125 YEARS OF WIMBLEDON

The 125th Wimlbledon championship had begun, an exciting fortnight of dynamic tennins for us all to enjoy! Will Murry do it this year and become the first brit to win since Fred Perry in 1936?

To keep up with all the Wimbledon news check out http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/index.html

Also have a look at the BBC's documentry...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0124y7g/125_Years_of_Wimbledon_You_Cannot_Be_Serious/

"SW19: The postcode alone generates a thousand images in any tennis fan's head. Even the signposts are evocative. Centre Court, the Fred Perry statue, Henman Hill (now Murray Mound), the Locker rooms, the Royal Box. This documentary celebrates 125 years of Wimbledon history, featuring archive of the tournament's most memorable moments and illuminating interviews with the key players and famous fans.
The memories are plentiful: the champions, the fierce rivalries, the tantrums, the British expectation, the weather, the fashions.
Wimbledon is the place gladiators like Borg and McEnroe, Federer and Nadal went head to head, where Mahut and Isner played for days and Novotna cried on Centre Court. It's where traditions are challenged but never forgotten, where the greats have been crowned and where even Sir Cliff Richard has entertained the crowds during the rain.
Featuring contributions from John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graff, Roger Federer, Boris Becker, Bille Jean King, the Williams sisters, Rafa Nadal, plus celebrity fans like Sir Cliff Richard and Stephen Fry."
BBC iPlayer.

Lord Sebastian Coe The Assessor

On the 27^th of April, Izzy and I headed out with the other get set schools in the Borough for St Marys University. The day would involve meeting and talking to Lord Sebastian Coe himself.

Seb was on an exclusive visit to the University to assess the progress of the facilities that will be home to 100s of athletes from all over the world in 2012. In particular athletes from Ireland and China. While he walked around with his team which included Patrick Hickey (President of the European Olympic Committee), We decided to keep our distance  and stood watching intently from the running track.

After he had finished his inspection, he came over to see us and a few athletes remaining on the track. He was kind enough to have a chat with us about how we are promoting the Olympics in our school and what we are hoping to achieve in due course. We then went inside to listen to him give a great speech to an admiring crowd about what he thought of the facilities and personnel at St.Marys. Finally, he and Patrick kindly signed a few quick autographs and they even got in a few photos.

By Matt Gibson

PE Extra Curricular May-April 2011

                                                                                                                                                       

DAY	MORNING (8-8.30)	LUNCH (1.15-2)	AFTER SCHOOL (3 – 4)
			ASTRO 1	ASTRO 2	ASTRO 2/GRASS	SPORTS HALL	OTHER
MON		WEIGHT LIFTING Boys YEAR 10 FITNESS SUITE (JG)
TUES	FITNESS SUITE KS4 (KH)	ATHLETICS RELAY Boys & Girls ALL YEARS (LN)	CRICKET Boys YEARS 7&8 (SC)	ATHLETICS THROWING Boys & Girls ALL YEARS (PM)
WED	FITNESS SUITE KS4 (SC)		ROUNDERS Girls ALL YEARS (LN)	ATHLETICS Boys ALL YEARS (PM)		BOXERCISE Brentford FC YEARS 9,10&11
THURS	FITNESS SUITE KS4 (PM)		CRICKET Boys YEARS 9&10 (PM)	TENNIS Boys & Girls ALL YEARS (SC)	ROUNDERS Girls YEAR 7 & 8 (KH)
FRI		KARATE Boys KS4 OLD GYM			RUGBY – Girls YEARS 7,8&9 (JG) Grass Pitch	BADMINTON Boys & Girls ALL YEARS (ND)	Btec Improvement Sessions  (GD/LN/SC) 3–4pm

Worth a watch....

Manchester United . . . a team loved or hated.  Yet on Sunday 24^thApril,there was a documentary ‘United’ based on the famous Busby

Babes and Bobby Charlton in particular.

Many of you will be too young to know who these players were. I fortunately grew up hearing stories bout these amazing players and the tragedy that the club encountered as on 6th February 1958 an airliner carrying players and backroom staff of Manchester United, plus a number of journalists and supporters, crashed in a blizzard on its third attempt to take off from Munich airport. Twenty-three of the forty-four passengers on board the aircraft lost their lives including the captain Duncan Edwards (see below) to whom many say was the best footballer ever to wear the England shirt. 

For those who have been to Old Trafford and have seen the Munich clock and the Manchester United sign, it will make you realise the history that surrounds the club.

Miss Nuttall.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b010tb6z/United/

Questionnaire competition (part 2)

At the start of the academic year students of Hampton Academy were offered the opportunity to create a questionnaire for a sporting star.

Many students entered some great questionnaires with questions that were interesting and insightful. The best were chosen and put to our selection of sports stars...

Congratulations to Victor Villegas who's questions were selected for England rugby player, 

Claire Allan.

1)      How did you become a rugby player?

When I was 13, a school friend of mine asked me to come down to a local club rugby training session. I loved it from the minute I started, and have been playing ever since.

2)      How many tournaments have you been in?

Quite a few. Six Nations, Sevens World Cup 2009, Europeans, Nations Cup (Canada), various Sevens tournaments across Europe and USA.

3)      What cups or medals have you won?

I have been part of the Six Nations winning squad on 4 occasions. We have won the Europeans (both Sevens and 15’s). Won the Nations Cup. We have also won the San Diego, Dubai and Amsterdam Sevens

4)      Where’s the best place you’ve played?

Dubai was the most memorable place I’ve played rugby. We had a fantastic squad and the location was beautiful. The ‘Sevens’ stadium is in the middle of the desert.

Twickenham Stadium was also a very special place to play. We beat New Zealand there last year, which is one of my best sporting memories.

5)      Is there any one in your family as sporty as you?

My sister is really sporty. She currently plays football in America, and is on a scholarship out there. She is off to Brazil soon to play for one of their club sides. And is also training for the marathon!

6)      If you could play any other sport what would it be?

Before I started playing rugby seriously, I loved Athletics.  I’d probably go for the 100-200m sprint. I also enjoy surfing when I get the chance, and that would be a fantastic lifestyle.  So think I’d like to be a surfer!

7)      What are your plans for the future?

My long term goal is to play in the Olympics in Rio 2016. (Rugby Sevens has recently been accepted into the Olympics).

Earning an Olympic Gold medal would have to be the highest sporting achievement.

I am currently a Police Officer in the MET. Once I retire from rugby I would like to join the firearms unit.

Congratulations once again to Victor for comming up with such great questions and a massive thank you to Claire Allan for taking the time to answer them!!

Hampton Academy Sport

Sport Hampton Academy- Spring to success in 2011

It has been an action packed spring term for Hampton Academy in 2011. Congratulations to all students that have represented your school in sports fixtures and competitions.

The Hampton Academy boy’s year 10 Volleyball team picked up in January, right where they left off in 2010. They competed in the South London Volleyball Championships after progressing through their pool and Borough final. The year 8 & 9 combined teams had to wait until after half term to show off their Volleyball skills, and Mr Crossan’s girl’s Volleyball team proved they were up to the task by taking silver in the Richmond Borough Championship.

In the very same week, Mr Mayfield took the Key-Stage 3 Trampolining teams to the Richmond Festival and brought back the boy’s team gold. Well done to everyone that competed in the Borough Trampolining and congratulations to the boys from years 7, 8 & 9 who lifted the trophy. This is another fantastic success for Hampton Academy.

Hampton Academy entered the borough wide year 7 and year 8 leagues in the spring term and Ms Nuttall and Ms Horsburgh guided the girls through seven tough fixtures. Ms Davidson coached the year 9, 10 & 11 girls Football team in the Richmond schools league.

Meanwhile, the year 7 and 8 boys Rugby League team entered the Harlequins RL schools merit league, and Hampton Academy competed in competitive school Rugby fixtures for the first time. As Mr Giblin’s Rugby sessions goes from strength to strength, the girl’s team got in on the action as well by entering the Richmond Champion Schools Competitions at year 7 and 9. Mr Giblin, took these complete novice girl’s teams and developed them to defend fiercely, score tries, compete and win games. There will be more Rugby to come in the summer term.

Hampton Academy rowers competed in the Richmond Indoor Rowing Championships and our boy’s year 8 and year 7 Basketballers entered the Borough festivals. Hampton Academy Athletes continued to place 3^rd in the Sports Hall Athletics fixtures ay year 7 and 8.

Aside from the sports fields, Hampton Academy had lots of new sports clubs for students in the spring term. Brentford FC delivered Futsal and Boxercise classes, year 10 boys began a weight lifting club and for the first time, Hampton Academy offered a Karate club for students interested in martial arts. Mrs Day also launched her Friday night Badminton club.

Elsewhere at Hampton Academy, students and staff celebrated an Olympic Learning Day to mark the 500 days countdown to London 2012. Staff and students wore sports themed uniform and took part sports challenges. Students also raised money for comic relief by challenging staff to Volleyball and Badminton matches. Hampton Academy hosted a huge year 3 primary school event which saw every single primary school child invited to Hampton Academy for a fun filled afternoon of sport involving over 150 students.

Questionnaire competiton (part 1)

At the start of the academic year students of Hampton Academy were offered the opportunity to create a questionnaire for a sporting star.

Many students entered some great questionnaires with questions that were interesting and insightful. The best were chosen and put to our selection of sports stars...

Congratulations to Luc Trafford and Kieran Peckett who's questions were selected for GB fencer and Olympic hopeful, 

Claire Bennett.

1)      What made you interested in fencing?

Fencing appealed to me because it looked different and interesting. I liked the idea of a combat sport. At the time, I remember wanting to fight with a sword like Zorro or one of the Three Musketeers! I also had a wonderful first coach who had me hooked within minutes. My first coach was the one who lit that spark of passion for fencing in me all those years ago when I was at school and just ten years old.

2)      How did you start you career in journalism?

It actually started when I was on my year abroad from my languages course at Durham University. I did a work experience placement with Reuters in Paris. I worked on the sports desk and loved the buzz in the office. I then went on to ask for some more work experience at the Evening Standard and then at the Daily Telegraph. I didn’t have any qualifications in journalism but I got some invaluable hands-on experience with top press agencies instead. I was bold and just asked them straight out. Fortunately it paid off.

3)      What advice would you give to someone who wanted to take up a sport as a career?

If you want to take up a sport as a career and become a professional athlete you need to be disciplined, determined, committed and focused. You need to be a self-starter. It’s about overcoming challenges and constantly striving to be the best. It’s about challenging yourself to do something really difficult, that requires a lot of skill, both physically and mentally. To me, that is the ultimate meaning of doing sport – challenging yourself and overcoming the tests along the way. Nothing beats that feeling of achieving your goals. A career in sport can be exhilarating and rewarding but you have to be prepared to put the work in. Be brave, train hard and stick at it!

4)      Where is the best place you’ve been to through competing?

Tough question – it’s so hard to decide! I’ve been very fortunate in getting to travel all over the world through competing. I always love going to Cuba and also countries like China and Japan are great as I find their cultures fascinating. Australia was a fantastic place to visit and compete in. I had to travel 22 hours on a plane to get there but it was well worth the journey. If I was pushed into deciding my favourite place, I’d probably say Cuba.

5)      Do you have a sporting role model and how have they inspired you?

I have lots of sporting role models who inspire me on a daily basis. Michael Jordan, Steve Redgrave, Lance Armstrong and Dame Kelly Holmes to name a few. I’ve always admired Jonny Wilkinson for his professionalism and work ethic. His dedication to his sport is inspiring. He is a true professional and a role model on and off the pitch. These athletes have class, integrity and work hard to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential. They inspire me to be a better-performing athlete and to never sit on my success.

6)      What do you think your greatest achievement in fencing is?

I’d say coming back last year after a difficult season and winning the bronze medal in the individual and the gold medal in the team event of the Commonwealth Fencing Games. I was captain of the England team and I felt a great responsibility to lead by example and do my very best. I am convinced that this event was a turning point in my sporting career. But I hope my greatest achievement in fencing is yet to come!

7)      How do you think you would feel if you made it to 2012?

I think I would be bursting with pride. For me, it would be the biggest and greatest honour to represent Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Fencing in front of a home crowd would be beyond special. It would mean so much to me. In fact, it would mean so much to not only me, but to my friends, my family and all of my support team who have helped me along the way. It is the greatest prize of all, and an honour.

Congratulations once again to Luc and Kieran for coming up with such great questions and a massive thank you to Claire Bennett for taking the time to answer them!!

Comic Relief Staff v Student 2011

Over two days staff and students battled it out across three disciplines; Volleyball, Netball and Football. The effort and commitment put in by all teams provided a very competitive dual one which pupils of Hampton Academy had the privilege of seeing for just a small donation to Comic Relief.

On Thursday the 17^th of March at lunch time the Volleyball teams came head to head. Nerves began to rise as spectators filled in and the first serve was taken. The closely fought game lasted the entire lunch with neither team wanting to stop. There was some great serving from team captain Miss Glendening and even a surprise appearance from Mr Edmead. Both teams played superbly and the sets were very close but as the final serve was taken the staff were crowned victorious 2 sets to 0.

It was 1:0 to the staff after the first battle with just netball and football to go...

The next day, Friday the 18^th, the sports hall was once again filled with expectant spectators. The atmosphere was electric and the match set off at a blistering pace, as the match continued clashes between the staff and students became rougher in a bid to win. The students were on top form though (obviously well taught!) and managed to score point after point. The staff just couldn’t contend and at the end of a fiercely fought  and exhausting 14 minutes the students stormed to victory 7-1. A special thank you and congratulations goes to Migena Dollani, who created, organised and coached the students team, well done!!

All was square in the Staff vs Students war, one a piece...it all came down to the football.

Comic Relief Staff v Student Football match review

By Andrew Harries 7WT

This was to be very exciting game where every single pass and shot counted as it went down to the wire. It was cold; muddy and very entertaining. The fans were ready.  The game was to be half an hour each way. The ref (Mr Humphreys) and the teams started the game with very high morale.  In the early parts of the first half the students dominated with most of the possession and lots of chances but an on form Mr Mayfield kept denying the student chances but there were signs of the staff getting to grips with the game. After about 10 minutes Billy (one of the mentors in the arts and performance) committed a foul that earned him a ticking off from the referee, from the first half was not much football but a lot of substitutions for the staff by Miss Nuttall who was the manager of the Staff however there was no manager for the students. The half time whistle signalled the end of the first half which gave both teams to swap goalies have a drink and sort out some tactics for the second half. The teams were refreshed after a short break and raring to go. Shortly into the second half... “here’s Mr Chiremba on the ball there’s two defenders marking him, he shoots and scores!”... “First blood to the staff!” That annoyed the students a bit. On the return...“It’s Tyler the student captain on the run, good dribbling skills brought down...PENALTY!!!”... “Can the students peg it back here?”... “Tyler steps up to take and scores!” Now if you thought the students were annoyed when they conceded you should have seen the staffs faces, not the happiest of bunches then. So the two teams slaughtered on with lots of chances but lots of misses as well. At the end of full time there was nothing to separate the two teams at the end of normal time. So the game had to carry on into extra time, with 5 minutes each way. I heard that if the staff didn’t score that Miss Nuttall was going to come on to, well hopefully, seal victory. In the first half of extra time there were no goals and not much play. The second half came and three minutes in “here’s Ricky good dribble shoots... oh my goodness me!”... “What a goal from what 30 metres from goal, which will really put a nail in the staff’s hearts” But now the question was could the staff have a comeback. The answer was well, no. It was the students’ victory! It wasn’t the best game in the history of football, but by heck was it a good one.

Match reporter Andrew Harries.

So to round up...Thursday and Friday saw some brilliant competitive action and it was fantastic to have so many people involved, staff and students both playing and spectating. YES the students won (sigh) and us staff are slightly devastated BUT what keeps us going is knowing that everyone’s efforts managed to raise over £130 for comic relief. An extremely worthy cause that the PE Department, sports teams and our benevolent teachers of Hampton academy are proud to support!

Miss Davidson.