From our own correspondent, Mr H!
We have had a very busy first term in sport at The Carlton Junior Academy. Here are some of the highlights, as well as what to look out for in 2024.
Clubs
The first half-term saw us run 4 after-school clubs. Mr Mateo ran a Year 3/4 Handball Club on Mondays, Mrs Sills ran Dance Club on Wednesdays, whilst I ran Year 5/6 Football on Thursdays and Year 3/4 Table Tennis on Fridays. Many children came to these clubs and hopefully enjoyed them whilst learning many new skills.
The second half-term was much harder for clubs with Christmas quickly approaching. We managed to do a Year 5/6 Sports-Hall Athletics Club on Mondays and Dance Club continued on Wednesdays.
Energy Club has been running on Friday afternoons and the children chosen to go by their teachers have been playing games whilst learning about the part food plays in leading a healthy lifestyle. Children were able to give great answers on what they should be eating more of and the foods that we need less of.
Swimming
Plum Class have completed their term of swimming, which is 12 lessons of assessments to determine groups, water safety and more assessments at the end; certificates were given out at the final awards assembly. Silver Birch Class will be going in the New Year, and letters about swimming were sent home before Christmas.
Cross-country – race 1 – Saturday 7th October
First of 3 races at Berry Hill Park. Girls’ race saw Olivia finish in 3rd and Jessica finish in 7th. Boys’ race afterwards saw Marek finish in 34th.
Boys Football – League game vs Westdale – Tuesday 10th October
We took the short but steep walk up to Westdale for our Boys first league game of the season. We took the team of: Marek, Sam, Layton, Ollie, Freddi, Cillian, Isaac, Ethan and Cairo. Despite going 1-0 down very early into the game, we responded well and dominated from thereon out. Cillian scored 2 and Isaac got another to make it 3-1 at half time. We started the second half quickly, and Cillian scored 3 more goals before Ollie made it 7-1. Cillian ended with 5 goals and star of the match.
Girls Football – Friendly game vs Good Shepherd – Tuesday 17th October
The Girls team welcomed Good Shepherd for a friendly to help them prepare for when the league season comes around. The squad of players selected were: Tia, Layla, Ella. C, Rosie, Ella. N, Jessica, Isla, China and Neve. It was an attacking game full of chances and goalmouth action. Somehow, we managed to go into half time 1-0 down. In the second half we drew level through a good finish by Jessica. We then conceded just before the end despite our domination, and lost 2-1. A result the girls didn’t deserve. Ella. N won star of the match after her creative performance making lots of chances for her teammates.
Tag Rugby – competition @ The Arnold Hill Academy – Thursday 9th November
Thursday, 9th November was the Tag Rugby tournament held at The Arnold Hill Academy. We took a team of ten Year 6’s; Jacob.C, Jacob.W, Sam, Firefunmi, Layton, Layla, Roxanna, Neve, Jessica and Olivia. We played in 5 matches, losing the first game before winning the next 3 games by a single try. We finished off with a massive 7-1 win meaning we won 4 out of 5, a great return. Star of the tournament for us: Jessica. She was brilliant at taking tags high up the pitch and forcing errors which meant we won the ball back near the opposition try-line. This lead to us scoring many tries.
Cross-country – race 2 – Saturday 18th November
The 2nd race of 3 at Berry Hill Park. Running conditions were good, and over 100 runners participated in the Girls’ race. Jessica improved 1 place to finish in 6th. Rosie in her first race finished 41st, and unfortunately, Olivia was suffering with both illness and injury. She still gave it a good go but couldn’t finish the race this time.
In the Boys’ race, Jack in his first race finished in 26th place in a field of just over 60. Ethan in his first race came 31st, and Marek finished in 37th.
Dodgeball Festival – Thursday 7th December
We were invited to a non-competitive Dodgeball festival, with the focus being on enjoyment whilst learning new skills in dodgeball. Mr Daniels and Mrs Evans took a group of 9; Logan, Mollie, Jenson, Leo, Vincent, Lexie, Elijah, William and Jack. They had Christmas music on whilst playing fun games which focussed on skills such as throwing accuracy and evasion. All children had a lot of fun!
Cross-country – race 3 – Saturday 9th December
Despite the awful weather conditions, we were there to race for the 3rd and final time at Berry Hill Park. The torrential rain meant the course was altered slightly to avoid the flooded part of the park. Jessica and Olivia again ran for the girls. Jessica finished 9th and Olivia doesn’t want her score mentioned, even though she also did very well. This too, despite slipping over twice.
In the Boys’ race, Jack was our lone runner. He finished in 26th place, showing great consistency to equal his last finish.
What to look out for
In the New Year, there will be new clubs to look out for as well as various festivals and competitions lined up. Here are some of the things to keep an eye out for:
January – Year 5/6 Sports Hall Athletics – Venue and date TBC – Only news is that this will definitely be in January.
Friday January 19th – Pathway cross-country event – Top 12 runners in boys and girls race to be selected to represent Gedling schools at Worksop College on Saturday 3rd February. I am already confident we will have lots of children able to qualify for this.
Friday January 26th – Chance to Shine Cricket – Trent Bridge cricket coach will be in to deliver coaching sessions to Year 4 and Year 6. This will be to give them some knowledge of cricket and to look at the skills before they start doing this in PE in the summer term. All children in those year groups will need PE kit that day.
Late January/Early February – date TBC – The Redhill Academy Trust are very excited to be organising and running our very first event exclusive to the Trust schools. This will be Boccia and the start of many Trust events. We are hoping to provide more opportunity for more children to be able to represent our schools in a fun environment.
#LetGirlsPlay Biggest Ever Football Session:
8th March 2024
We are going to be a part of the biggest football session for just the girls. At lunchtime, as many girls as possible will have footballs to play freely during lunch. I will then count the number of girls playing to add to hundreds of thousands of others also participating around the country. Last year, there were 285,000 girls all playing football at the same time. This year, we are aiming to be a part of breaking the record!
March
Both the Boys’ and Girls’ football teams will have many league fixtures to play starting in March. There will also be a festival to attend for children who just miss out on selection for the league games. Please bear in mind there are over 60 children sometimes trying to get one of 9 or 10 spots to be picked in the team. Selection is the worst part of running the football team, and hopefully many children will get a chance to represent us and help both our teams to finish as high up as possible.
Thank you
With so many sporting events going on throughout the school year, it is important to recognise and thank the people behind the scenes who make sure we are allowed to do so much.
Firstly, Mrs Wood for saying yes every time we get invited to an event. Secondly, Mrs Cooke who reads through all the letters making sure all the information is correct. Mrs Belshaw for keeping me organized, which is a great challenge! Also, to all the staff who have come to events and helped ensure everyone is safe and happy.
Well done and thank you to all children who have represented us or have tried out for the numerous sporting teams we have. Long may it continue.
Finally, thank you to all the parents for the continued support, whether that is allowing your child to take part or coming to watch the events and cheer us on.
Thank you,
Mr. Huskinson
