Wow, what an amazing trip! We thought we’d have fun, we thought it would be action packed, but we certainly didn’t realise just how incredible it would be and how much we would enjoy it!
Day 1
After an early start at GW and looking smart in our brand-new tour tracksuits, we set off for Manchester. It was a long journey, but with snacks a plenty, plus a service station stop with a tasty KFC, we arrived safely and ready for our first trip to the Etihad Stadium, home of World, European and Premier League champions Manchester City.
We had the pleasure of taking part in the excellent stadium tour – something which turned out to be very informative and enjoyable. We started by sampling what it is like to sit in the stands before moving on to the home changing room. What an experience it was to see where players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish sit every week. Miss Bowen was in her element and had to get a picture with John Stones’ jersey. The tour was finished off with a walk pitch side and alongside the dugouts where the genius Pep Guardiola takes his position – then onto the press conference room where we had pictures with the man himself!
Already a packed day, but we weren’t finished yet, we still had our games to play!
Winton students were dropped off first with their stand in coach for the weekend Miss Bowen. U13 Winton side were playing a local Manchester club, nerves were showing in the first half and plenty of missed opportunities. Miss Bowen gave what can only be described as an epic team talk channelling her inner Pep. They went back on pitch, and it was incredible. The passing, moving, possession game and the press! We won this game 5-0 and it was brilliant to see the team play the way they did. Encouragement, teamwork and great sportsmanship.
Onto Glenmoor who faced a tough game against a local side from the Denton area of Greater Manchester. It was a particular challenge as it was the against a team a school year older than us. The game itself was a back-and-forth affair with Glenmoor defending resolutely. It was Jazz W who found the back of the net first giving the team a lead slightly against the run of play. This gave Denton the impetus to attack to get back in the game and they did draw level just before the half-time whistle was blown.
Onto the second half which was a very even contest that didn’t feature many chances for either side. Both teams were starting to tire and intensity had naturally dropped. It was here where Denton took the lead. A lesser team would have shut down – not Glenmoor. Despite relentless pressure and having to defend, Glenmoor stayed strong and attacked whenever they could.
Our perseverance paid off and despite not having many chances in the game, Glenmoor scored a late equaliser. This was reward for the never say die, never give up attitude of this brilliant team. A hard-fought draw was earned, and a lot learned from playing against tough opposition.
After a busy day, it was time to get to our Old Trafford hotel for dinner and lights out, along with a mattress move but that's another story......
Day 2
After having a wonderful Hilton Hotel breakfast, we made our way to the Etihad Stadium again, this time to watch Manchester City vs Everton. With our fantastic seats, we had a superb view of a Premier League game. The game finished 2-0 thanks to a brace from Norwegian striking superstar Erling Haaland. The game was thoroughly enjoyed by all – well except Mr Doyle, who watched his beloved Everton lose ANOTHER game.
After the game had finished, we made the short walk to the Etihad Campus where both teams split off to take part in a training. We had the pleasure of using the incredible facilities, including the incredible indoor training centre. Both teams worked on their attacking setups and picked up some brilliant advice from the excellent Manchester City coaches. Despite some tired students and teachers, we round off the day with a fun trip for a game of bowling.
Day 3
Day 3 began with a very early start, up at the crack of dawn for breakfast, before heading off for another training session at the Etihad Campus. We were so impressed at the phenomenal work the students put in despite the busy schedule we had. We learnt so much from the training and it provided us with so many beneficial points to take back with us. After another morning of training, we headed off for our final few activities. Firstly, we visited the National Football Museum. With the history of football all in one building, it was a fascinating look into many aspects of the game including media, technology, equipment and trophies from past and present. Our final event was watching Man City U23s vs Wolves U23s and a glimpse at some of the stars of the future.
We had come to the end of our trip. It was an incredible weekend filled with everything you could want from a football tour – what a weekend!
TWICKENHAM TRIP (MS DAVIES)
On the 14th March, the year 7 Glenmoor rugby team were invited to take part in the Love Rugby Initiative. The aim is to promote participation of girl's rugby prior to the forthcoming Women’s World Cup, next year. Only 30 school from across the country had the honour of being invited to this exciting day and Glenmoor was very proud to be amongst them.
The day started with a touch tournament held at the Richmond Rugby Club. We played schools from Liverpool, London, Birmingham, Berkshire. Initially, the team were tentative and apprehensive, but when they realised that we were very evenly matched with other schools their confidence grew! We finished the morning having lost 2 matches and won 2, but more importantly was the fact that we were playing as a team.
A lunch of chilli and rice was then served in the club house, before we got into the minibus to make our way across to Twickenham.
The main event of the day was playing on the Twickenham pitch for the year 7 showcase. The National schools cup finals were being played throughout the day, and our mini tournament was taking to the pitch in between the U16 Boys final and the U18 final.
It was amazing to come through the tunnel and into the stadium which seemed so much bigger in real life than watching on the television. England Red Rose Amber Reed was pitch side welcoming the girls to the ground and cheering on play from the side line.
Our first game on the Twickenham pitch was against a school from Worcester. They went ahead, but it didn't take long for the girls to be playing supportive running rugby and offloading the ball before being touched. When the game ended, we had won by one try. The second game was against a team from Somerset and as we were getting ready to kick off Harrow school supporters had filled the stand alongside our pitch. Angel S picked up a fumbled ball and was off running directly at the space and down the wing; it was amazing to hear the cheers of support that came from the stand all spurring her on! That clearly increased her confidence and she went on to score another 2 tries in the game, there's not many pupils who can say they scored a hat trick in Twickenham!!
Mr May was also delighted to have the opportunity to referee a match on the pitch and had polished his boots for the occasion.
It was such a privilege to have the opportunity to take the students on a trip like this. They played with great spirit throughout the day and it was a pleasure to be in their company.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH SILVER PRACTICE (MS ANNETTS)
What a fantastic start to our DofE expedition season...
On Thurs 21 March – Sat 23 March 16 students embarked on their silver Practice Expedition around the Purbecks. Walking over 16km a day for three days with all of their equipment on their backs; those hills must have felt like Mount Everest!
The groups worked really well to navigate across the Purbecks, taking in breathtaking views form Corfe Castle, Anvil Point Lighthouse and Win spit quarry. Navigating across different terrains before battling the cold winds whilst cooking dinner and setting up camp.
The Duke of Edinburgh aims to empower young people; to support them as they learn new skills, overcome obstacles, and build confidence and resilience. Well, these students have certainly done that with what they have undertaken and completed in their practice expedition. They should all be very proud of what they have achieved!
We are extremely excited for the 80 students that have signed up for Bronze award this year as they embark on their challenge and find out just what they can achieve next term when they complete their training day and practice expedition.
TRUE MORTGAGES FINANCIAL WORKSHOP (MR LANAHAN)
On Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th March, our year 10 students were fortunate to undertake a financial advice workshop to educate them and support them with their future financial decisions. This workshop was delivered by Jess Baudry, owner of True Mortgages. During the workshop students covered many topics including:
• The process for first time buyers, property prices and deposit amounts.
• Types of jobs and corresponding salaries.
• Typical outgoings for a first home, including costs of council tax, utilities etc.
• Cost of renting vs the Cost of a mortgage.
• Loan to Value - How the level of deposit affects mortgage rates available.
• Your credit file, the importance of avoiding bad credit and how lenders view debt.
• The power of saving and one small change like a daily coffee at Costa and how much you can save for the year.
Jess gave really positive feedback around our students' behaviours and in particular their attention and passion to ask questions. Within the workshop, students were asked to complete a quiz regarding the key topics, of which many students scored highly. A massive well done goes to the year group for how they have engaged with this workshop and a big well done also goes to Ben G for winning a £50 amazon voucher for his efforts.