PE NEWS

Updated 14/06/10

BRITISH RED CROSS, DANCE FOR LIFE

Many thanks to all of you that have donated money for the British Red Cross, Dance for Life.

Just to let you know, we had our heat on Saturday and after a lot of injury, illness, weddings and birthdays, our 26(wo)man squad was down to 16!

Our routine was barely finished as we left for London at 8.45am on Saturday morning and after photoshoots, tech runs, dress runs and a walk through, we were finally ready.  The standard was high for a heat and I think the girls were far less enthuased than last year and knew deep down that rehearsals hadn't gone according to plan. But, nevertheless, the performance was brilliant and they won!!!

That now means that they are through to the final on Sunday 18th July at the 02 Arena, where they get to meet Diversity!!

I will keep you posted as to how you can support us further, both financially and coming to watch.

The girls are buzzing, so please congratulate them if you see them.
Special congrats goes to the 6th formers and year 11s for balancing rehearsals with revision.

The girls that participated were:

Alice Cradduck
Maud Kadye
Pooja Kashyap
Milly Wheal
Beth Russell
Lizzie Challis
Tash Thorogood
Izzy Sansone
Abi Trayte
Erin Nyland
Charlotte Polkinghorne
Rosie Challis
Lauren Byrne
Julia Reid
Amelia Goldsmith

ASCOT AND MAIDENHEAD SCHOOL SPORT PARTNERSHIP YEAR 4/5 HI 5 NETBALL TOURNAMENT

On Tuesday 30th March, 13 year 4 and 5 netball teams from primary schools in the partnership came to Newlands to compete in the Partnership round of the Year 4/5 Hi 5 Netball tournament. We prayed hard for dry weather and these were almost answered (well, for the first hour anyway).

Each school was greeted by their allocated leader (a year 10 leadership student from Newlands), who took complete responsibility for the well being of the team for the duration of the tournament. They were responsible for making sure the team were warmed up, in the right place at the right time, in the correct positions and they also handed out stickers for good play, positive attitudes and excellent effort.

At the end of the tournament, they rewarded their teams with certificates of participation, and also selected pupils in their team to receive special certificates for demonstrating the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship.
All the teams showed real perseverance and enthusiasm, especially when the weather took a turn for the worse. The standard of play improved dramatically throughout the tournament, with all teams adjusting to the adapted rules of Hi 5 as many of the teams had never played this version before.

The pool matches were hotly contested and led to semi finals between Ellington and St Francis, and St Edmund Campion and Holyport Primary. Both these matches were played with great spirit and determination, with Ellington and Holyport Primary narrowly making the final. This was an exceptionally close game but Holyport Primary just edged ahead to win 3 -2. They now go on to represent the partnership at the county finals on 27th April, where we wish them the best of luck.

A special mention must go to all the umpires, who were all Newlands students from Year 9 – 13, who are currently undertaking the Youth Umpires Award. The standard of umpiring was excellent, with many of the primary teachers commenting on the quality of the umpiring, and all the students learning an enormous amount from this experience.

BERKSHIRE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2010
BRADFIELD COLLEGE

On Monday 29th March we took 4 year 9 students to the Berkshire Leadership Academy to take part in a Netball Organisers Course, an officially recognised leadership qualification from England Netball. We usually invite 6th form students to participate in opportunities like this, but this particular group of students have, throughout the year, demonstrated a real desire to improve their leadership skills in netball, and are also currently undertaking the Netball Youth Umpires Award.

During the day, they had a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, and they learned how to officiate, lead groups of young children, develop netball skills and organise festivals and tournaments. They all learned an enormous amount and are now looking forward to putting it all into practice!!

A Lovely Compulsory Routine

The Winning Routine

RBWM TRAMPOLINING COMPETITION REPORT

Last Tuesday, ten pupils from Newlands participated in the RBWM trampolining competition at Cox Green School. They were competing in two categories, Next Step and Elite. The Elite category is for students who attend trampolining clubs outside school and have competed at regional G level or above, and the Next Step category is for those who have not.

All pupils performed really well against tough competition from Charters, Cox Green, Furze Platt and Churchmead and we were delighted to win overall team gold in the year 9/10/11 Next Step category. The Elite performers were equally successful with girls obtaining a gold and a silver in the 9/10/11 age group.

Following these fantastic performances these girls have now qualified to take part in the County Finals in May (pending authorisation from senior management).

NEWLANDS GO TO THE WACKY RACES

On Friday 19th March we combined fundraising for Sport Relief with the third leg of our Olympic Challenge. Over the next two years in the build up to London 2012 we are aiming to travel from Beijiing to London over 10 'event' days. Each involves a different type of exercise to cover a set number of miles. We have completed the first two legs by cycling and rowing our way from Beijiing to Khudayar in Kazakhstan and now hope to continue on to Karabulak. in Russia.

This event comprised 'wacky races' such as egg and spoon, sack races and three legged races to cover as much distance as possible and pupils donated £1.50 to come in non-uniform with a sporty and stripy theme. During curriculum time there was a total of 750 pupils involved throughout the day, with more coming to participate at break and lunchtime.

In total we covered a solid 90 miles, which although not as far as previous events, this is a brilliant total when you consider it was completed through egg and spoon, sack races and three legged races amongst others!!! We are still in Kazakhstan but no longer near its border; we're now in Koyankoz, Kazakhstan. On estimate the next step is from Koyankoz to Taldyozek (mid area of Kazakhstan). Keep your fingers crossed for a lovely summer as we are aiming to swim the next leg!!

WINDSOR CHEERLEADING COMPETITION

Last Wednesday, Newlands Junior, Senior and Inter cheer teams all went up to Trevelyan Middle School to participate in our first cheer competition. Everyone was really nervous but confident after our last practice at lunch on Wednesday went really well.

We excitedly filled up our two coaches and cars and made our way to the competition. We spent the entire journey complaining to the driver to slow down because we were trying to do our hair and make up, and taking team pictures.

We arrived and sat down ready to show the competition what we were made of. In the junior competition, we watched the other competitors and then it was time for Newlands Junior Squad who did really well with an amazing routine. Then, in no time at all it was time for the inter cheer team and the seniors to compete, we sat and watched Windsor Girls do their stuff and then it was time for the inter squad, they did fantastically well too and even coped with their music jumping. Next up was us seniors, who also had to contend with the music skipping, but I think we did brilliantly.

We then had a nervous wait for the results, but finally the judges made up their minds. Sadly, the juniors narrowly missed out on winning the junior competition and unfortunately it was the same story for the senior and inter cheer teams! However, I think we all did so well and it was so nice to see how close we are as a squad.

Also a big thank you to Miss Hearn and Miss Burns for helping with the choreography.

Nina Willment 10F

Thank you! 

The PE department would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all the students who worked so hard to ensure the success of the Gym and Dance Show 2010.

We are, as ever, in awe of your talent, skill, dedication, commitment and enthusiasm and it has been a real pleasure to work with all 399 performers and approximately 30 leaders and technical crew members.

We are aware that we are constantly nagging you to get changed, to smile, to take your socks off, to put the mats out, to put the mats away, to come in early, to leave late, to hurry to registration, to run through it just once more, to practise, practise, practise, but hope that you can appreciate that it was all worth it in the end!

Without exception, your behaviour and conduct during the three days of rehearsals and performances were impeccable, and you have continued to make it an incredibly enjoyable experience for all of us. Every student gave 110% during both performances and we could not have expected any more of you.

You are a ridiculously talented bunch and we are incredibly proud of you! Thank you once again and we hope to see each and every one of you in the Gym and Dance Show 2011.

GYM AND DANCE SHOW 2010

On 10th and 11th February Newlands staged the biggest ever gym and dance spectacular at the Pearce Suite at the Magnet Leisure Centre. With a 600 strong audience for each performance, nearly 400 pupils from year 7 – 13, supported by over 30 technical crew and Level 2 sports leaders, performed an unbelievable variety of dance and gymnastics routines. These routines ranged from solo and duet performances, to routines with in excess of 80 performers and all students involved pulled out incredible performances on both nights. This year saw the inclusion of the winning dances from the first ever inter form dance competition and there was even a first performance from the Newlands staff dance squad!!