During the February half term, 35 pupils from the Tunbridge Wells School Sports Partnership link primary schools attended a Racquets Multi Skills Academy at Angley School, Cranbrook. Year 6 Gifted and Talented students from a variety of primary schools were invited to attend the academy from Tuesday to Thursday.

The three days included both class room based and practical sessions. A table tennis lesson where students learnt the basic shots and techniques was followed by a small tournament. Day two saw the students taking part in a Tennis skills based session run by Sue Bamford School of Tennis. Sue was extremely impressed by the standard of play from the primary school athletes throughout the afternoon. Thursday saw the students learning the rudiments of Badminton, picking up the basic shots and techniques very quickly and moving in to short games.

Cross curricular activities included sessions using ICT, literacy and art. The course provided a fantastic opportunity for students to meet other gifted and talented athletes from local schools. The children participated in multi-skills testing all week, concentrating on improving their fitness and techniques in the activities tested.

Huge thanks to the staff and specialists that supported the academy. If any students wish to participate further in any of the academy’s featured sports they should contact either the TWSSP office (01580 720840) or any of the clubs listed below;

Table Tennis – Weald Table Tennis Club (07970575285)
Badminton – Tunbridge Wells Junior Badminton League (01732 833396)
Tennis – Sue Bamford School of Tennis (07813126249)