Half-Term Sporting Highlights: A Strong Start to the Year at Windermere School

A Half-Term of Sport to Remember

As the mist settles over the fells and our pupils take a well-earned break, we are taking a moment to reflect on just how much sporting excitement has filled our first half-term. From the fell-running excitement that kicked off September, through to our recent hosting of a fantastic Welsh sports touring group, Windermere School has been alive with sport and activity.

In just seven weeks, we’ve played nearly 40 fixtures across football, hockey, netball, and cross-country, with a sea of stand-out moments and performances to list.

At the heart of everything we do in sport at Windermere is inclusivity, challenge and joy. This is epitomised by the incredible fact that every single pupil from Years 7 to 10 has been selected to represent the school in a fixture this half term.

Highlights from this half-term include:

Running Wild: Cross Country & Fell Racing

All of our pupils had the opportunity to partake in our inaugural interhouse fell-race up Orrest Head – a gruelling climb rewarded by big cheers and house spirit from team-mates, beautiful panoramic lake views and even some gorgeous September blue skies!

Those that performed well in this race were selected to join our school cross country squad, who went on to excel at the Sedbergh Invitational, tackling tough terrain with grit and grace.

Netball Brilliance

Our new Year 7 netballers have made a superb start to their Windermere sporting journey, with the A team remaining unbeaten so far this term. Meanwhile, our U14 and U16 teams impressed at their District Tournaments. The U14s in particular shone at the South Lakes event — their sharp shooting and high-scoring win over Settlebeck were real highlights.

The Battle of Sun Hill

We were excited to launch a new regular derby for our Sixth Formers vs the Lakes School, which kicked off with football and netball matches – and will incorporate a huge range of sports throughout the coming year.

Football

Our footballers have had an immense half-term of fixtures, with a highlight being a gritty mud-bath for our year 9 and 10 pupils vs UCC. Our students braved the storm (quite literally) and scored some outstanding goals to achieve a thrilling set of matches.

Clubs and New Adventures

This half-term, our co-curricular programme has grown stronger than ever. New additions such as Martial Arts and Tennis lessons have been a hit, while our Dance Club, led by Sixth Form students, has brought energy, creativity, and leadership to after-school life.

Every club has offered pupils the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and – most importantly – have fun.

Senior Games

Our Senior Games programme is much improved this year, with our new combined session of year 11 – 13’s providing an enhanced first team experience, as well as more variety and competitive opportunity for all. Our Wednesday afternoons have seen our students opting to take part in netball, football, hockey, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, and an exciting trip to Kendal Squash Club.

Hosting our visitors

To close the half-term, Rydal Penrhos School brought an impressive group of netball and hockey players on tour to the Lake District, and were hosted In Westmorland House. They enjoyed a friendly set of fixtures against our senior teams, a lake side sunset BBQ and some kayaking with our adventure team! We hope to make this a regular link, and perhaps even do a return visit.

Individual Highlights and Rising Stars:

Within school, we have had so much to celebrate, including our sportspeople of the fortnight: Shona and Kirstie, who have embodied Windermere’s values, showing skill, effort and positivity in abundance. Our students have also been working immensely hard outside of school, including:

– Year 7, Eleanor, storming to victory in local fell races

– Five of our fantastic hockey players being involved with Cumbria County hockey programme, with several also attending trials for Cumbria netball.

– Year 8, Jenny, taking part in Lancashire hockey goalkeeper training.

– Year 10, Joey, showing immense dedication and progression within the Newcastle Falcons rugby academy.

– Sixth Form student, Charlie, being the youngest finisher of ‘The Lap’ our local, gruelling, Ultra-Marathon.

I’d like to close by saying how immensely proud we are of our students. From the youngest Year 7 pupil putting on a Windermere shirt for the first time, through to our sixth formers leading by example, every student has contributed to an immense half term filled with ‘magic moments’, and have shown what it means to be part of this community

Here’s to rest, recovery and another half-term of passion, teamwork, and adventure. Windermere spirit – on and off the field – continues to shine bright.

– Ms Elleray, Head of PE

Windermere School is an Independent Boarding and Day School for ages 3-18, across Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form. The school offers holiday courses and a summer school programme, as well as short term immersion courses for international pupils, as well as an award winning IB programme. Join the adventure today >