Our athletes have had a very busy half term, with the new football season, lots of hockey and netball fixtures and a number of GDST wide rallies. The effort put in and performance to the end underline their drive to win and, importantly, their sense of teamwork and leadership. 

GDST Regional Festival of Sport 

• GDST Regional Festival of Sport took place with over 700 students from around the UK - we connected in Northampton, Bromley and Oxford and competed in hockey, dance, indoor cricket, water polo and netball. Blackheath High School competed in the Regional U12s A+B netball matches; dance with Years 8 & 9 and in the Year 6 hockey matches. We came second in the South region for hockey. 

Football  

• The U12 football squad scored a draw at their first fixture of the season against Farringtons School. The game ended 1-1; player of the match was Ella; goal scorer Laila. Well played! 

• The U15s played against Bromley High. We lost 1-0, but it was a close game 

Hockey  

• GDST Hockey Rally – the Year 6 hockey rally at Bromley High ended in a triumph for Year 6! They played five other schools in the U11 GDST regional hockey rally, winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 1. The girls worked so hard and their efforts paid off. Blackheath High School came overall 2nd place!  

• Year 3 A&B Hockey team had a great game against Colfe’s at the end of January  

• Year 5 & 6 A teams played a friendly hockey match against Redriff Primary School. It was a great chance for the girls to showcase their Hockey skills and their collaborative skills in mixed year group teams. Despite being challenged by high level Hockey players in the opposing team the final scores were; 3-0 Win to RPS, and a 3-2 Win to BHS. The players of the match, which were chosen by the other team, were Jessica and Damla. 

• Our Year 4 girls gave it their all on the hockey field. Although we didn't have a formal player of the match, Adrianna's performance stood out for Mrs Dunne. It was a valuable learning experience for our team, as it was their first match 

• Our Year 3 girls were eagerly anticipating their Hockey match against Colfe’s this week, but unfortunately, transportation issues forced a cancellation. However, true to the spirit of Blackheath High, the girls showcased their resilience by turning the setback into an opportunity. Instead of feeling disheartened, they took part in a 'team training' match among themselves, much to the delight of their supportive parents who turned up to cheer them on. As a sweet reward for their efforts, they were treated to not one, but two post-match snacks, which they happily enjoyed.

Netball  

• Year 6 Netball squad played against Babington House and despite facing challenging weather conditions, their commitment and proficiency shone brightly. The defensive skills were so good on both teams that there was a clean sheet in both games. The A team won 12–0 and the B team won 2–0. Both teams demonstrated that with hard work, training, and consistent practice, you can produce magic! Players of the match as chosen by both Blackheath High and Babington were Hattie, Hollie, Ava and Sophia 

• Year 3 A-D teams had their very first Netball match against Bromley High and it was truly amazing. The show of skill and understanding displayed by the girls was immense. All girls were chosen as players of the match because it was just too hard to choose! 

• U12s and U13s against St Dunstan’s – a win for U12s, a loss for U13s 

• U13s attended the Kent County Netball – they had a great day, battled it out, it was very tough competition  

• U16s and Seniors played Bromley High in netball – they had a great game, but unfortunately were defeated by Bromley

• Year 6 A-D Netball Tournament at Croydon High - Ms Greig and Ms Ndagire took 31 Year 6 girls to Croydon High for a friendly Netball tournament involving five other GDST schools. Although the weather was windy and cold at times, all four teams powered through and managed to display some great netball skills at times. The overall results on the day were as follows; the A team came 4^th, B team came 4^th, C team came 5^th, and the D team came 4^th.The players of the day were; Eva, Ruby-Rose, Yamini, and Hollie.

Swimming 

• Towards the end of January, we took part in the Years 5-13 GDST Swimming Rally, where the GDST welcomed over 400 students from GDST schools from around the UK for their annual swimming gala at Guildford Spectrum. Eight girls from Years 5 & 6 were selected to represent Blackheath High School, alongside our 12 Senior School swimmers from Years 7-11. Despite the early start, the day was filled with excitement and solidarity. From individual races to thrilling relays, our girls showcased their skills; and Senior students exhibited exceptional leadership, ensuring a memorable day for all. Congratulations to all our swimmers and to overall winners