From the Head of PE and Sport 7.12.2019

Secondary Offsite Lessons: Week beginning Monday 9th December 

It was a slightly damp and overcast start to our Primary Sports Day held last week at Penampang Stadium. Thankfully, our high spirited  students and amazing Primary staff didn’t let that get in the way of having a wonderful day of fierce, but also friendly, House competitions! 

The day began with the Key Stage 1 students participating in their circuit activities and due to the heavy rain students really were almost ‘crossing the river’ due to the soggy ground underneath. However, a little wet grass and mud didn’t deter our youngest athletes as they showed off their growing confidence and coordination in a range of games and activities to test their athletic prowess. Javelins were thrown to test their strength and the bat and ball balance required great powers of concentration. The standing long jump resulted in some slipping and sliding but the students did a great job all around. 

At the same time, Key Stage 2 were in action with Years 3 and 4 were taking part in field events; consisting of long jump, standing triple jump, javelin and shot put. While Years 5 and 6 were tearing up the track in their running events. 

It was a wonderful atmosphere with so many children engaged in activities challenging themselves and cheering on one another. There were also plenty of parents in the stands to witness the close sprint finishes! 

Mrs Smith and the PTA volunteers were kept very busy presenting glistening medals to the successful athletes. By mid morning, many a child was already sporting a lot of ‘bling’ around their necks while others waited patiently for their opportunity to take the podium. 

We took a short break halfway through the day for an extra special event; the House Cheer competition. Our Year 6 House Captains had prepared team chants that they then taught to all students in Years 1-6 in an effort to win some valuable bonus points. It was a great example of team cooperation and house spirit and outstanding leadership by the House Captains. All three houses presented creative and spirited chants, but it was Gaya who were deemed to be the best as they sang loud and proud to pick up 30 valuable points to add to their total. 

Following the House cheers, it was back to the serious business of athletics. Year 1 and Year 2 had the opportunity to impress their parents with their speed, agility and balance as they completed their running races that included a sprint, hurdling and bean bag balance. 

Year 5 and Year 6 moved on to their field events and were very impressive in their performances. It was great to see so many of our Primary FOBISIA athletes performing well and even setting new school records to earn bonus points for their respective Houses. 

On the track, Year 3 and Year 4 took part in both sprints and a middle distance race of one 400m lap. In a new addition this year, all students took part in the 60m Sprint in House heats, with the first two finishers in each house qualifying for the ‘60m Super Sprint Finals’. There were plenty of close finishers that required Mr. Bromley and his select team of judges to have to refer to the ‘iPad replay’ to confirm placings. 

After a slightly ‘cooler’ and cloudy start, the sun decided to come out for the last part of the day. That meant temperatures were rising, as was the level of competition with the 60m Super Sprint Finals and all important relays worth double points left to finish the day. 

As those who had qualified for the 60m Finals were called down to the track, the rest of Primary including Key Stage 1 and 2 students and staff were hanging over the railings and on their feet ready to cheer on their House. We saw some lightening speed on display in the finals, causing the whole crowd to marvel at the athleticism of those involved. 

In a prelude to the relays, some enthusiastic and energetic parents were keen to get involved in the action in a Parents vs Teachers 4 x 50m relay. In an attempt to possibly blind the opposition so they wouldn’t be able to see the baton, Nicole Gervasi clearly meant business dressed in her finest active wear complete with wig and rocky headband. It made no difference though, as the slick baton change-overs of Mrs Garrick, Miss Watt, Mrs Holmes and anchored by Mrs Smith were victorious over the parents. Well done to all the parents for being such good sports and taking part, it was certainly one of the highlights for the children. 

The 4 x 50m relays were last events of the day and despite many students already having competed in multiple events throughout the morning, they still gave it everything they had in the final dash to the finish line. Most impressive were the Year 6 teams, running last and clearly demonstrating some very smooth baton changes.  

The day concluded with all students assembling on the track for the final points reveal and crowning of the champion House. It had been Sulug in the lead throughout most of the day but Sapi had been close in pursuit. When the winners were announced it was Sapi letting out the biggest victory cry having narrowly overtaken Sulug thanks to some big relay wins at the end of the day. In an excellent display of sportsmanship there were cheers all around despite some disappointment faces. 

All the students who attended Sports Day deserve huge amounts of recognition and respect for their efforts throughout the day. They were simply superb!  

On behalf of the PE Department, I would like to again thank all those who contributed to making the day such a success. Special thank you to the awesome Primary Staff who made sure the day ran smoothly. Thank you once again to the large crowd of parents who attended the day to support all the children and especially to the PTA for their work selling drinks, snacks, and handing out medals. 

It’s been a busy month of events in the PE Department with both Secondary and Primary Sports Days taking place. In term we will hold a special ‘Sports Day Morning’ for our youngest athletes in EYFS. 

Miss Catriona Watt

Head of PE and Sport