During the May half term, 52 lucky students attended the eagerly awaited school sports tour to Lloret de Mar, near Barcelona. Miss Goodwin, Miss Walsh, Miss Hansford, Mr Latouche and Mrs Ruby took Year 8, 9 and 10 students back to Spain to compete in the annual sports school competition, organised by Absolute Travel and Tours.

With a lot more schools in attendance this year, the competition was played across two days in a tournament/group format. Every game in both football and netball was highly competitive and we finished with some impressive performances and results. The girls' netball team particularly impressed on day one of the tournament, topping their group, despite playing against girls a year older than them. Also, playing against girls a year older were the girls' football team, who held their own in all of their games against more experienced players, and even winning a few games as well. The under 13 (Year 8) boys' football team were unbeaten on the first day of the tournament, putting them in one of the tougher groups on the second day. However, this did not affect them as they finished second place overall. The biggest success was from the under 15 boys' football team (Year 9 and 10); despite an opening game loss on the first day, they won all their remaining games without conceding to also being placed in one of the top groups on day two. The success didn’t end there, as they finished top and won a trophy for their efforts! Students also participated in coaching sessions held by professionals from Norwich City FC and Elite Netball Academy. 

Away from the sport, the students had a lot of down time where they enjoyed a whole day at the waterpark without having to queue for any of the rides, a day at the beach and an opportunity to chill out by the pool at the hotel. Evening activities included bowling, an arcade, bumper cars and further opportunities for the arcade and souvenir shopping. On the penultimate night, the students were lucky enough to enjoy a highly organised disco with the other participating schools at the Queen Vic.

Throughout the week, the students were challenged by the teachers for their conduct on the trip – points were won by helping carry equipment, making teachers laugh, helping others, being first to the meeting point, winning player of the match, kindness to others, and points were lost for using phones at meal times, being late to a meeting time, forgetting something in the hotel room and many more. Congratulations to Tyree, who won by five points overall. Teachers also awarded two students each for either being player of the week or for impressing with their positive attitude. Congratulations to Amira, La’Marion, Charlie C, Jayda, Louie, Jojo, Emmi, Mariam, Daniil and Andrei. In addition to this, Alex M was unanimously chosen by all of the teachers as the standout student of the week.

After a long journey back to the UK, each student and staff member on the trip arrived home full of some exciting stories to tell about the amazing time they had. I would like to say a massive thank you to all of the students and staff who made this an enjoyable week. It was action packed and will provide some lasting memories.