Giles crowned Secondary School of the Year in national cricket awards
Giles Academy crowned Secondary School of the Year in national cricket awards
left to right: Katie Faulkner (Women & Girls Development Officer), Mark Ramprakash, Luciella Crowfoot (Student), Mr Dodd (Teacher of PE), Abbie Murray (Student) and Mrs Cooper (Teacher of PE)
Giles Academy were crowned ‘Secondary School of the Year’ at a star-studded ceremony for the Chance to Shine Cricket Awards 2023.
This prestigious event, held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Thursday 23rd November 2023 was hosted by BBC cricket commentator Eleanor Oldroyd in front of 250 guests. It had legends from the sporting world in attendance including Sport England chairman Chris Boardman and former England cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent. Students and staff from Giles Academy were star-struck as they were presented the winner’s trophy by former England batsman Mark Ramprakash.
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This is a worthy achievement for Giles Academy as we were shortlisted out of over 300 participating secondary schools after being recognised for our development of girl’s cricket within just one year, marking a cultural shift in the school’s approach to cricket.
Mrs Cooper and Mr Dodd delivered school taster days for students throughout all year groups, hosted and attended indoor cricket tournaments and matches, provided staff cricket training plus introduced cricket on the PE curriculum along with extra-curricular clubs after-school. A real highlight was the development of the cricket Leadership Programme for 11 students and their coaching of primary children at Trent Bridge during the Women’s Ashes series against Australia in June 2023.
This level of engagement was made possible through the support provided by Katie Faulkner, Women & Girls Development Officer at Chance to Shine. The charity was established to spread the power of cricket through schools and communities by giving children the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket.
Mrs Cooper, Teacher of PE said “We were thrilled to have been named as winners and look forward to continue the development of cricket throughout the years ahead. Since starting the Chance to Shine Leadership Programme, this group of dedicated girls have shown incredible leadership skills, become confident young people inside and outside of school, and not phased of speaking in front of others. It’s only through programmes like this that you can develop those skills.”
Miss Belcher, Head of School said “This programme will really prepare our students for the future, not just in education, but in life as young citizens. I would like to thank Mrs Cooper, Mr Dodd and Katie Falkner for their passion in promoting the sport which has certainly transferred to our students as they have gained skills and qualities that will stand them in good stead in the future.”
Laura Cordingley, Chief Executive of Chance to Shine said “We are very proud of the positive impact Chance to Shine has on young people and are delighted to work with so many committed and inspiring people who make this possible. Giles Academy’s support for Chance to Shine is greatly appreciated and I would like to thank them on behalf of everyone at the charity.”
In addition to attending awards ceremony, students and staff had a tour the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground (known as the ‘Home of Cricket’) and were able to see a replica of the Ashes trophy as well as the achievements from legends of the game.
Giles Academy are continuing to build on what they achieved as they are hosting both Under 13 and Under 15 ECB indoor cricket tournaments for the local area, and our Cricket Leaders are already booked to assist with primary school cricket tournaments in the summer term next year.
If students wish to join a cricket club at school, they should speak to Mrs Cooper or Mr Dodd for further information.
