Sports Students Explore Elite Performance at the University of Bath
RGS Worcester A Level PE and BTEC Sports students enjoyed an inspiring visit to the University of Bath, where they experienced elite sports science testing, explored world-class sporting facilities and gained valuable insights from a Team GB Olympian.
The visit began at the University’s Sports Training Village, where students took part in practical laboratory sessions exploring the science behind athletic performance. They observed fitness testing using specialist equipment, including treadmill and cycling assessments, and learned how scientists measure oxygen consumption, cardiovascular endurance and anaerobic performance.
The sessions brought key elements of their studies to life, with students examining VO₂ max, breathing rates and blood lactate levels to understand how the body responds to increasingly demanding exercise. They also discovered how this information is used to assess fitness, monitor performance and inform training programmes for elite athletes.
A highlight of the day was an engaging presentation from Charlie Brown, a Team GB modern pentathlete who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and recently graduated from the University of Bath with a degree in Sports Management and Coaching.
Charlie shared his remarkable sporting journey, from growing up in Worcestershire and competing in swimming, football and fencing to representing Great Britain on the Olympic stage. He spoke candidly about the sacrifices required to pursue elite sport, the challenges of balancing academic studies with demanding training schedules and the importance of resilience when facing injuries and setbacks.
His advice was particularly relevant to students managing their own academic and sporting commitments. He emphasised the value of effective time management, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, making the most of available support and learning from setbacks. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions about Olympic competition, sports nutrition, university life and the recent introduction of obstacle course racing into modern pentathlon.
During lunch, students enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with former RGS Worcester students Olivia Hodgson, Abigail Walter and Grace Williams, who are currently studying at the University of Bath. The alumnae shared their experiences of university life, including how they balance their academic commitments with continuing to participate in sport. Their insights provided a valuable perspective on the opportunities available to students wishing to pursue their sporting interests beyond school.
The visit also included a tour of the University’s impressive campus and sporting facilities, including three gymnasiums, a swimming pool, sports pitches, an athletics track and a specialist modern pentathlon suite. Students gained a fascinating insight into the environment in which university athletes and Olympians train and compete.
The visit provided an excellent opportunity for students to connect classroom theory with practical applications, gain insight into elite sporting performance and explore potential University and career pathways in Sport and Exercise Science.
