Philosophy
Westtown School is a Quaker educational community in which young people have an opportunity to participate with adults in an atmosphere that nurtures caring and searches for the truth.
As a Quaker community, Westtown is based on the recognition that God endows each human being with a measure of his divine spirit. This faith, strengthened in our Meeting for Worship, fosters loving concern for each person and acknowledges our dependence on one another and on God.
As an educational community, Westtown is based on the recognition that healthy bodies, developing intellects, aesthetic appreciation and opportunities to be creative are important to mature living. We believe that we need to respect God's world, using resources thoughtfully, sharing them equitably with others, and caring for the entire environment.
Westtown's philosophy is based on respect for rules that facilitate order. Our experience of the continuing revelation of God, however, obliges us to keep ourselves, individually and our community, open to new insights into truth and ready to respond to them.
Role of Athletics
Westtown School is an educational community characterized by reflection, rigor, self-discipline, and respect. Students from different backgrounds work and learn together. Westtown recognizes that a healthy community seeks to provide for the needs of its members and helps students achieve potential through competitive and instructional athletics.
Interscholastic athletics and the physical education program provide the opportunity to develop skills, teamwork and self-confidence, while encouraging healthy athletic competition. Athletics and physical education are integral parts of Westtown's educational program. As in the classroom, students are expected to strive for and to achieve high standards. The program requires interscholastic competition and provides a range of choices with the goal of supporting the development of the whole child.
Respect for coaches, teammates and opponents is essential as athletes aspire for individual and team goals. Winning and losing are intrinsic to athletics. Both provide opportunities for growth and improvement. Regardless of outcome, students and coaches are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and to see each performance as an opportunity for further growth and improvement. Athletes and coaches are expected to represent themselves and the school well at all times.
Interscholastic athletic events are occasions for all community members to gather, to support their teams enthusiastically, to promote good sporting behavior and school spirit.
Philosophy of Coaching at Westtown
Coaches are expected to be knowledgeable and prepared. Coaches are also expected to know their players and have an understanding of adolescent growth and development.
Coaches should prepare each practice with an emphasis on desired skills, physical training, strategies and behaviors necessary for each athlete to achieve personal as well as team success.
Westtown athletics strives to have each individual set goals and work to achieve them. A positive approach is essential. Coaches make daily judgments that affect each athlete and the team as a whole. In making these judgments coaches are reminded to be thoughtful and act in the best interest of the team as well as individual members. Westtown athletics emphasizes participation and encourages all student athletes to strive to develop to their fullest capabilities and share this with others.
Physical Education and Athletics
Westtown recognizes the importance of physical and mental health in a sound liberal arts education.
The athletic program is an integral and required part of the educational program. Development of the following skills is basic to daily efforts of those involved:
- Skills in group or individual efforts which will promote an understanding of the values of winning and losing;
- Knowledge of fitness principles as they apply to a healthy lifestyle;
- Acquiring of refining skills in activities of personal interest with lifetime value;
- Good citizenship and sportsmanship.
The program and coaches strive to offer an atmosphere that aids the development of physical, social, mental, emotional and moral values and also promotes respect for rules.
Friends School League Sportsmanship Statement
Promoting sportsmanship and ethical behavior in athletics is one of the primary objectives of the Friends Schools League. The officials at all of our contests have been instructed to enforce these goals. We will not tolerate unsportsmanlike actions including taunting, trash-talking, profanity, obscene gestures, excessive celebration, berating officials and other forms of verbal or physical misconduct. We expect our coaches, athletes and spectators as well as the officials to uphold this code by example before, during and after the game. The Friends Schools League believes strongly that players, coaches and officials should conduct all contests with the spirit of respect for each other and for the rules and traditions of the sport.
