, making each moment a memorable and enjoyable experience.

MAMBA MENTALITY

Inspired by the legendary Kobe Bryant, our community embodies the Mamba Mentality. We are relentless in our pursuit of greatness, pushing ourselves to excel daily. We understand that true growth lies in the small actions we take when no one is watching. We stand with the underdogs, valuing courage and the indomitable human spirit, as we forge a path towards success in sports and life.

SHOSHIN

A key aspect of being an Umhlalian is embracing a beginner’s mindset. We constantly challenge ourselves and each other, asking thought-provoking questions that stimulate meaningful conversations. By fostering an environment where curiosity thrives, we encourage growth and ensure that every girl and boy feels heard, safe, and cared for within our community.

DEVELOPMENT

Striving with all our might, development is a central focus for Umhlalians. We recognize that growth is a collective effort, and we support one another on our journey. To evolve, we step outside our comfort zones, challenge the status quo, and eagerly ask questions, propelling ourselves towards continuous improvement.

ACCOUNTABILITY

We place a strong emphasis on accountability within our community, which includes pupils, teachers, staff, parents, and local community members. We empower our pupils to take on leadership roles while holding them responsible for their actions within our ecosystem. We embrace purpose-driven responsibility, from tasks as simple as “sweeping the sheds” to the broader concept of “shining your light.”

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