From classroom to glacier

This winter, year 8 skier Alex White will be training alongside many national teams. He has his sights set on winning a place in the British team: competition is intense, but Alex has some impressive awards under his belt.

Last season, he was placed third in the Giant Slalom of the Anglo-Scottish Cup; third in the Slalom and 4th in the Giant Slalom of the British Schoolboys International Race; 4th in the Giant Slalom of the English Alpine Championships and 4th in the Super G of the British Land National Ski Championships – amongst numerous other impressive placings.

We wish Alex all the best in his training.

Close call netball

Here's a report from our recent, hard-fought Under 13 Netball match against the Cherwell School.

In the first quarter, Cherwell got the first point – but Leckford Place quickly came back to equalise, with Christina Zamura (GS) scoring, set up by Genevieve Reeves. This set the tone for an extremely well-matched game.

Quick plays from Martha Carrdus (WA) and Cassie Senn (C) through the center third meant that we were in Cherwell's third for most of the first quarter. In the second quarter, we took the lead thanks to a goal from Jessie Weeks (GA) – but Cherwell was determined to equalise, and had some quick plays up the court resulting in 2 more points.

Our third quarter was our best, with two more points set up by Jessie for Christina to score. Emily Rudaz (WA) made some great movements on the court (her opposition could not keep up!); meanwhile, Sophia Saban and Sulma Ali (WD) put up an excellent defence.

Early on in the fourth quarter, Cherwell had scored two points; we had taken one more. Our defence held up brilliantly as both Helene Asbjornsen and Morgan Lee battled to keep the ball out of the D. Thanks to their efforts, the score ended on 5-4 to Cherwell.

Player of the match went to Morgan Lee for her outstanding defending.

Comment from Sophia Saban:
'Although we didn't win, I really enjoyed it. It was my first netball match and it was great to put the skills we learn in PE into practice. I also really enjoyed the competition.'

Team: Jessie Weeks (Capt), Genevieve Reeves, Sophia Saban, Emily Rudaz, Cassie Senn, Helene Asbjornsen, Martha Carrdus, Morgan Lee, Cristina Zamura, Sulma Ali

– Words by Jo Kalies (Sport & Activities Coordinator)

Sports Day 2010 - in words and photos

25 June 2010 saw the annual Leckford Place Athletics Sports Day, held at Tilsley Park in Abingdon.


It was a glorious day for a fun-packed festival of sporting talent – appreciated by a sizeable crowd of spectators. The morning focused on field events, with competitors taking part in the javelin, shot putt, discus, high and long jump. There were many outstanding performances; special mentions must go to Sam Gillingham with a throw of 37.5m in the Year 8 Javelin, and Ben Elwell throwing 11.21m in the discus.


The track events took place in the afternoon and saw some very competitive races at each distance.


Outstanding students of the day were Tess O’Shea receiving 4 gold medals, Cassandra Pearce receiving 5 gold medals, and Sam Gillingham receiving 5 gold medals. The victorious House, meanwhile, was Windrush.

Congratulations to all who took part in the competition, and thanks to all staff who helped officiate and to parents for coming to spectate.

View a slideshow of more photographs from Sports Day

— Words by Martin Procter; photos by Oliver Stone and Tom Parnell

Volunteer of the Year nomination for Jo Kalies

Jo (right) with the Sixth Form netball team

Jo Kalies – Sport & Extra-curricular Activities Co-ordinator at d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form and Leckford Place School – has been nominated for the Sunday Times Volunteer of the Year award.

Alongside the excellent teaching, support and coaching she provides to d'Overbroeck's students, Jo also works as a volunteer at Summertown Stars AFC, the largest youth football club in Oxfordshire. There, she not only manages and coaches the girls' under 12 team, but has also set up a visually impaired football team.

'This season, Jo's Summertown team are in the under 14 league. The players play for fun and the team spirit and friendship they have is amazing. They lose more matches than they win, but the players turn up every week as keen as mustard to play. At Christmas they all donned Santa outfits and ran around Oxford as a team, raising nearly £300 for Helen and Douglas House.'

'Jo has helped girls' football grow at the club, and Summertown now has over 50 girls playing regular football. Jo is a likable individual, an excellent coach, and she would be a worth winner.'

– Paul Chamberlain, Summertown Stars AFC

Congratulations to Jo on her richly deserved nomination.

Sports Day at Leckford Place

Leckford Place School held its sports day on Thursday. There were many outstanding performances by pupils, and the day was characterised by an atmosphere of competition – but also of enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

View a gallery of more photos on Flickr

The final results by House were as follows:

1. Evenlode
2. Thame
3. Windrush
4. Isis

Pupils on Horseback

Once a fortnight (during termtime), Leckford Place School students have the opportunity to go riding. And here are a few of them, doing just that ...