Football
Football squads across all age groups have faced a demanding fixture list this half term, testing both tactical maturity and mental resilience.
The U12 A, B and C teams delivered one of the standout team performances of the term against Bromley High School, securing a clean sweep of victories (9–0, 4–2 and 5–1). Confident attacking movement and disciplined defending reflected the progress made in training and the growing cohesion within the squads.
The U13A team’s cup fixture away at Riddlesdown Collegiate was a highlight of the term. After a tightly contested first half finished 0–0, the game opened into a thrilling 4–3 encounter. Although the result narrowly went against us, the quality of football on display — fast, flowing and composed — demonstrated just how far the team has developed.
Across fixtures against St Dunstan’s College, our U13, U14 and U15 teams were challenged physically and tactically. While results did not always reflect the effort invested, the ability of players to persevere under pressure and continue creating scoring opportunities has been a defining theme of the term.
An inter-squad match between U13B and U12B also captured the healthy competitive culture within the programme — fierce, spirited and full of quality.
The U15s have had a tough run of opposition this half term but the girls have shown depth of resilience and determination in the way they have battled through the elements and difficult games. Special mentions to Ella and Amelia for their performances across the term.
Netball
Netball has flourished this half term, with fixtures played across year groups and competitive opportunities at regional level.
U13 Kent Tournament
The U13s headed to the Kent Netball Tournament on Tuesday, and honestly, the morning couldn’t have started better. All that work we’ve been putting in at training paid off—our centre passes were working well and we were converting them into goals, which was great to see.
Timing of movement was really good, and the results showed it:
• 2–1 win against Kent College
• 3–1 win against Hayes
• 6–1 win against Rainham
After lunch, things got a lot more difficult. We came up against some schools such as Tonbridge Grammar and Highworth, and while the results didn’t go our way this time, the girls didn’t drop their heads. Even when it was tough going, they held their own and kept fighting until the end.
Well done especially to Bea who stepped smoothly into the role of GS, scoring the majority of our goals, and also Orla for responding so well to feedback and being manager’s player of the day!
A great day of netball with plenty of positives to take back to training!
The U13A and B teams faced St Dunstan’s College on our new courts under the floodlights — a fitting setting for performances that demonstrated tactical growth. The A team showed increasing confidence in circle movement and structured attacking play, while the B team battled to a well-earned draw, reflecting steady progress in both attack and defence.
Our Year 7 A and B teams represented the school at the GDST Regional Rally hosted by Bromley High School. Competing in their first major tournament, both teams adapted superbly to the pace and intensity of tournament netball, finishing 4th overall and securing multiple wins. The experience provided invaluable exposure to high-level competitive play.
The U12 squads enjoyed a particularly strong half term, recording dominant victories against Royal Russell School (17–1, 20–2, 4–0), with the D team narrowly missing out in a closely fought contest. The U16 squad showed equal resilience, losing two fixtures by a single goal and demonstrating composure in difficult weather conditions.
In the Sisters n Sport Plate, the U16 team faced a high-tempo third-round match against Surbiton High School. Although the result did not go our way, the squad’s intensity, adaptability and squad depth — including impressive debuts from younger players — signal a very promising future.
We were also delighted to host a Netball Festival this term, welcoming 40 students for skills workshops and a competitive tournament. Our Sydenham High Prep team remained undefeated — a fantastic reflection of the strong pathway developing through the school.
Hockey
Hockey has been another highlight of the half term, with the U13 squads competing with energy and tactical maturity.
In their London Schools tournament pool, the U13 team faced a formidable group including The Tiffin Girls’ School, Streatham & Clapham High School and Kingston Grammar School.
They opened the day with a thrilling seven-goal encounter, emerging 4–3 winners against Tiffin and immediately setting a high standard for the tournament. Lilias and Ava were pivotal throughout the day, driving play forward and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Their attacking momentum translated into a composed 3–0 victory against Streatham & Clapham.
In the final pool match, the team went 1–0 up and defended resolutely, with Charlotte producing a series of outstanding saves under pressure. Kingston managed to edge ahead to secure a 2–1 win, leaving three schools level on points at the end of the group stage. On goal difference, Sydenham narrowly missed out on progression. Nevertheless, it was a superb day of competitive hockey, reflecting the commitment and hard work this group bring to training each week.
Earlier in the term, the U13A team also faced James Allen’s Girls’ School in a tightly contested fixture. Although the match ended in a 2–0 defeat, the team’s improved defensive structure and ability to transition into attack highlighted significant development across the season.
Cross Country
Cross country has been a standout sport this half term, with athletes competing at borough, regional and championship level.
At the London Schools Championships — one of the most competitive events in the calendar — Ava (Year 8) and Orla (Year 12) both delivered exceptional performances, finishing 12th and 5th respectively and receiving Letters of Consideration for the English Schools Championships.
At the Lewisham Schools Cross Country Championships, Sydenham were crowned Lewisham Champions after six athletes finished inside the top 10 — a remarkable team outcome built on courage and determination. Charlotte (2nd), Ava (3rd) and Sophia A (4th) led a superb collective performance.
Swimming
Our GCSE PE swimmers demonstrated impressive focus this term, working diligently on technical precision and pace control as part of their assessed practical performances.
At the GDST Swimming Gala, Sydenham swimmers once again showcased their competitive edge. A special highlight was Samuela (Year 9) qualifying for the U14 50m Freestyle final — a significant achievement at Trust level.
Climbing
The Year 10 Climbers made a great start on Monday at The Reach, working on the skills required for their GCSE NEA. It is an intense two-day course, using muscle groups that are not taught on the spec! Skills include palming – a technique where climbers push an open palm into the rock for balance and friction, bridging – where the climber places their feet on opposite walls to create a stable position, and smearing – where the climber pushes the sole of their shoe into a featureless section of the wall when footholds are not available. Friday sees the girls completing their full context, using the learnt skills in competitive timed situations on a variety of rock faces including vertical walls and overhangs.
Dance
Year 9 pupils represented the school at the GDST Regional Day of Dance, collaborating with students from across the Trust in Jazz, Contemporary and Commercial workshops. The technical challenge was significant, but pupils rose to the occasion, culminating in impressive final performances that reflected creativity, stamina and teamwork.
Athlete Spotlight: Orla
Orla’s performances this half term have been exceptional:
• Team bronze – South of England Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships
• Team bronze – Surrey Cross Country Championships (top scorer for the team)
• 2nd place – Surrey XC League
• 5km road PB of 17:59
• Bronze medal – South of England U20 800m Championships (indoor PB, UK Top 15 ranking)
• Qualification for the English Schools Championships
Her consistency across cross country, road and track reflects not only talent but outstanding discipline and work ethic. With her indoor times indicating strong potential for outdoor PBs we are very much looking forward to following her summer season.
Athlete Spotlight: Ellie
A major highlight of the half term has been Ellie (Year 11) being selected for the GDST Select Cricket Team. Following a highly competitive trial process, she is one of just 14 players chosen from across the Trust. She will compete against Middlesex County Cricket and the Army First XI later this year — an outstanding achievement and testament to her commitment and skill.