The opening weeks of the summer term have already brought about two county league athletics meets, which have been very positive. Our ethos with athletics is for students to aim to beat personal bests week on week wherever possible and that will in turn positively impact their placing in the event.

All students who have participated so far have been an absolute credit to the school – to the point where a member of staff from another school commented on how respectful and polite our students were – as well as being highly competitive.

What’s been equally impressive is that a number of our Year 7 and 9 students have been competing a year up, and have coped admirably irrespective of that.

Some real standout performances have included Harry S in Year 8 blowing away his fellow competitors so far in the 300m, Toby B in Year 10 smashing his PB twice to win both discus events, Daniel F in Year 9 dominating the 800m and Darci M in Year 8 making the 200/300m look so effortless.

We also wanted to acknowledge Erin H, Ollie T and Sophie C who stepped in with very little notice to show fight and determination to compete in events that were highly challenging without a second thought. Well done.

I would also like to thank all the PE staff (Mr Gariba, Archie, Miss Mountford, Mr Hiscock, Miss Moxham) and non-PE staff (Mrs Aikman, Mr Chen, Mr Houghton, Mr Mustard, as well as Darci M’s mum!) who helped support us hosting the most recent event at Stevenage – some unbelievable bell ringing, counting to three and three quarters, timing and tracking of race finishers. Your support was invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Mr Alexander