The first week of the Lent term saw four talented teams of hockey players from Y7 and Y8 head off to the UK for the Pembroke House biennial, overseas sports tour.
Led by Mr Snow, our Director of Sport, 29 children flew to London Heathrow, ready to embrace a chilly English winter. For some, this was their first ever visit to England and for almost all children, their first chance to play on Astro Turf.
Their destination was the South-West of the country where they were very gratefully hosted by four leading IAPS schools in the region, all with top tier training facilities. We were up against tough competitors but all of the 1st and 2nd teams played exceptionally well, securing some wins against Millfield and Blundells and draws with Cheltenham, over the course of the week.
But, it wasn’t all ‘jolly hockey’ sticks and English cream teas. The children were fortunate enough to enjoy an inflatable assault course set up by Cheltenham in their pool plus be given a private tour of the Kingsholm Stadium, home to the mighty Gloucester Rugby. Another highlight of their overseas, sporting adventure was the chance to take part in some CCF (Combined Cadet Forces) exercises which gave them a taste of being an Army Cadet and being of service to others.
It was also an excellent opportunity for the children to visit top senior schools in the area, as they consider the next step in their learning journey after Pembroke House.
