The last Friday of term was a very important day for seven of our Year 10 students. Having received their new personalised Sports Leader T-shirts the day before, they arrived keen, a little nervous but ready for the big day ahead. But why?  Â
Over forty Year 2 pupils from Portway Infant, Knights Enham Infant and Kimpton Schools would be arriving for a picnic lunch and an afternoon of Multi skills activities. This would be a culmination of a whole term’s hard work by Katie Woolf, Grace Howells, Lisa Phillimore, Sarah Hartley, Sophie Attmere, Stacey Yates and Year 10 Olympic Ambassador, Laura Gilbank. Along with Svend Hunter, they had been planning, meeting with Mr Currie, writing letters to guests and to schools, and had worked with the Year 7s to improve their leadership of the event. Most Wednesdays they also met with Miss Sturges, SSCo, to share what they had organised so far and to decide on the next step, of which there were many!
The hall was decorated, refreshments prepared, activities set up and Year 7 were changed and ready in their Top Link T-shirts. The Year 2 arrived (thank you to Miss Escritt for collecting Portway Infants in the rain!) and were eagerly welcomed by Katie and Mr Currie. Grace then lead a fun warm up before the young pupils set off with their Year 7 leaders to their starting station. Throwing the javelin, speed bouncing, long jumping and target throwing, three tri golf games (the Mayor’s favourites!) as well as three games to encourage team work (Hoops in a circle, Swampy River and Blindfold Alley) were all thoroughly enjoyed. There was also a popular drinks station where everyone had the chance to sign their name on the Top Link banner.
Year 11 Olympic Ambassadors, James Pawley and Elly Vanderplank, ably escorted the Mayor and Mayoress around the stations, introducing him to guests and encouraging him to take part in all the events. James Bacon also supported the event by setting up the hall and coordinating the timing and music.
During the afternoon, effort and sportsmanship were a key focus: the Year 7 and Year 10 students were choosing pupils who demonstrated these qualities. Their names were then put into a big tub, ready for the presentation.
Year 7 really impressed the Mountbatten SSP’s manager, Pat Salmon, with their enthusiasm, leadership and initiative. Praise and thanks went to all of them for their effort and hard work.
During the final presentation, Katie thanked everyone for attending and Svend was presented with a certificate and flowers for his support during the year. Mr Currie then went on to select four names from the sportsmanship tub, all of whom received a special water bottle prize. Well done to them! The Mayor ended the event by congratulating the Year 10 on their efforts and achievements. He then congratulated each Year 2 pupil personally, shaking their hand and handing them each their certificate. Every Year 2 then went home with a smile on their face, and a specially iced cake in their hand. Well done to them!
Following the festival, all the guests were invited to join the Year 10 and 11 in the library for light refreshments. A special mention has to be made to the students, not only for the excellent Multi Skills Festival which they organised and ran, but for the high quality sandwiches and chocolate birthday cake for Miss Escritt! Well done and thank you Year 10 Sports Leaders!
Miss Sturges, SSCo Harrow Way Community School