Heathfield School, Ascot – an independent secondary boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, rated ‘Excellent’ across all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate – is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Charlotte Baker as Director of Sport. Ms Baker joins Heathfield from Berkhamsted School, Hertfordshire, where she was Head of Lacrosse for several years. Alongside teaching, Ms Baker is a keen sportswoman and lacrosse professional, coaching at the U18 England National Academy, as well as the Italy Lacrosse U20 National Team who are heading to the World Cup in Hong Kong this summer.
Speaking about her appointment, Ms Baker said, ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be here at Heathfield, the school has a great foundation in sports and the potential for an excellent and progressive programme. I have high expectations and am looking forward to developing the sports programme extensively, as well as expanding the all-round positive culture and ethos of sport and exercise for every student.’
‘Developing a programme to be the best it can possibly be, takes time, and for an excited and impatient person like me, it is important to set both short term and long term goals, and continuously reflect on the progress being made on a weekly basis. With the National competitions approaching soon, I’ll be looking to see how the students have advanced in both netball and lacrosse – we’re aiming high! And in the Summer term I’m particularly looking forward to developing cricket at Heathfield – both students and staff have such a positive outlook on sport and physical activity in general.
‘Sport has been my passion from an early age. At 10, I learnt to play lacrosse for my home club, Brooklands in Manchester, and since then, I have had the opportunity to be involved in lacrosse both regionally and nationally. From the moment I first picked up the stick, I loved the game. It’s fast paced, tactical and inclusive.
‘Whilst studying Sports Science at Birmingham, I played and coached for the University, followed by playing for local clubs including Blues and Hawks after University. This year I have the privilege to be an U18 England National Academy coach, which has been a fantastic experience, working with some of the most talented youth players in the country and helping them progress and develop. I am also currently involved with the Italy Lacrosse National Team, coaching both the U20 and Senior teams at their training camps in Italy for future European and International competitions.
‘I have ambitious and ever evolving plans for sport at Heathfield. I want to enable students to explore a wide variety of sports and provide opportunities for them not only to perform at the highest level, but also just for fun. My aim is to develop students’ confidence, enjoyment and curiosity about physical activity and sport, and our excellent department ensures sport sessions are innovative and creative.
‘Alongside this, we will be increasing the opportunities for students to attend professional sporting events as part of extra-curricular activities. I believe it’s important to not only focus on the fundamentals and technical elements for specific sports, but to also develop students’ general knowledge and passion. The benefits of being involved and interested in sport are endless, and through these different experiences, students’ engagement and enjoyment grows.’
Commenting on Ms Baker’s appointment, Sarah Rollings (née Wilson), Headmistress, said, ‘Charlotte’s energy and passion are infectious, and it is brilliant to see how the students are grabbing the opportunities available to them. Sport and physical activity are integral to life at Heathfield. It is important that every student can access high quality sport and physical activity, wherever their passions lie. Building on our previous successes, Charlotte and our newly expanded department of teachers and coaches have already made a significant impact. I have no doubt that Charlotte and the team will take sport at Heathfield from strength to strength, and we are extremely excited for all that is to come.’
Categories: Heathfield School
