Swings and arrows at West Norfolk Sports Festival

Archery, Lacrosse and Pickleball were just some of the many activities on offer when a Hunstanton secondary school  invited children from neighbouring primaries to its annual sports event.

Hosted and organised by Smithdon High School, the Smithdon Primary School Sports Festival saw over 250 Year 3 and 4 pupils take part in a host of diverse sporting pursuits, which also featured Netball, Basketball, Cricket, Rounders, Football and Rugby, as well as Dance and Obstacle Courses.

All the sessions were planned and delivered by Smithdon’s Sports Leaders, overseen by Jamie Tilley, Head of PE at the school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“It was all down to our amazing Year 10 Sports Leaders who put on a show and delivered an amazing sports festival for our primary school cluster,” said Mr Tilley.

“Sixty-five Year 10 Sports Leaders were involved on the day. They all worked very hard weeks prior to the Sports Festival, planning their sessions to deliver on the day. 

“They worked in small groups and delivered 30-minute sessions to the primary schools involved.”

“The PE Department takes pride in our Sports Leaders,” he continued. “Sports Leaders start from Year 7 volunteering at local sports events, and when they get to Year 10, it’s their turn to plan and deliver the sessions.

“Events like this are where they come out of their comfort zone and take the reins and deliver their sessions.

“The Leaders show great character and confidence – something they don’t normally show but are so natural at – and it was really great to sit back and watch them shine.”

Primary schools taking part in the Sports Festival included Hunstanton, Dersingham, Docking, Sandringham, West Newton, and Flitcham, along with fellow WNAT members Heacham Junior and Snettisham Primary.

“It was a pleasure to host so many pupils from our cluster primary schools, supported by their teachers,” added Smithdon Headteacher Amanda Gibbins. 

“This year’s leadership group were fantastic and were praised by the primary staff for their professionalism and engagement with the younger children.”