The annual House Cross Country Run for Forms 4 to 6 is a sporting event the children train for in their Games and PE lessons and combines the excitement of competing for their House, as well as the chance to run around the beautiful St John’s Playing Fields.
The children stood along the starting line in their Houses: Sandys, Gunning, Beaufort and Fisher so they were able to see children in the same colours as them as they set off. Many children had adorned their normal sports uniform with bows, House socks and coloured headbands and a face paint to add to the collaborative House element.
"It was fun warming up with others in my House before it started and I felt as though we were there to support each other throughout the course. At the end I felt so proud that I had finished but also that we had all got points for our House."
The cross country event is not just about individual performance but also about teamwork, camaraderie and working together for their House. It is a great opportunity for the children to test their endurance determination and sportsmanship with each child able to decide whether they do the short or the slightly longer course according to how they feel as the event progresses. The House cross country is not just a race but a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork and school House spirit.
"There was a real sense of excitement and energy at the start of both cross country events (Forms 5 & 6 combined and then Form 4) and the children listened well to top tips before the race such as stay at a pace you are comfortable with, do not start too fast, concentrate on your breathing and make the most of the warm-up time available. It was fantastic to see so much effort from all the children to do as well they could to score points for their Houses."
