Kickoff!

A new term, a new season at Claremont High School 

Claremont welcomes a new fixture to the school: incoming Head of PE, Mr Mudonhi. And he arrives with considerable experience, having transferred from Head of PE at ACS International School in Hillingdon, and before that in PE leadership roles at Harris Academy St John’s Wood and Avanti House Secondary School. 

‘It's brilliant to be here and get involved at Claremont,’ he says, already looking to the future. ‘A big focus for me is creating even more opportunities for students to get involved in sport, whether that’s through clubs, fixtures, inter-college competitions or representing the school. I also want us to celebrate sporting success more widely - not just winning, but improvement, effort, leadership and student achievement outside school.’ 

Mr Mudonhi is clear about the benefits of his subject. ‘PE can teach so much beyond sport, including confidence, teamwork, resilience, leadership and discipline. It has huge physical, mental and social benefits. It improves fitness, strength, coordination and overall health, but it can also reduce stress and help students work better with others. I particularly enjoy seeing students improve, try something new and realise they are capable of more than they thought. For me, one of the biggest aims of PE is helping young people find a form of physical activity they enjoy and can continue beyond school.’ 

So it’s the opening whistle on a new season in Kenton… ‘I am really pleased to have joined Claremont and I’m looking forward to working with the students and PE team,’ concludes Mr Mudonhi. ‘My main message to pupils is simple: get involved. Try something new, join a club, represent your form or school and give things a go. You do not have to be the best sportsperson to enjoy PE or get something valuable from it.’