Oriel Academy’s sports day is a family affair! Parents return for the first time post-Covid to watch their children cross the finish line

This year’s Sports Day at Oriel Academy saw parents attending for the first time post-Covid to watch their children dash past the finish line.

Students from across all year groups participated in a number of games and races including egg and spoon, a sack race, relay and obstacle course.

All the races were supervised by 16 Year 6 students who served as Sports Leaders and were responsible for providing demonstrations and support to the younger students.

Sophie Lomas, PE Lead at Oriel which is located in Hounslow Road, Hanworth, told The Hounslow Herald: “This is my first year as PE Curriculum Lead so it was my first time organising such a big event.

“To add to this, we haven’t held a Sports Day on this scale with parents since before Covid.

“Thankfully the event couldn’t have gone any better! I’m thankful for the support from my colleagues and also the 16 wonderful Year 6 students who ensured the events ran smoothly – they were amazing and I couldn’t have done it without them.

“It really was clear to see that it wasn’t just the students having fun, but staff and parents too who were very impressed.”

Oriel currently has places available in Reception and Nursery for the academic year that begins September 2022. For more information email: office@oriel-aspirations.org or call: 0208 894 9395.

Dottie, a Year 4 student, was also full of praise for this year’s Sports Day. She said: “Sports Day was the best day ever! I loved all of the activities because they were fun and exciting. I loved that everybody got to enjoy this day and be active together. I can’t wait for next year.”

The school has retained its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating following its first Ofsted inspection since the pandemic began.

Inspectors noted Oriel is “happy and welcoming. Pupils enjoy their learning and try their best. They feel motivated by the encouragement they get from staff. Children get off to a good start in the early years. They do well in the nurturing and stimulating environment.”

The report, published earlier this year, reveals pupils state that bullying does not happen at Oriel as they know that staff will resolve any friendship issues or unkind behaviour.

The inspector also noted “leaders have ensured the school has continued to improve. They have introduced a successful mathematics programme and reading is at the heart of the curriculum. This starts in the early years. Leaders want the curriculum to be memorable and they use educational visits to bring learning to life.”