As part of our citizenship programme, Fourth Form boys were able to try out a series of taster sessions of some of the many clubs and societies the school has on offer. Archery is a new addition to our extra-curricular programme and has many benefits as it helps to build muscle endurance and flexibility, as well as develop hand-eye coordination and body strength. It aids mental focus, drive and resilience, and is perfect for mindfulness and letting go of everyday stress. Archery is also a truly inclusive sport, for all ages and abilities, and a great supportive and competitive social activity. This gives boys an alternative to our more traditional sports, but still offers all the benefits that sport can give.
The highlight of the session had to be the Olympic-style shoot off at the end. The boys were given one arrow to shoot as close to the gold as possible. It was a closely contested event, especially given that the boys had only been shooting for 40 minutes. After two equally spaced golds, one 3 o’clock off the centre and the other 9 o’clock, the pressure was mounting. Special commendation goes to William Mowe (the last archer in this mini competition) who after maintaining his concentration and focus, placed the final arrow in the very centre of gold, taking the win.
All boys across the Upper School will be able to attend archery club every Friday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, starting on 8 October. These sessions will introduce boys to shooting, develop technique, explain the history, explore the context and rules, and emphasise safety on the range. Any boy interested in attending these sessions should contact Dr Crackle and register their interest via email. Owing to the restrictions of numbers, there are limited spaces and boys are strongly advised to register their interest as soon as possible.
