Stopfordian 2010–2011 - Stockport Grammar School

The Stopfordian 2010–2011
A roller coaster year began in September with some great
results from the Seniors. It was great to see more spectators
than previous years coming to support the houses and enjoy
cheering the teams, alongside the new mascot, Jack, who
comes to life for every event to help motivate and cheer the
mighty Nicholson on.
Both Senior Netball and basketball teams won their events
with style and panache. Basketball matches from First Years
through to Fourth Years were close and Nicholson managed to
come a strong second in the competition as did the Seniors in
their annual quiz.
Mr Cheslett and Dr Hamilton very kindly co-ordinated the
House Chess this year. Nicholson played well, with a very
competitive field in the Inters and both Juniors and Seniors
playing determined and at times lengthy matches.
Senior Rugby was played towards the end of the Autumn
Term when the weather had turned particularly cold. As ever,
there was a great competitive atmosphere and we came joint
second with Arden following some very tight matches. At this
stage, Nicholson had secured a comfortable lead in the
Fallows’ Shield.
The Autumn Term events were rounded off with the First Year
House Party which was co-ordinated this year by Nicholson.
Mr Ehegartner and I really appreciate the sterling job that the
House Captains did of organising games and music. The
logistics of pizza distribution were overcome and the new First
Year form quiz was a welcome and successful addition.
and Junior teams were resilient and a credit to the House.
First Year Rugby was well attended and the boys played well,
coming joint first with Warren and the First Year Swimming
Standards secured some valuable points. Intermediate
Hockey was particularly memorable with a very tense penalty
shoot-out. Nicholson reigned supreme and won the
competition much to the delight of the supporting spectators.
Cross country took place later in the Spring Term with some
exciting new talent coming through. Alex Hurley was a medal
winner in the First Year category and Nicholson came a
comfortable second overall in the Second Year. Intermediate
girls also did extremely well attaining second place and 6
points in the House Netball.
The Swimming Gala, a highlight on the House events
calendar, saw Nicholson on great form. A full team attended
and braved the water with determination and conviction.
House Captains alongside Year Reps helped to coordinate the
teams which is no mean feat. Some terrific individual efforts
and the strong Nicholson presence made for a memorable
evening. The First Year squad deserve a special mention with
Hannah Jones smashing the butterfly record by 3 seconds,
Alex Jones obliterating the First Year freestyle by 6 seconds and
two further records being broken by the First Year girls’
medley and freestyle relay squads.
The Junior Hockey squad played to a high level and Miss
Withington was impressed with their passing and control of the
ball. Nicholson were just pipped at the post for first place but
still gained 6 valuable points. First and Second Year Netball
teams managed worthy third and second positions.
Charities and fundraising have become more prominent this
year within the House system. Nicholson chose two charities
to support, EducAid and Diabetes UK. Representatives from
both charities kindly came into school and introduced their
charity’s work, giving greater impetus to pupils to get
fundraising and take part. The Christmas charity stalls were
successful alongside individual efforts to raise further funds.
Jeremy Li successfully completed a sponsored silence that
both pupils and teachers were willing to support! The total by
the end of the year was a very impressive £919.31 which will
be split equally between Nicholson’s two chosen charities.
The Spring Term started with snowfall welcomed by the pupils
but not by the grounds men. Despite the cold temperatures
and resultant rescheduling of matches, both the Intermediate
24 Activities and Awards