21 July, 2022
This year the Trust was able to see the return of an in-person OAT Sports Cup. For the last two years during the pandemic it was switched to a virtual event which many schools, staff and pupils fully embraced.
Now in its sixth year, the OAT Sports Cup continues to be supported by Zurich Municipal and this year, also by our partners Taylor Shaw Catering who provided much needed refreshments at our north/west event.
In the summer term two events were held – a south/east event and north/west event – and saw many of our academies came together to compete against each other, not only in track and field but also through boccia, dance and performance, photography, student leadership, art and creative school spirit.
To ensure the Trust remained true to its value of inclusivity, this year the Golden Mile was launched, so primaries Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy (special school) and the London alternative provision (AP) schools could take part. The pupils spent the month of June stepping into fitness with the Virtual OAT Golden Mile competition. Staff created a route of either laps totalling one mile, or a one-mile distance, which each pupil was expected to complete, with many repeating the challenge throughout the week. Each academy collated the percentage on a Friday whilst also nominating those pupils who had gone beyond to support others or set high standards in the distances they covered.
The winning primary academy was Ormiston Meadows Academy with an average of 98.47 of pupil population participating as an average over the four weeks. The special and AP winners were Ormiston Bridge Academy, who narrowly beat Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy to the top spot. A number of students were also nominated by PE staff for “going the extra mile, demonstrating leadership and supporting other pupils”.
Both winning academies were awarded £100 of Amazon vouchers to spend on sporting equipment.
South and east event
Eight academies come together for an exciting regional sporting competition on 8 June, at the University of East Anglia’s Sportspark. Students from Years 7 to 10 competed against one another in different sporting events to battle it out for the top spot. This included students from the City of Norwich School, Cliff Park Ormiston Academy, Flegg High Ormiston Academy, Ormiston Sudbury Academy, Ormiston Rivers Academy, Ormiston Victory Academy, Ormiston Venture Academy and reigning champions Broadland High Ormiston Academy.
The sporting tournament started with a fantastic opening ceremony that included the academies’ outstanding dance troupes performing in front of an excited crowd. To kick off the competition, the dancers were judged by the enrichment team who awarded the City of Norwich School the top spot for their amazing street dance routine that really got the crowd going. Throughout the day, students took part in a range of fun and exciting sporting events from athletics and field to a nail-biting boccia competition. The focus and dedication of the competitors coupled with the excitement from the supporting grandstands created a fantastic atmosphere for the staff and students to enjoy.
After a full day facing lots of tough competition, the students at Broadland High Ormiston Academy were crowned the winners.
North and west event
On 5 July, eight academies came together to compete in an exciting day of sport at the Northwood Stadium in Stoke. Students from Year 7 to Year 10 competed against one another in different sporting events to battle it out for the top spot, as part of OAT’s annual trust-wide sports cup. This included students from Ormiston Meridian Academy, Ormiston SWB Academy, Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy, Sandymoor Ormiston Academy, Ormiston NEW Academy, Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, Ormiston Bushfield Academy and reigning champions Ormiston Horizon Academy.
The sporting tournament started with a fantastic dance opening ceremony in front of the grandstand that included the academies’ outstanding troupes performing in front of an excited crowd. To kick the competition off, the dancers were judged by the enrichment team who awarded Ormiston Bushfield Academy the top spot for their amazing routine that really set the standard for the day. There was also a banner competition which added to the colourful atmosphere.
Throughout the day, students took part in a range of fun and exciting sporting events from archery, football and dodgeball, whilst the show piece remained the athletics with the crowd cheering from the grandstand all day. A tense tug of war completed the day’s activities. The focus and dedication of the competitors coupled with exemplary behaviour made this a real OAT event the Trust and communities can be proud of.
After a full day facing lots of tough competition, the students at Ormiston Horizon Academy were crowned the winners. [Click here for a video produced and edited by Ormiston Horizon Academy about their win!].
The annual OAT Sports Cup is one of many trust-wide sporting and cultural events and initiatives that academies can take part in. These events are part of the Trust’s commitment to providing pupils across the network with a range of enrichment activities, designed to broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations, both within and outside of the classroom.
Stuart Aldous, lead practitioner of PE said: “After not being able to hold the OAT Sports Cup for two years, it was truly fantastic to bring our students together again to take part in a series of exciting competitions. Our incredible students showcased great enthusiasm, dedication and sportsmanship as each academy cheered and supported one another.
“One of the greatest advantages of being part of a family of academies is being able to come together and create a real buzz around taking part in such a large-scale event. Thank you again to all our wonderful students and staff for their hard work in organising and taking part in what was a really great day of sport.”
Anthony Gray, business development manager at Taylor Shaw Catering said: “Taylor Shaw were incredibly privileged to sponsor the 2022 OAT Sports Cup north/west.
“The day was a huge success, with Taylor Shaw providing refreshments to keep the young athletes and spectators replenished. The team spirit, inclusivity and positivity shown on the day was testimony to the key values of Ormiston Academies Trust, and strengthens the pride we have in our partnership.
“We look forward to sponsoring, celebrating and working together with OAT for all future events!”
Category: News
Tags: Enrichment, OAT Sports Cup 2022, PE, The Golden Mile, West region
