This week we saw our first ever combined Sports Day as ‘Ark Alexandra Academy’. Students from the Helenswood and Willliam Parker campuses joined together to compete in their Houses in a range of activities throughout the day.
It was an early start for the PE department, arriving at 6.45am to set up the athletics track and various Super Teams events. The weather seemed good, despite the torrential downpour at 2.00am, and the sun was starting to shine. Our year 7 and 8 students arrived at the athletics track, whilst our 9s and 10s entered through the gates to the main campus. There was a sense of anticipation from the start, as students were registered, issued with their house bands, and prepared for their first activities.
The activities began with our older students embarking on their quest to win their chosen Super Teams activity. Competing in Netball, Football, Basketball, Badminton, Table Tennis and Cricket, the teamwork and skill shown by our Year 9s and 10s was strong: The battle had begun. The atmosphere was electric in all the venues, with students immersed in their games. Meanwhile, on the athletics track, our younger students started their athletics events. In the cauldron of the track, the atmosphere was buzzing. For many of our students it was their first experience of a proper track, and despite the nerves and apprehension, many faced their fears and met the challenge head on. There were some amazing performances both in terms of standards, as well as sheer commitment and determination. Students’ willingness to try new things and give their all, was outstanding.
Students swapped over their activities in the afternoon, with the Year 7s and 8s going off to take part in their Super Teams activities, and our 9s and 10s, making their way to the athletics track. Tensions remained high, but the atmosphere was full of fun and laughter, with spectacular performances galore.
Our students showed such wonderful support for each other throughout the day, demonstrating Faith, Excellence and Kindest, and certainly living life in all its fullness. It was wonderful to see the staff and students from both campuses come together to create lasting memories.
Here’s what some of our students had to say about the day…
‘It was great to experience the biggest Sports Day of my student life! It featured not just athletics, unlike prior events, but actual sports as well! The cricket was fun; I enjoyed the structure and the match between Aqua & Aer was also good. The running events were fun, but I’m obviously not a runner, so I came last in both of them. The long jump was also great fun. Sports Day 2025 was really enjoyable, and I can’t wait for 2026’!
Chester, Year 8
Our 2025 Sports Day was fantastic! The events throughout the day were organised perfectly and ran on-time. The variety of athletic events gave everyone many options to choose from. The house points were distributed fairly and efficiently. I enjoyed being able to regroup with many old friends from the other site. Altogether, the whole day was one of the best of my year and absolutely the best sports day so far!
Isabelle, year 9
‘It was lovely having everyone together and working as a team. Everyone showed amazing teamwork and were very supportive of one another. I really enjoyed doing High jump with Nana P! She taught me to High Jump in year 7 and I won my event with a jump of 1m 51. What a legend!
Lev, Year 10
The day started off waiting at the front gate of the athletics track. Soon enough I started to see my friends and was extremely happy to see my friend from William Parker site too. Seeing so many people was rather interesting and I was thrilled to see how different my second sports day would be as a part of Ignis. Once the registers and sorting everyone out had been done, the day suddenly went super quick! Cheering as loud as possible to show support for my friends from other houses and Ignis members, was great. When it was my track event, the 100m sprint, I was incredibly nervous, but getting down there and seeing people I knew, even if they were from different houses, was comforting and made me feel part of a community. I got 7th place, but I am just proud of myself for doing my best like everyone else. I’m very content with how the day went and the different events that were offered. When I participated in my field event, I gave it my all, throwing the javelin with as much strength as possible and getting 6th place. When it came to the time for Super Teams, I found it very lively with people competing in badminton with all their effort. I had lots of fun on sports day.
Ruby, Year 8
‘As I walked into the track area, I felt quite nervous but also really excited. My nervousness vanished as soon as my friends from William Parker came running up to me, enveloping me in a hug. It was great to see them because I hadn’t seen them in ages, and we were laughing and having fun the whole day.
My first event was the 100m sprint and I was quite anxious because the other girls I was up against were really fast and so I knew I just had to try my best and have fun. I didn’t come close to first, but I didn’t mind because I walked back up to my friends and we continued chatting. There was quite a long wait between the different events because we had to wait for the Year 7s to compete before our field events started. I could feel the enjoyment but also the anticipation buzzing around the different pupils and teachers. Everyone seemed to be enjoying watching the various events begin and most pupils looked like they were putting a lot of effort into their events. My second event was Triple Jump, and I wasn’t feeling very confident at competing, but I ended up coming 4th so I was relieved and really happy.
During lunch I mixed with other houses so that I could spend more time with friends that I don’t see as often. I made a couple of new friends, too. The number of seagulls on the grass bank was crazy and they were being really noisy but it’s Hastings, so we’re pretty used to it by now!
After lunch, all of the pupils were split up into our tutor groups and then we walked up to the sports hall, ready for our Super Teams events. This was the last event of the day, and everyone was able to choose which sport to play. People were smiling and it looked like they were going to have lots of fun. My sport was netball, and each house had to play against the other houses. I’m in Aer and we won the game against Aqua 8-0’!
Frankie, Yr8
‘The super teams were soooo fun! I enjoyed every second of it. Probably because I was with my friends and I love netball, but it was just such a fun and happy atmosphere that I enjoyed it even more’.
Esme, Year 8
I thoroughly enjoyed sports day!
At first, I was like "No, I don't want to do sports day!" and "I hate sports!"
However, when I got there, I was met by one of my friends and we started to chat and point out the people we remembered or knew. Then my other friends started to arrive and talked, laughed and moaned at how we didn't want to do sports day. Then, after some mayhem of Miss Lambie gathering us on the grass, the gates had opened. We were gathered in tutor groups, and I saw some old friends. I was genuinely terrified of failing and not being good at my sports.
I then was called down to the 50m race. I was nervous but ready, as before I had come to school my Nan said, "Run like there is a box of chocolates and there is only one left!" That really helped as last year I came last but this time, I came second-to-last, which, normally would be a bad thing but for me that felt like a real achievement.
In the afternoon, I did badminton for my Super-Teams event, which was fun as I got to laugh with some friends I hadn't seen since the last day of Year 7. We lost all our games, but it was worth it as we had an amazing time’.
Amelia, Year 8
‘I enjoyed sports day because I got a chance to participate in the activities I really enjoyed. Although I was nervous before my first race, I did quite well by the end. I was particularly anxious before the relay race because I was worried that I’d fumble the baton change over. Turns out I didn’t. Overall, it was an exceptionally fun day; a day to remember’.
Dara, Year 8
‘Yesterday was a well-run, action-packed day: failing to disappoint. The athletics events went really well. The privilege of having a bank overlooking the track is not to be disregarded; this position was crucial from a spectator's point of view.
From the timing to the atmosphere in the track and field events, it was fantastic. A huge well done to everyone who made this event possible!
Ronnie, Year 8
‘Yesterday was a great day outside doing sports. I really enjoyed trying new things like triple jump an the 50m sprint. It was a great experience, and I can’t wait to do it next year. I also met my old friends from Primary School’!
Anastasija, Year 7
‘I enjoyed the sports day very much. It was fun to see my friends at Willam Parker and make some new ones. I took part in many events, and it was so much fun’.
Curtis, Year 7
I really enjoyed sports day because the events were great. I loved watching everyone take part in different things, and it was nice to see the other campus.
Amelia, Year 7
A massive ‘Thank you’ to all the staff and students for making this such an amazing day. We are so proud of our community and the kindness and commitment shown by everyone.
We have had another wonderful sporting year!
