The Phased Return of Extra-Curricular Sport at Years 7 and 8 - March 2021
12.03.2021
Next week we will offer the first extra-curricular sports practices since the national lockdown 3 came into effect in December.
At NSB we have always championed the provision of a distinct Summer programme. Given the fact that we have lost our Winter seasons this academic year, we will use the final two weeks of this term to begin introducing our Summer provision.
It saddens us all greatly that those students who committed to football, rugby, basketball, cross country and water polo over the opening terms of this year, experienced only a very pale version of the school’s normal programme. I am sure we all hope that when Winter sport recommences in September it will involve inter-school matches and all of the experiences that bring so much to the student’s wider school experience.
I also want to apologise to those students who received no extra-curricular sport at all throughout the opening months of this academic year, due to the reduced programme of activities. It is our intention to broaden our provision at the earliest safe opportunity and resume, as soon as we are able, a school sport programme resembling that of previous years.
The following activities will run 3.30 – 5.00pm on the dates shown:
| Year 7 | Year 8 | |
| Tuesday 16th | Athletics - Throws | |
| Wednesday 17th | Athletics - Track | Cricket |
| Thursday 18th | Athletics - Jumps | Cricket |
| Year 7 | Year 8 | |
| Tuesday 23rd | Athletics - Throws | |
| Wednesday 24th | Cricket | Athletics - Track |
| Thursday 25th | Cricket | Athletics - Jumps |
Athletics:
These athletics taster sessions are open to all. No prior experience is required as we are aware that most students have little if any introduction to athletics at Primary school. The school has a tremendous reputation for athletics and teams are populated with students who most commonly had never done any formal athletics prior to joining the school. Your son can attend whichever evening(s) interests them. They will require normal PE kit and all activities will be outdoors on the field.
Cricket:
We are actively seeking cricket fixtures for this coming term and these opening cricket sessions are targeting the students who have experience of the hard ball version of the game and have played at club level or higher previously. This will allow us to identify teams prior to Easter, in the hope matches can commence shortly afterwards. The Year 8 sessions target those boys who attended the Winter nets sessions in Year 7 with coach James Mellor. The cricket sessions will be held in the Sportshall and the boys will not require their personal cricket equipment for these practices, normal PE kit will suffice.
It is my hope that we can broaden our provision as we move through the Summer, but as with all things this year, we are progressing cautiously in the opening stages. The evenings for activities for Years 7 and 8 will change as we introduce sport for Years 9 and 10 after Easter. I will write to parents at that stage to inform you of the Summer schedule.
Students Currently in Covid Isolation:
We are aware that there may be groups of students who are in self-isolation in the two weeks to come, following Lateral Flow Testing. Please be assured that students who are unable to attend these opening sessions will be welcome to attend when they are able to do so after isolation.
Parents and Pick Up’s:
At the current time we have some restrictions in place which affect most of the students and their parent / guardian. Please be aware of the following:
- Parents are not permitted to spectate at sporting practices until further notice.
- Pupil vehicle pick up’s must happen off-site at this time. There are areas at the front of school appropriate for pick up, also at the Old Northamptonians car park and the local streets opposite school. Students crossing Billing Road MUST use the pedestrian crossing.
- If any parent feels their son merits dispensation to allow for a pick up at the sports hall car park, I would request that you contact me at the school to make me aware and discuss as appropriate.
Please be reassured that there will be stringent adherence to relevant health and safety requirements during each of the sports practices. Including the sanitisation of changing spaces, equipment and hands. Please also be aware that under current guidelines we are not permitted to lend items of clothing or footwear to students who forget their kit for practice.
Jamie Wilcock
Director of Sport
