Staff and students at Warblington School enjoyed taking part in National School Sports Week for the first time, giving people the opportunity to try something new. An idea thought up by the school’s Sports Council, the week saw all pupils from years 7 to 10 engaged in a range of sporting activities and events, some of which they wouldn't be able to experience in usual PE lessons. PE teacher Becky Griffin said: ‘More than 250 pupils participated in after-school sessions where they represented the school impeccably well and learned a variety of new skills such as resilience and communication.’ The packed schedule included a crossbar challenge, penalty shootout against staff, human table football and football golf. Alongside this, sports groups were invited in to run workshops, including Hampshire FA Disability Football, The Avenue Tennis, Surrey Storm Netball and Pompey in the Community Football. Many pupils also stayed behind after school to support the teachers who took on Crookhorn College staff in a football match. The school’s Sports Council is made up of students who help to run sports groups and take responsibility for keeping the equipment clean and tidy. Rees Jones from Year 8 said: ‘We’ve got really good sports stuff here, it’s one of the best things about the school. ‘We get to set up our own clubs after school run by the students.’ Jamie Davage, in Year 9, added: ‘[Sports Week] gets more people involved because some people don’t go to clubs but so many people have been turning up.’ Another responsibility for the group is suggesting trip ideas and encouraging students to engage in activities offered by the school. One recent trip which students remember fondly was when a coach of 70 students headed up to Wembley for the FA Women’s Cup Final to see Manchester City take on West Ham United. Mrs Griffin said: ‘We do try and provide as many opportunities as possible.’
