Tenacious Running in House Cross Country

Our House Cross Country event was a wonderful opportunity for every child from Reception to Year 8 to take part in their respective races, cheered on by parents, staff and House mates.

Te children have been practising their endurance running in PE and Games in the build up to the event, recording their individual times and striving to run their personal bests.

Cross country is challenging for every child and it was fantastic to see so many pupils giving their all, supporting their peers and demonstrating so many of the soft skills at the heart of our school.  All of those who ran were effective participators, and with over 50 per cent running a personal best – our tenacious learners were in abundance. We celebrated the success of those who made it on to the podium, but everyone should be proud of themselves for getting round with a smile.  Well done to you all!

The House Cross Country Competition highlights the School’s strong belief in a ‘sports for all’ ethos. From Early Years, pupils are given the opportunity to participate in a range of House competitions throughout the School year, such as our Sports Days. As children get older, they can compete in our House Swimming Galas and House Cross Country event. In addition the Prep School pupils enjoy House Netball, Hockey and Cricket competitions. The children relish the opportunity to compete for their Houses, whilst being cheered on by their peers.

All our pupils, from Early Years to Year 8, are offered a range of sporting opportunities each week, which not only bring many health and fitness benefits, but are also a chance to develop their teamwork and leadership skills and reflective learning. In the Prep School, all our pupils enjoy over 4.5 hours of sport per week.

In PE lessons pupils are taught sports such as short-tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball and invasion games, which are in addition to the great variety of rotating termly sports such as athletics, cricket, hockey, netball, rugby, swimming and cross-country.

In the Pre-Prep children receive weekly swimming lessons provided by a specialist teacher in the School’s indoor pool. They also receive weekly PE lessons with further options such as Football, Cricket, Tennis and Ball Games through after-school clubs. Our youngest Early Years children are given the opportunity to find out all about sport and enjoy their Dance, Yoga, PE lessons, including mini Hockey, Tag Rugby and Tennis. They also have the choice to join in with the School’s optional weekly swimming lessons.

All Prep School pupils have the opportunity to play in inter-school fixtures each season. Pupils lead teams as captains, assist with setting up and keeping scores. A selection of recent sporting victories include the U11 Girls winning the Norwich School Netball Tournament and securing silver medals at the IAPS Small Schools Netball Tournament. The boys were crowned U11 and U13 national ISA hockey champions and our U11 boys were also county hockey winners. Our boys’ and girls’ football teams won the CSF cup and represented NCFC at regional finals.

In our specialist sports workshops, pupils are provided with expert coaching from top-level coaches and they also enjoy visits and guidance from leading athletes such as Team GB athlete Marilyn Okoro. In addition, senior Prep pupils are invited to termly pre-season training sessions.