9:57am Monday 22nd March 2010
By Michael Pickard
A primary school without its own playing field hosted a day of energy-sapping activities to raise money for Sports Relief.
Pupils from Central Primary School, in Derby Road, Watford, took part in a one-mile run, hurled themselves across an obstacle course and challenged their teachers to a netball match on Friday.
Sport Relief raises money to improve the lives of poor and vulnerable people in the UK and across the world.
Year 5 teacher Krishna Pindoria said: “It was good for school spirit and there’s a cause to it.”
The day’s events were organised by Krishna, Year 3 teacher Tiann Gouldbourne and Year 4 teacher Leigh Parr.
And among the activities were an obstacle course (nursery to Year 2) and a beep test (Year 3).
Pupils in Year 4 and 6 completed a one-mile lap around the school playground, while children in Year 5 earned their water wings by taking part in swimming relay at Watford Central Leisure Centre.
The school netball team also competed against a staff team, but finished on the wrong end of the 6-3 scoreline.
Both teams were buoyed by the cheers and screams of the dozens of young spectators who waved homemade banners, while the oranges served at half-time brought added authenticity to the tie.
Tiann, who played netball for Peverel, in Luton, said: “The pupils thought they had it in the bag all week. They were surprised [by the staff team]. I was impressed with the school netball team so I will be lining up a few matches for them.
“We try to promote a lot of team sport. We want to bring the school closer together.”
Pupils were also allowed to wear sports clothes to lessons, in return for £1, and the school hopes to have raised more than £150 for the charity, which they learned about through a series of assemblies.
Usmaa Kaleem, Key Stage 2 leader, added: “It was fantastic. There was excellent team spirit. The whole school was out there enjoying themselves. We all came together really well, even though it was raining and cold.
“Thanks to Tiann, Krishna and Leigh for organising it. Everyone got involved. It was good fun.”
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