Posted on: February 11th 2021
This weekend we had the first of our weekend Distance Challenges. As an introductory activity, I asked all the students in Years 1 to 6 to get active over the weekend and record the distance they travelled. They could do this either by walking, running or cycling.
The weather last weekend was horrific so I didn’t expect a great turnout, snow, hail and bitter cold can put anyone off a walk in the park! I was really surprised to find that well over 50% of our students braved the freezing conditions to get outside and be active. As a school, we travelled over 970 kilometres over two days. That is the equivalent of us travelling from Lands End to John O'Groats and is no mean feat! Year 5 won the year group challenge, narrowly beating Year 6 - 275.7 km to 274.6 km, so very close! The House event wasn't as close an affair with Nelson romping home almost twice as far as Clive in second.
Some of the distances travelled were truly amazing. I’d like to highlight some really busy children. Sebastian in Year 1 recorded the 4th furthest distance with an impressive 26.6 km and was the only pupil outside of Senior Prep to score in the top ten. Emma in Year 6 cycled 8 times around Regents Park and I think the sight of the giraffes walking around distracted her enough to clock up 55.3 km! However, the top distance went to Felix in Year 5 who travelled a simply astounding 100.2 km in 6 trips over the two days! Felix’s parents must be fit as they had to accompany him on his forays!
I would like to thank the parents and siblings that encouraged and recorded distances for our students. Without their support, this wouldn’t have been possible.
Our next challenge is to travel from Pole to Pole over the half term. At 40,075 km from north to south poles, it’s a big challenge but if we pull together I know we can do it!!
Andy Charman
Director of Sport and Activities
