It’s a wrap! A total of 102 rugby matches, 58 hockey fixtures, 4 swimming galas, two cross-country events, 10 netball matches, three squash fixtures, a Rugby Tens tournament, national netball competitions, and much more. Well done to everyone involved. To the pupils for their effort and engagement, to the committed staff who have given their time, and to the parents and families who have supported, a big thank you.
It has been a term full of success, with county titles for our U14, U13, and U12 hockey teams, amazing progress, some standout performances for our senior hockey teams, and our first mixed hockey tour to Holland in the October half term. I’m sure everyone who went on the trip would agree that it was hugely enjoyable and a big success. It was also a fantastic rugby season, and we were pleased to be able to field an A&B all the way up to the U15s this season! Once again, the senior teams were in great form, and the 1st XV were a delight to watch when they were in full flow. There were standout seasons for the U15s and U12s. In fact, the U15s haven’t quite finished and will play in the regional final against Beechen Cliff, Bath, for a place in the national plate QF in the new year. For many of our upper-6 athletes, the past two weeks will have seen them play their final matches for the school rugby and hockey teams. Thank you for all the time they have given to their sport and their teammates over the years.
We have also had netball cup runs for the 1st team, U14A, and U13A. We can’t wait for next term and a busy netball schedule. Our footballers have made a fabulous start to the season and will be looking forward to their league campaign in the new year. A very special mention goes to Jess in L6, who became the first ever female pupil to represent the school 1st XI. The cross country teams had tremendous success at the Exeter district and East Devon events, 13 pupils have qualified for the Devon championships in the new year. Our swimming teams have been busy with four friendly galas as well as regional and national events. Six teams competed in the regional heat of school relays in September, with the intermediate boys qualifying for the finals in London. A solid performance by the team placed them 14th in the country in both the medley and freestyle relays.
We have also reported on individual sporting success throughout the term. The following examples highlight the variety of talent on display at the school. Kaleb in L6 won a gold medal at the national kick boxing championships; Nell in L6 was recently named Team Bath U17 captain; Oliver and Nate in L6 have been selected in the starting squad for the Exeter Chiefs U17s after the break; and Anya in L6 and Jenna in L5 were crowned national kite surfing champions earlier in the term.
We can’t wait to start a new sporting calendar year and hear about more success for the school teams and school community. In the meantime, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a brilliant 2024.
