Last week felt like a roller coaster for me. The success of my first blog was an absolute whirlwind and I’d like to thank everyone for reading it or sharing it on Facebook. I really appreciate it. I aim for all my blogs to have the same quality as last week’s.
Another week went by and we had loads of things to celebrate, including a successful day at the football on Tuesday where the Activ8 football team played some magnificent football. However, what I was impressed with was the character of the team. We ended up winning 2-1 against Kingsland thanks to our magnificent impact player (yes, that’s me!) and an outstanding finish by Daniel. We also saw our first ever ‘dodgeball derby’ on Wednesday as Hollinwood Academy faced New Bridge. Although I couldn’t attend, it was an excellent contest that was played with good sportsmanship.
Another achievement last week was the completion of the DVDs of Hollinwood Academy’s first Christmas nativity play and I especially congratulate Luke for his outstanding work. Maybe his next project could be a ‘100 Top Goals’ by Activ8 DVD…
Going on to Activ8, we have earned the right to lead at a Manchester City disability football event today. We have strong leadership skills within our pathway which grant us opportunities just like this one. However, Activ8 is not just about leadership skills; we are currently using Mahdlo’s state of the art gym which includes treadmills and various pieces of assisted and free weights, all in preparation for our return to the Rugby League field which is coming soon. Hopefully we can produce the next ‘Kevin Sinfield’!
In the next few weeks, I expect there will be ‘Dragons’ Den’ style sale pitches from our pathways during our whole school assemblies. I believe that this is a good idea as some students think that the pathways are just ‘playing on a computer all day’ or ‘playing football all day’. The presentations will give all the students who are interested an idea of the expectations required to be in a pathway. Digit4ll’s video shows you the kind of work they do:
Being part of New Bridge certainly has its ups and its downs but I would not swap it for any school in the world. The banter with friends and teachers and the pleasant atmosphere around the corridors make it one of the nicest schools I have ever been inside.
I did watch Mr Quinn’s favourite team’s FA Cup fourth round tie with particular interest this weekend. I am disappointed to say that their lucky cup run is over. Football clubs need to engage more with schools. We’re lucky to have such good links now with Man City and it would be great to have another visit from Oldham Athletic.
However the main event of the sporting year begins this weekend. No, not the Six Nations (that’s the main event of the ‘sleeping calendar’), I’m talking about the start of the Rugby League season. I predict that Halifax are to be relegated, losing every match (sorry, Mr Greenway) and Huddersfield will win the league. I think that might be a bit too much to ask!
Have a good week and see you all around school,
Matthew
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