Swimmers from Chetwynde are making waves after reaching the national finals for a record 27th time.

Joshua Caine, Alfie Leahy, Norah Graham and Isabelle Tyson competed in the 27th National ESSA Primary Team Championships at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield.

The pupils reached the A final in both the 4x 25m medley relay and the 4 x 25m freestyle relay, secured 7th spot in freestyle and 8th in medley in the whole country. In the freestyle they also won the President’s Award which is awarded for the fastest state school.

Isabelle, who swam in the medley and the relay, is the third member of her family to compete at the event. Her sisters Jamie-Leigh, who is now at college, and Poppy who is a Year 10 pupil at Chetwynde also raced in the nationals.

Katy Costa, Phase 2 Lead and Teacher of PE at Chetwynde which is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, took the team to the competition.

She said Chetwynde was the only school to reach the finals for a consecutive 27^th year after qualifying through the North West division.

“The team swam brilliantly and did themselves and the school proud. Most schools competing are independent with their own pool so even to qualify for this event is a huge achievement,” she said.

“When we arrive, we are instantly recognised and we’ve made so many friends at this event over the years, we have an amazing track record of success.”

Staff and pupils at a Barrow school have celebrated the life of a much-loved assistant headteacher.

Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School held an outdoor day in memory of Dawn Hubbold who died in April just months after she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Mrs Hubbold, who was 57, worked at the school for 17 years and was the school’s special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENCO).

She was passionate about outdoor learning and the school decided to decamp to the school fields for the day to take part in outdoor activities.

Pupils enjoyed nature weaving, building mini-rafts, making friendship bracelets, outdoor yoga and a range of games led by the teaching staff.

Headteacher Mick Cull said it had been a happy and emotional day and a very fitting way to honour her memory.

“Mrs Hubbold has been such a huge part of our community for so many years. She was passionate about outdoor learning and many of the activities that staff led were ones that had been introduced to us by her,” he said.

“The sun shone down on us and it was a brilliant day and fitting tribute to a much-loved teacher and friend.”

This week the school has also taken part in MND Awareness Day to raise money for the MND Association, which supported Mrs Hubbold and her family.

Staff and pupils wore bright clothes – something Mrs Hubbold was well-known for – and gave a donation to the charity, raising over £265.

The school also plans to create a memorial garden in its grounds.

Pupils will enjoy a face-to-face visit from a host of top children’s authors when the Ormsgill Book Festival takes place this month.

Award winning authors Ross Montgomery, Dom Conlon and Jenni Spangler will join respected local storyteller Ian Douglas for the event at Ormsgill School on June 29^th.

Organiser Laura Reid is the school’s Year 3 teacher and lead for maths and ICT, set up the event five years ago to share her passion for literature and inspire all her students to read.

She said pupils from primary schools across the area had been invited to the event with a fantastic buzz expected on the day.

“We have more amazing authors visiting this year with the children excited to meet all the wonderful storytellers.

“The day really does get children enthused about reading, or reading more, this in turn supports all their learning. With the added bonus of showing our children that authors are normal people, with great ideas and have turned their talent into a career.

“Sharing stories as a school community is invaluable and the shared experiences help bring the staff together with the pupils.

Dom Conlon, is a Carnegie Medal-nominated poetry and picture book author, Jenni Spangler writes magical books with a dark side while Ross Montgomery, who was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award, will be returning to Barrow after last visiting the school four years ago.

Pupils from Ormsgill School, which is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, will be joined by those from Sacred Heart, St. George’s, Victoria Academy, South Walney Juniors and Cambridge. 

Laura Reid won a Love Barrow Award in 2022 for her work to set up the Ormsgill Book Festival.

For more information or to ask about places for pupils at the festival contact laurareid@ormsgill.cumbria.sch.uk

A talented table tennis player has been selected to represent her country in an international competition later this month.

Sophie Ackred, of Chetwynde School, secured her place in the British Senior Schools Internationals taking place at the University of Galway in Ireland.

Selectors praised the ‘high standard’ Sophie has achieved to make it to the event where she will compete against teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The Year 9 pupil, who helps run the school’s table tennis club along with her dad Paul, said she was delighted to receive the letter confirming her place in the finals.

“I’m excited and really proud to be selected,” said Sophie. “I’ve played in the schools internationals twice before and it was a fantastic experience.”

Sophie, who is a sporting all-rounder and also enjoys football and cricket, first picked up a table tennis bat when she was around six years old.

She was introduced to the sport by her dad, Paul, who has played locally for many years and helps run the local league and junior and adult coaching sessions.

“Sophie puts time and effort into her training. She loves sport and also helps also run the morning table tennis sessions at Chetwynde School, which are for pupils from Year 4 upwards,” he said.

“The sessions we run on a Tuesday and Thursday evening at the school have also been a great success with a number of juniors who initially came for a practice with friends now playing in the local league against senior players.

“Table tennis is not only a great sport from the physical aspect but also helps develop friendships which can last many years and is truly an inclusive sport for all.”

Chewynde School is a member of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.