Celebrating Sport at Winston

On Thursday 21st November, we celebrated the sporting achievements and dedication of our students, present and past.

Before the presentation of awards in the evening, Dai Greene (former 400m Hurdle World & Commonwealth Champion) joined us during the school day for a number of workshops.

Over 70 students who are regularly involved in short distance track athletics across Year 7-11 at Winston were invited to spend an hour working with Dai, who delivered a number of drills to improve sprinting and hurdling technique. Students found the session both challenging and enjoyable! Dai also loved working with them all, "I thought the students were excellent during the sessions, clearly very talented".

In the afternoon our gifted and talented sports students then had the opportunity to hear Dai's journey into professional sport. They then had the chance to ask questions of their own. Topics included; mindset, injuries, sponsorship and distractions.

Lastly, Dai spent time discussing his Epilepsy with students (and their parents) who also have the condition. Experiences were shared and confidence was built amongst the group.

In the evening it was lovely to see some of our school leavers return to remember and acknowledge their time at Winston. The evening started with a selection of dances from our very talented group of students who represented Miss Fletcher's dance group and our gymnastics and judo G&T students ‘wowed’ us all with their skill and routines.

It was an evening that portrayed what a huge amount of talent we have at Winston from the Year 7 football boys team and their undefeated season to the Year 11 netball team in the county finals. Dai Green (former World Champion 400m hurdles) joined us to commend the nominees and winners throughout the event (see separate post for more details). It is important to recognise not only physical skill but also the resilience and collaboration that our students exude. Extra curricular is integral to our school community and we thanked every person who turns up every week and train and compete at Winston. This is led beyond the department with dedicated staff who give up their time to help our students develop within their chosen activity.

Well done Winston PE: students, staff and supporters. We look forward to another year of dedication, development and success!

Mrs Kovic, Director of Physical Education

Mr Martin, Deputy Head of PE Department

It is also important to recognise that the PE Department is under new leadership and is now going from strength to strength, with a clear vision and a determination to be the best in Surrey.