Reigning Champions: Hethersett Academy Awarded Inspiration Trust Sports Cup for Second Consecutive Year

Hethersett Academy is delighted to receive the Inspiration Trust Sports Cup for the second year running, competing throughout the academic year in a broad range of sporting events against their nine sister schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk.  

Students at the secondary school were awarded the cup having consistently finished in the top two teams across all seven sporting events, with only one 3rd place finish. The students were also praised for being polite and well-mannered individuals during the events, as well as having excellent sporting attitudes throughout, reflecting the school’s ethos of being kind.  

The Inspiration Trust prides itself on its Physical Education and sports provision which not only includes a nationally recognised sports curriculum but includes half-termly Trust-wide sports competitions. These competitions include football, athletics, basketball, swimming, badminton, netball and rugby, and works in partnership with excellent local organisations such as the UEA Sportspark and The Nest in order to offer students the very best facilities in which to compete.  

At Hethersett Academy, students are selected to participate in the events through PE lessons, extracurricular activities, and House games. House games were a particular success this year, with Mrs Hall leading over 1000 student House performances over 8 activities to reflect the Trust competitions. 

Through taking part in sporting competitions, students are given the chance to shine outside of the classroom and learn vital skills such as the importance of team work, determination, patience, and perseverance. It is also proven that taking part in sport encourages higher standards of achievement, improves cognitive function, and improves overall well-being through having fun and making friendships. 

Students who have particularly excelled at these sporting events have been encouraged to join external clubs to enhance their skills and continue to develop their passion.  

Principal of Hethersett Academy, Jane Diver said: 

“I am immensely proud that the students of Hethersett Academy have won the Inspiration Trust sports cup for the second consecutive year. At Hethersett Academy, one of our core values is embracing opportunities and we promote enhanced enrichment as a means to do so. This includes a multitude of sports clubs and teams with participation in the Inspiration Trust Sports events an essential opportunity. Well done to all the staff and students involved in making this possible. It is truly transforming life chances.” 

Hethersett Academy has been actively involved in every event and also provided sports leaders for some of the secondary and primary events. This year an additional 90 leaders at the secondary school have opted to study for their Sports Leadership qualification, such is the passion of students to be involved in school sports, both as competitors and volunteers. 

Head of PE at Hethersett Academy, Nicholas Austin said: 

“The Inspiration Trust tournaments are a highlight of our fixtures calendar; the students really enjoy showcasing their talent at such first-class venues and the variety of sports on offer gives our community a real excitement as each competition gets closer. We are very proud of both how well our students communicate to ensure effective teamwork across and during the events and the performance ability they show. We would also like to extend a thank you to Mr Wayman for all his hard work in both organising and developing these events each year.” 

Every participant in the events throughout the year played their sport with enthusiasm and determination, while also demonstrating admirable sportsmanship in cheering on their competitors, as well as their fellow teammates from the sidelines. 

Great Yarmouth Charter Academy were awarded second place and East Point Academy took third place. This month, Hethersett Academy’s Sports Department and a selection of students involved in the sporting events were presented with the Inspiration Trust Sports Cup by Trust Sports Coordinator, Paul Wayman who said:  

“It brings me immense joy to see our Inspiration Trust schools come together to participate in a range of sporting events throughout the academic year. Not only does it provide a chance for high level competition, but it is an opportunity for students to step outside of their school community and create friendships across the Trust. Hethersett Academy have proved that, once again, they are worthy winners.

 

The other Trust schools are preparing teams to see if they can take the top spot in this year's Trust sporting events, which begin next week with the, highly anticipated, netball tournament and rugby 7s the week after. I wish all the secondary schools the best of luck.”