9 minute read
Sport
My first term at Beechwood Park has flown by! It has been wonderful to see all the sport on offer here and how our pupils engage and push themselves to learn and improve. We have had a super busy term with the main sports being football and hockey. We must also acknowledge our skiers, ice skaters, fencers, swimmers, gymnasts and equestrians, who have all had much success this term.
HOCKEY
The hockey term got off to a fun start with pre-season training before returning to school in September. On the first Friday back, the U11A team were exceptionally lucky, getting the opportunity to train, play and watch a game at the Olympic Park. It was a tough start, however Beechwood kept their heads, finished strong in the last game and were well and truly inspired and determined for the season ahead. The team continued to develop over the term, with some improved results at the Kingshott Festival, undefeated at the Orley Farm tournament and then some great play at IAPS regional tournament. The team performance surprised everyone, with two wins and three draws against tough opposition to top their group, without conceding a single goal - the first time ever. Unfortunately, with seconds to go in the quarter-final Bancrofts got the decisive goal. A great season, with lots of progress nonetheless and it has been brilliant to see so many enjoying Friday night's mixed hockey club. The U11Bs and U11Cs found the scoring sticks towards the end of the season and both teams finished strongly - even enjoying their last games in the rain! As well as building on their outdoor hockey skills, the U10A team enjoyed learning indoor hockey this term and playing at the Haileybury tournament was a highlight. All the U10 teams enjoyed their hockey and made great progress, as a second block of fixtures against Chesham proved, converting several losses into wins.
The U8s and U9s enjoyed lots of small sided games this season, enabling them all more time on the ball and to develop their skills. It has been great to see them applying the rules and working so well together. They have really enjoyed their hockey fixtures this term, especially the U8s who took part in their first ever fixtures.
Our U13 teams got straight into action at the Haileybury tournament and the County Cup with the A team getting off to a great start. All our Y7 & Top Form girls will be continuing their hockey next term as we look forward to a term of mixed hockey with the boys. Well done to Anna & Eloise W (Top Form) who have also been playing County hockey for Hertfordshire, where they have also been joined by some former Beechwood pupils. Hockey ASAs continue next term, as does club hockey outside of School, so we look forward to more fun and more hockey progress next term. Miss Hamilton
FOOTBALL
The success of the England women's football team at the Euros in the summer inspired us all and pupils were itching to get out on the pitches at the start of term. The pupils have enjoyed the opportunity for numerous matches. In total we played 76 football matches, winning 34, drawing 17 and losing 25. Congratulations to the mighty U11D team, coached by Mr Robinson, who won five out of their six games and scored a whopping 35 goals while conceding only eight all season! This was closely followed by the U11B team who won 5 games, drew 1 and lost 1, scoring 25 goals and only conceding 9 all season. Fantastic results! A highlight of the term was the weekend trip to the home of English football at St. George's Park, where our 1st XI squad had the opportunity to experience what it is like to be an international footballer, by training and playing on the England pitches and even sleeping in the team's hotel.
The U8's enjoyed their first ever fixtures and represented Beechwood with pride. They showed respect to the opposition, played fairly and enjoyed some friendly competition.
SKIING
On the slopes, we congratulate Aidan B (Top Form) and William S (Y5) on their skiing success. Following on from winning bronze medals at the NSSA Indoor Open South Ski Championships in October, both were selected for the National Schools' Alpine Ski Squad 22/23; a fantastic achievement. In November the boys got to attend a team building and orientation day in Manchester. They had an action-packed day of skateboarding, scootering, climbing and trampolining. Both are now looking forward to attending a ski camp abroad with the squad. We can't wait to hear more about their skiing and trips in due course. Also, well done to all the Beechwood Ski team who have been keeping up their Friday training outdoors at Welwyn. They even seem to have had some actual ski weather recently!
We have been busy in the pool, developing our swimming strokes and enjoyed taking part in various galas.
We have some very strong swimmers at Beechwood and we look forward to taking a small squad to the IAPS competition next term. We will keep you posted with these results.
FENCING
Fencing is one of our most popular after-school clubs and some of these pupils go on to represent Beechwood in competitions. Most recently, some of our dedicated pupils were selected for the Hertfordshire School Championships. I'm pleased to announce that the Year 3 team won gold, the Year 4 team won bronze, the Year 5 and 6 team won gold, with the Year 7 and 8 team bringing home the bronze. With 8 schools competing at this event, Beechwood Park came first overall and can be named best in Hertfordshire!
EQUESTRIAN
Beechwood's Equestrian NSEA squad is currently larger than it has ever been. These children are truly dedicated to this sport, not only is it time competing and training but also the time spent looking after their horses. Leo R, John G, Guy G, Florence D, Chloe I, Nicole I, Rory L, Eleanor P must all be congratulated for their team and individual success at the two competitions they've attended this term. They've also competed in the combined event, dressage and show jumping for the first time. We wish them luck in their winter training in preparation for the Combined Training Championships will be held at Hickstead next year.
We ended the term with a festive Santa Team Run and a House Orienteering Competition (more on this on the next page!). It has been a very chilly end to the term and unfortunately our hockey and football house matches had to be cancelled, but we look forward to rescheduling them early in the New Year. We hope many of you sign up to the pre-season rugby and netball days in January, led by Saracens and Mavericks, a great opportunity to get prepared for the term ahead. The Sports Department wishes to thank everyone who has represented the School and all the wonderful supporters, for a fabulous term of sport and we look forward to seeing you again in January. Do remember to follow us on Twitter @BWPSport, for updates, match reports and results and photos. Merry Christmas to you all,
Mrs N Carley Director of Sport 76
House Orienteering this year took place with snow on the ground but nevertheless was lots of fun! Pupils from Year 3 upwards took on a new style of challenge, navigating their way around the school site to find a variety of landmarks, taking selfies to “prove” to staff that they had found them all! Everyone really threw themselves into the activity, working up a big appetite for the Christmas Lunch that awaited them! Congratulations to everyone, and thank you to all the staff who manned the course, ensuring no-one got lost! Results are as follows: Year 3 and 4 Orienteering Year 5 and 6 Orienteering Year 7 and Top Orienteering
First Place Saunders First Place Tudor First Place Tudor
Second Place Tudor
Third Place Stewart
Fourth Place Sebright Second Place Saunders
Third Place Stewart
Fourth Place Sebright Second Place Stewart
Third Place Saunders
Fourth Place Sebright
Orienteering - Overall Postitions
First Place 120 Points Tudor
Second Place 100 Points Saunders
Third Place 85 Points Stewart
Fourth Place 62 Points Sebright
James has shown superb progress this term. He started the season in the Colts C team and quickly moved up to the B team. Starting the first couple of games for the B team as a substitute he went on to become a key player in this very successful team. His passing, game understanding and ball control have really developed and have allowed him to establish his position so strongly in the team.
Finley confidently took on a different position than his preferred in the Colts A team this season. He consistently performed brilliantly for the team in matches and was regularly stand out. He played in defence showing excellence in his positioning off the ball. He took the opportunity when in attack and scored some fantastic goals as well.
Senior Dept. Girls - Most Improved Hockey Player - Chloe Lucas
Chloe has made lots of improvement, especially in the second half of the season. She has proved to be great in the D, scoring several goals when the chance arose. Her attacking play and movement into space on the pitch has developed greatly. Her commitment and desire to improve has been stand out. Senior Dept. Girls - Outstanding Contribution for Hockey - Kaede Lee Kaede has had a fantastic season in the U11A team. She has been instrumental in the team's success using her skills to control the middle of the pitch. She has attacked with flair and always gets back to defend. On top of this, she has improved greatly and is always willing to learn.
Josh constantly asked and looked for ways to improve his understanding and knowledge of the game of Football this term. He has shown great commitment in defence and always organised the team formation in defence very well. He is always a positive influence and a great team player.
Will has consistently been a high flyer in terms of his performance this season. They have continued to lead by example with the way to play sport. He has regularly contributed to some of the best plays in each match and always drove the team forward throughout attacking play. This award is therefore very thoroughly deserved.
