Our Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students took part in two days of athletic competition, which included a wide range of field and track events.

Representatives from each of our school’s five Houses competed against one another in 100-metre, 200-metre, 300-metre, 400-metre, 800-metre, and 1,500-metre races, and 400-metre relay, along with Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Shot Put, Discus, and Javelin.

Around 120 students represented the Houses of Blicking, Felbrigg, Holkham, Oxburgh, and Sandringham, with two competitors from each House taking part in every event.

“The five House Teams involved were made up of Year 7 girls, Year 7 boys, Year 8 girls, Year 8 boys, Year 9/10 girls and Year 9/10 boys,” explained Tracey Honey, Head of PE and Sport at Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“The Sport and PE Department organise and officiate all events (field and track event judges, starter, timekeepers, track recorders), with other staff helping in the track judging, first aid, announcers, and supervising the athletes and the House spectators,” she continued.

The second day concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, where Headteacher Andy Johnson was on hand to present the winners with their awards.

Individual Victor/Victrix Ludorum ‘Winner of the Games’ prizes went to Nichita, Iwan, Kaitlyn, Sophie and Milanija in Year 7; Adeldayo and Bethany in Year 8; and Amaru and Wiktoria in Year 9/10.

The winning House, by a narrow margin of 24 points, was Felbrigg, whose House Captains received the trophy.

“It is incredibly important to celebrate sporting achievements at Springwood,” added Mrs Honey. “We have an extensive programme of extra-curricular physical activity and sporting opportunities, no matter what the season. Whether they are recreational clubs or sports clubs, the students have the opportunity to represent the school in competitions at District, County or National level.

“It allows them to make new friends that have common interests, giving them a sense of belonging through teamwork and leadership roles. It allows them to be physically, emotionally and socially healthy.

“The competitions allow the students to show commitment and determination, striving towards the shared goal of winning, but being taught to win with grace and lose with dignity.”