Kingsbury Green Academy pupils have proved they’re a step ahead of the rest by storming the regional Cross-Country heats of the National Schools Cross Country Championships.
Five pupils from the Calne school, Max Sweetlove, Charlie Green, Sam Morgan, Alex Gabanski and Milly Price, have excelled in the regional North Wiltshire, Wiltshire or South West heats, competing against the best runners from schools across the region.
Year 9 pupil Max has now been selected to compete against competitors from across the country in the national finals in Nottingham on Saturday 18th March.
Year 7 pupil Charlie progressed as far as the South West Schools Championship last month, held in Bristol, although due to his age was unable to enter the national finals, which have a minimum age of 13. Sam, Alex and Milly all reached the Wiltshire finals.
David Hamill, PE Teacher at Kingsbury Green Academy, said, ‘’We are incredibly proud of all five pupils who have demonstrated outstanding effort and determination, to progress this far in the competition. We will all be rooting for Max on the 18th when he competes in the national final, against the countries top Junior Boy runners.
“What makes his achievement even more remarkable, Max isn’t actually affiliated to any running or athletics clubs outside of school. He has gained his running fitness purely through playing football and applying himself 100% during PE lessons.
“He is a role model to other students, showing the incredible things that are possible by having such a positive work ethic.’’
PE, and fitness in general, is a key part of school life at Kingsbury Green Academy. In 2020 the school unveiled a new fitness suite filled with a wide range of equipment for all types of sport and exercise, which is open to all pupils as well as staff. Pupils also complete the Couch to 5k challenge, which encourages everyone to get moving and develop a love of running and exercise.
“Our PE curriculum gives lots of opportunity to do a wide variety of sports including cross country,” explained David. “In recent years, we have also hosted an annual Primary Cross Country Competition to support the fantastic work primary schools are doing delivering their PE curriculums. Whether it’s at grass roots or national level, it is wonderful to see so many pupils benefitting from the opportunities and improved facilities at the school!’’
Kingsbury Green Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust, formerly the Royal Wootton Basset Academy Trust.