ENGLISH SCHOOLS' TRACK AND FIELD CUP - 11th May

Excellent individual performances in ESAA Track and Field Cup

Nearly 50 students represented Congleton High School in the first round of the English Schools’ Track and Field Cup held at Macclesfield Athletics Track this week. The inter boys finished fourth overall, while the junior boys and girls finished sixth and there were some outstanding individual performances.

On the track, George Johnson finished first in the 100m with a time of 11.8 seconds, while Harper Whitehead, who competed at the English Schools’ Cross Country championships earlier this year, finished second in the 1500m. Harper had to show determination and a turn of speed to beat Sam Hanson from The County High School, who finished just one second behind Whitehead’s time of 4 minutes, 44 seconds.

In the junior category, Jack Farrall finished fourth in the 1500m with a time of 5 minutes and four seconds. Ruby Spencer produced an impressive performance to win the 800m in two minutes, 44 seconds, while Abi McCusker finished third in the 100m with a time of 14 seconds exactly. Recognition also goes to Mia Donathy who completed the 1500m in five minutes, 57 seconds.

In the field events, Lewis Halliday was edged into second in the shot putt by just one centimetre after throwing a distance of 11.68 metres. There was no beating Ru Morgan in the junior boys’ competition. The year 8 student won the shot with a distance of 10.54 metres, while Joel Whitehurst finished fourth after throwing 9.37 metres.

Well done to everyone who participated in the English Schools Track and Field Cup you can all be very proud of your performances!

Written by Adam Bailey

FOOTBALL: WELLACRE ACADEMY 1-2 CONGLETON COLLEGE

Spirited comeback earns College victory

The Congleton College’s Football Academy moved to third in the English Colleges Football Association league on Wednesday after a spirited comeback against Wellacre Academy.

The newly formed college has only been offering the BTEC Level Three diploma in Performance and Exercise course since September and they showed great character recovering from a goal inside the first minute to take a hard-fought three points.

Congleton could be forgiven for thinking it was not going to be their afternoon when Wellacre took the lead after just forty seconds with a long range effort, but there was still a lot of football to be played in what turned out to be an entertaining affair.

Adam McHale drew the visitors level with a low driven shot and either side could have taken the spoils in an end-to-end game that saw both teams thwarted on several occasions by the woodwork. Daniel Needham saw his volley ricochet off the crossbar, while, Congleton goalkeeper, Hallam Carslake had to be on top form to deny Wellacre retaking the lead.

Congleton’s determination was rewarded, however, when George Hooper clinically steered his left footed shot past the Wellacre goalkeeper at the back post. The win moves the College into third in the league with one league game left in what has been an extremely encouraging debut season.

Manager Mr Donnelly commented: “I was really pleased with the players' efforts and I think it is probably our best performance of the season. The players showed great commitment and stayed very disciplined, maintaining the team’s shape.”

Congleton College: Carslake, Buckley, Laird, Guillon, Lynn, Hooper, Archer, Reed, Needham, Meeten, McHale.

Written by Adam Bailey

FROM THE SKI SLOPES TO BBC BREAKFAST: ANOTHER BUSY TERM FOR CHS' PE DEPARTMENT

From the ski slopes to BBC Breakfast: another busy term for the PE department

 

“What hasn’t happened this term” the PE department said when reflecting back on another busy and successful term for Congleton High School. Skiing, netball, indoor rowing, indoor athletics, rugby, football, table tennis and even ‘footgolf’ feature in this term’s round-up!

Last month forty students, of varying degrees of ability and experience, enjoyed another highly successful ski-training course at France’s second oldest ski resort, Les Deux Alpes. The students endured challenging conditions, with the French weather being as unpredictable as the English, seeing rain and temperatures as high as 14 centigrade. This did not, however, dampen the students’ spirits, in fact it added to the experience, with every student advancing their skills while having great fun! Planning is already underway for next year’s trip (see Mr Naylor for a letter).

From the ski slopes of Les Deux Alpes to the netball courts of South Cheshire, students have flown the CHS flag proudly. And CHS’ netballers have every reason to look back on this term with pride as the sport continues to go from strength to strength at CHS. Moving leagues was always going to provide a greater challenge for the students and this was clear from the first round of fixtures. However, all of CHS’ teams look set to be promoted to the ‘A’ league next season heading into the final round of games. CHS have continued their domination in the knockout tournaments too, with year 9, year 8a and year 7a and b teams all being crowned South Cheshire champions this term.

The PE department are always looking for ways to widen the sport provision at the school and a few years ago they added indoor rowing to the school’s endless list of sports. The sport has not only seen high levels of participation, but also plenty of success and this term was no different. All of the teams won the level 2 competition at Sandbach and progressed to the Cheshire and Warrington competition at Ellesmere Port Sports Village. The students all did extremely well finishing runner-up in each of the four categories, while there were stand-out performances by year 10 student Megan Sheard and year 11 Ramtin Musah who both won their respective categories.

In indoor athletics, the year 7 girls team represented the Sandbach Partnership at the School Games at the Northgate Arena in Chester after winning the level 2 event, while the year 8 girls finished runners-up in the level 2 event.

Rugby has been under the media spotlight in recent weeks and not just because England completed their first Grand Slam since 2003. There have been calls for a change in the way that rugby is played at school, with doctors and academics calling for tackling to be banned. CHS’ staff and students expressed their views on the topic across various BBC platforms, including on BBC Breakfast and Newsround, and opposed changing the sport in schools. On the pitch, the year 7 and 8 boys’ rugby teams finished as runners-up in the North Staffordshire Schools Tournament, while year 7 won three of their five games in the emerging school rugby tournament.

In football, Congleton College have continued what can only be described as a mixed debut season, with a 2-2 draw against Stockport College and a 7-3 defeat to Knutsford Academy in their latest games. And with two games left against Wellacre and Elite Academy they will be hoping to finish the season strongly. Elsewhere, year 8 have a cup final to look forward to next month as they hope to add to CHS’ trophy cabinet with the South Cheshire Cup.

This term has also seen CHS’ fourth annual table tennis championships get underway. Over 100 students and staff have been going head-to-head in the opening rounds of the tournament, with a high standard of skill and talent on display. James Garside is targeting a third successive title, while Mr de Souza will be hoping to repeat his 2013 success and seek revenge after losing to James in the last two finals.

The community is also a vital part of CHS and this term has seen the school host a series of sports tournaments with the schools partner primary schools taking part. Quinta Primary School triumphed in the hockey tournament, while Black Firs won both the year 3/4 Brilliant Advice Football Tournament and the first ever year 1/2 sports hall athletics competition.

Finally, year 12 BTEC Sport students tried out the new ‘FootGolf’ course at Burnage Rugby Club. There were a range of techniques on show, but not all orthodox!

Written by Adam Bailey

MAKING THE HEADLINES: CHS TACKLE THE ISSUE OF RUGBY TACKLING ON NATIONAL TV

Students and staff tackle the issue of rugby tackling on national television

Tackling has been a fundamental component of rugby since the sport was first played in schools in the 19^th Century. However, a petition signed by over 70 doctors and academics has called for tackling to be banned from rugby matches played in schools. This made national headlines yesterday and Congleton High School’s staff and students were asked to express their views on the topic on national television.

The PE staff have worked tirelessly to promote rugby as one of CHS’ priority sports over recent years, with an emphasis on the core values of rugby (teamwork, respect, discipline, enjoyment and sportsmanship). The importance of coaching and leadership skills is taught and as students learn more about the game, then the safer the sport is likely to be. The school have also widened the provision of rugby, including different variations of the sport that help students to develop the skills needed to play the sport safely.

Earlier this year, I watched a year 7 and 8 rugby match against Wellington and not only was I impressed by the number of students participating in extra-curricular rugby, but also their enthusiasm for the sport. Every student commented on how much they enjoyed taking part in the match, especially the contact and physical element of the sport, which students do not experience while in Primary School.

Mr Cross, who has become a “celebrity” making his second appearance on the BBC Breakfast red sofa, had an early start as he was interviewed on the topic on national breakfast news. He told BBC Breakfast that contact in rugby helps to “build character” and that the “risk factor” is part of the sport. In his experience of both being a PE teacher and a qualified RFU rugby coach, he said that players “enjoy” the contact element of the game and added that he believes that some students “need” the physicality. Mr Cross also took the opportunity to give Breakfast presenters Dan Walker and Louise Minchin a RFU wristband that highlighted the core values of rugby union.

 

An argument for banning tackling in rugby is the risk of injury; however Mr Cross ruled that tackling can be safe and at CHS they put an emphasis on “minimising the risks” and making the risk of injury “as little as possible”. CHS ensure that all staff are trained, all students are aware and that when it is appropriate for them to go into a contact situation they have done all the progress towards minimising the risk of injury.

Following Mr Cross’ successful interview, BBC News at One featured a report consisting of footage of CHS’ year 7 rugby team in action and interviews with students about their views on tackling within the sport. Every student who was asked highlighted their support for tackling to remain in school rugby. You can watch what they had to say here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/35705225.

The year 7 rugby team were also filmed by CBBC Newsround taking part in a tackling tutorial and training drill in the sports hall, before interviewing Mr Cross and students for their thoughts. The full report can be watched here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/35704580.

What are your views on the topic? Should tackling be banned in school rugby? Share your comments below.

Written by Adam Bailey

STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

CHS’ Sporting Superstars

There are many sporting superstars at Congleton High School; from students who have excelled when representing their form in inter-tutor competitions to representing the school or even representing Cheshire. However, two students have received recognition on both a national and international stage.

Megan Sheard

Not only is Megan quick on the athletics track, but she is even quicker in water. Every time she enters the water she seems to beat her personal best and, despite the pressure of being on a national stage she did not let that affect her at the National Championships in Sheffield over the summer. She swam a number of lifetime bests and won her first national medal after claiming a silver medal in the 400m Individual Medley.

In November, she competed in the Stockport Open Meet and achieved eight personal bests, smashing her previous best by as much as 27 seconds and easily qualifying for the ASA Short Course Nationals at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

Amy Rodgers

Amy, who won the Daniel Sturridge Rising Star Award at last year’s Sports Awards Evening, continues to go from strength to strength on the football field. Her performances for Everton were rewarded once again in November when she was selected to play for the England Women’s Under 16 team in a friendly fixture against Germany.

The fixture was played at the FA’s St. George’s Park Football centre, where England’s senior sides also train, and, although Amy was on the losing side, the CHS student produced a great personal performance and she has another ‘cap’ to add to her growing collection.

Amy is currently studying for her GCSE’s in the summer, but she is definitely a footballing face to look out in the future!

Megan and Amy are just two of many students who have achieved great things in sport. If you know someone who deserves recognition for a sporting achievement either inside or outside school then email me at 34ch2936@congletonhigh.com.

AUTUMN TERM REVIEW: SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER

Autumn Term Review: September to December
 

It has been a hectic start to the year with both curricular and extra-curricular activities, but it has also seen the PE department deservedly rewarded for all their hard work and dedication to school sport. Here is a brief review of what has happened during the Autumn term: 
 

Netball: Mid-Season Report
 

This year the girls’ netball teams have entered the Macclesfield netball leagues for the first time. Not only does moving to a league mean CHS face new teams, but a different format. Year seven and the seniors play in a league with all schools from the district involved in their respective division, while year eight, nine and ten are split into an A and B league.  As a new school entering the league, we initially start in the B leagues but play all schools, with those who are not in the same league playing friendlies.

Moving leagues was always going to provide more of a challenge for the students and this was clear from the first round of fixtures against Kings School, Macclesfield in the first week back in September. However, the mid-season results are looking very promising with a lot of success and the potential to have all teams promoted to the A leagues next year.
 

BTEC Sport Residential

Twelve year thirteen BTEC Sports students successfully completed their residential activity weekend in November. Leading and participating in two ‘Outdoor and Adventurous Activities’ (OAA) of hiking/mountain walking and mountain biking The team tackled their challenges with relish and passed with flying colours.

The residential, which took place in Beddgelert, Snowdonia, forms part of the Unit 10 requirements for the BTEC course and saw the group build on the invaluable teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills encouraged at CHS that will stand them in good stead for their future endeavours.

Students and staff alike faced and overcame the elements and both mental and physical challenges, working together to ensure the safety of the team and the success of the weekend. Both goals were achieved!

And finally...

Huge congratulations to our hardworking and dedicated PE department is in order after they were runner-up in the School of the Year category in the 2015 Everybody Sport and Recreation Awards.

The PE department have earned a well deserved rest over Christmas, before another busy start to 2016!

 

BASKETBALL: CONGLETON HIGH SCHOOL v HELSBY HIGH SCHOOL- 23rd October

Basketball: Congleton High School 47-93 Helsby High School

Congleton High School’s basketball team produced a valiant effort but fell to a 47-93 defeat to one of the best teams in the country in their first game in the England Basketball Dynamik National Schools Competition.

It was always going to be a tough test for CHS with Helsby reaching the semi-final’s of the national competition last year, losing to the eventual winners. The Helsby side also featured players who play for England and at a national league standard.

Helsby took the lead after just five seconds after successfully dispatching their two free-throws following a foul by CHS in the key and from this moment the away side were in total control. After twelve unanswered Helsby points, baskets from Matthew Finley and Jay McAleer put Congleton on the scoreboard. Helsby extended their lead to 22-4 at one stage but a basket and a free-throw from McAleer and a basket from Isaac Owen saw CHS’ deficit shorten to 24-9 after the first-quarter.

CHS managed to add just eight points to their total in the second quarter, compared to Helsby’s 33 points. Alfie Stone and Jay McAleer each scored a basket in the first half of the second quarter, but luck was against Congleton. Matthew Finley’s two free-throws hit the rim before CHS’ captain’s lay-up circled the rim and bounced down into the arms of Helsby’s defence. Jay McAleer then saw his lay-up go across the back of the hoop, after he did brilliantly to weave around the Helsby defence inside the key. However, CHS’ perseverance paid off as McAleer scored two baskets in the concluding minutes of the second quarter to make the score 17-57 at half-time.

Although Congleton had a mountain to climb, in true CHS spirit they were not going to give up without a fight and in the first minute of the third quarter Matt Jones shortened the deficit rounding off a great move by CHS. Jones scored three, Finley two and Alfie Stone, Harry Holland, Lewis Bent and Jay McAleer all scored baskets for CHS in what was a tight and end-to-end penultimate quarter. Helsby narrowly won the quarter 22-18, which gave last year’s semi-finalists a 79-35 lead heading into the final quarter.

Helsby added just four points to their total in the final quarter, whereas CHS added twelve to win the second-half by 34 points to 22. Matt Jones scored a basket in the early stages of the quarter before CHS enjoyed their best spell of the match, scoring five unanswered baskets. Alfie Stone scored three and Jay McAleer scored two to see CHS shorten the final deficit to 47-93.

Congleton High School principal and basketball coach Mr Hermitt said:

“I am very, very proud of the attitude of our players, they conducted themselves well, they worked hard, they didn’t stop running and despite coming up against a quality team they were able to maintain in the second-half a virtually even game.”

Written by Adam Bailey