Welly Wanging

It may not be part of the usual Wednesday curriculum plan, but we decided to mix things up this term through a unique triathlon.

We have a well-earned reputation for quirky events throughout the year including a high velocity go-kart race, and a trebuchet challenge. This term teachers wanted pupils to try something new and organised a ‘Welly Triathlon’ for its pupils with each child competing for their school house.

As well as the triathlon, pupils had to show their artistic talents by decorating their wellington boots before racing in them. The pinnacle of the day was the coordinated welly wanging, in which pupils had to launch their boots as far as they could – with varying success.

Amanda Kirby is Headmistress at the school. She said: “Events like this really do bring out the best in our children and community and in these difficult times, we wanted to give our children something to really look forward to and enjoy.”

“We know that our pupils really love getting stuck into a task and something as simple as welly wanging can bring our pupils together. It was wonderful to hear their laughter and see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Pupils as young as 4 participated in the event with over 200 pupils getting to grips with the unique triathlon. Each pupil competed for their school house, with the winning house receiving a special prize at the end of the year.

Director of Sport at Cundall Manor, John Liley, organised the event. He said: “It was a really fun day for our pupils and particularly necessary on the eve of a second national lockdown. We were lucky enough to benefit from some glorious weather and I was really pleased to see all our pupils giving it their all throughout the entire event.”

“We have a well-deserved reputation for our efforts on the sports field and in the absence of games against other schools, we wanted our pupils to translate their energy into something completely new and fun for them to enjoy.”

Earlier in the term, the school also got every pupil involved in a house axe-throwing competition which saw both pupils and staff hone their throwing skills and compete with their friends for house points.