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King's Hawford
25 January
King’s Hawford Spirit Conquers House Cross Country
Last Friday, pupils from Reception to Year Six took part in the annual House Cross Country. It was beautifully crisp day, and we were blessed with blue skies. As the afternoon wore on, the frozen ground thawed, creating conditions more usually associated with cross country running.
During the event we witnessed many special moments, as pupils tackled the course around school. Beyond tremendous athleticism, we also witnessed great camaraderie, true sportsmanship and exceptional resilience. As is always the case at King’s Hawford, the spirit of inclusivity was very much on display.
As pupils gathered on the Top Field ahead of their race, Mrs Butt was on hand to brief them. In addition to explaining the course, Mrs Butt also helped calm any pre-race nerves by reminding the children that they were only required to do their best. Every pupil finishing the course would be scoring vital points for their House. Mrs Butt asked the children to celebrate their finish when they crossed the line as a personal achievement!
Reception children had the honour of racing first; after a quick warm-up they were ready to go! Pupils were challenged to complete two smaller laps of the Top Field. The course had been marked out with cones, and members of staff were dotted around the course to guide and encourage the children. The children ran with pure joy, their cheeks flushed from the exertion and the cold. The sense of pride as they finished was a delight to see.
As the afternoon progressed, year group after year group arrived at the Top Field ready and raring to go. Pupils enjoyed a constant stream of supporters, with friends and family flocking to the event to cheer on the competitors. It was wonderful to see the levels of support and encouragement that were on display throughout the afternoon. The children lit up with delight as they spotted familiar faces in the crowd, and pupils supported one another and pulled together to ensure that every single competitor completed their race to rapturous applause. At times the cheering was deafening! We also had a wonderful army of staff members dotted around the courses, all of whom provided much needed encouragement.
Congratulations to the winners of each race. They showed true grit and determination on a very cold day.
Reception boys: 1st Theo L, 2nd Arthur T and 3rd Arlo H.
Reception girls: 1st Senna N, 2nd Claudia P and 3rd Poppy P.
Year 1 boys: 1st Elliott E, 2nd Charles and 3rd Archie.
Year 1 girls: 1st Poppy B, 2nd Trixie and 3rd Fifi.
Year 2 boys: 1st Alex V, 2nd Frank O and 3rd Ellis N.
Year 2 girls: 1st Tanith H, 2nd Alice H and 3rd Maddie P.
Year 3 boys: 1st Cassian W, 2nd Bruce W and 3rd Tom H.
Year 3 girls: 1st Persie D, 2nd Aurelia A and 3rd Ellie H.
Year 4 boys: 1st Arthur G 2nd Austin R and 3rd Charles H.
Year 4 girls: 1st Maysie L, 2nd Jasmine O and 3rd Zara O.
Year 5 boys: 1st Jude R, 2nd Thomas C, and 3rd James B.
Year 5 girls: 1st Millie B, 2nd Pipp P and 3rd IZA MP.
Year 6 boys: 1st George M, 2nd Isaac H and 3rd Rory G.
Year 6 girls: 1st Harriet B, 2nd Hattie and 3rd Jetta P.
Beyond the tremendous achievements of our winners, the highlight of this year’s cross country was witnessing the way the whole school community came together and supported each and every pupil. Seeing those who had finished jogging back to help and encourage others, and older pupils running alongside younger ones to support them was wonderful to witness.
Well done King’s Hawford!