A lot of sport has been packed into a very short second half of term – all of it filled with top #SydSpirit!

Students from Years 10 – 12 took part in the Public Schools Fencing Championships at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre recently, where they fenced against pupils from all over the country in a number of bouts.

They faced some very tough opposition (including GB fencers) and the girls showed commendable determination by digging deep and not giving up.

A special mention goes to Anya Travassos who made it through to the second round thus finishing amongst the top 60 fencers in the country. The girls who took part alongside Anya were: Rachel Honeysett, Darcy Quist, Eva Nacci and Nadia Soole Sanchez.

The Sydenham High Rowing Club rowers have also been giving their best down on the Thames each weekend, where they share the water and their coaching with Dulwich College.

Members, who are mainly drawn from Years 10 and 11, took a break from training to attend the annual Dulwich College Rowing Club dinner on Saturday 19 March, where they were mentioned and credited in speeches as well as featuring in a video.

According to Head of PE Mrs Branson, who also attended the dinner: “This term has certainly cemented the girls’ passion for rowing and it is commendable the amount of hours, hard work, blood, sweat and tears that the girls put into training both on and off the water. Their fitness and overall rowing technique has improved dramatically over the last 6 months”

A special mention must go to Mr Angel, for helping to found Sydenham High’s first ever rowing team and continuing to support its progress. Watch the space for more news of developments!

As the term drew to a close, there was also news of further successes:

• Following her recruitment to the renowned Surrey Storm netball team, Ally Housley has now been selected for an England Netball National Training Academy which takes place over the Easter holidays.
• Frances Newe has been successfully competing at the Surrey County Swimming Championships.  She finished 4th overall for her age group having reached the finals in 13 events and she received an amazing haul of 7 medals: 1 x gold – for the gruelling 200m butterfly; 4 x silver – for 400m medley, 200m backstroke + 2 for relays; 2 x bronze medals – one for 800m freestyle and 200m breaststroke. Her 800m freestyle has put her 2nd in London and the 400m Individual medley has put her 1st in London, 20th in Britain and 18th in England. She has also been selected for the ASA Regional Talent Swimming Camp in April.
• Congratulations are also due to the GCSE PE and A level PE students in Years 9 – 12 who have successfully passed their rounders preliminary umpire award where they have learnt how to umpire matches professionally. Some of the students can also use this award towards their practical grades for their GCSE/A level course.

Finally, students from across the Senior School ran, jogged and walked their hearts out in the sunshine to complete a mile in Crystal Palace Park to raise money for Sport Relief 2016, all in true #SydSpirit.