Tri Golf

On a group of Year 3 and 4 pupils attended a Tri-Golf Festival at Wildern School. Tri-golf is a fun alternative version of golf, designed for primary school children. As a more energetic version of golf, it enables children to take different golf shots and build a good golf foundation. Our team rotated around different stations collectively to score points. While the score was not the priority, they did very well to come second out of ten schools. A huge well done to our golfers and also to our Sports Leaders who supported this event by running one of the activities superbly. They were all a credit to our school.

Year 3/4 Tennis

On Tuesday 30th April, two teams of Year 3 and 4 pupils attended a Tennis Festival at Hamble Secondary School. Our teams rotated around different stations to take part in tennis skill challenges. A huge well done to our participants who represented our school brilliantly.

Girls Football Hampshire Games Finals 

On Friday 8th March, the Year 5/6 Girls Football Team travelled to Stoneham Lane Football Complex to take part in the Hampshire Games Finals. Every team attending had qualified from their area tournaments so we knew it was going to be a challenging day. During the morning league, the girls worked hard to finish joint second in the group. With one less goal scored (joint goal difference) we qualified for the Championship League in the afternoon. The girls went into the afternoon knowing they had to perform well to reach the semi-finals and they did just that. As the afternoon progressed we were undefeated in our group, scoring some excellent goals along the way, meaning the girls were thrilled to make the semi-finals. We faced a good St Peter's side from Farnborough in the semi-final. A dominant 3-1 win saw us through to the final where we met local school, Wellstead Primary from Hedge End. The game was tough and both sides played some excellent football. An in-swinging corner was met by a superb volley from Flo, which gave us a 1-0 lead. Wellstead played some fantastic football and our team worked incredibly hard for each other, tracking back and helping out teammates, as we have done all season. In the dying seconds, Wellstead had a free kick in a good position. The ball looks destined for the corner but an exceptional save from Ramona tipped it over the bar and gave us the 1-0 victory. The joy on the girls' faces at the final whistle realising they would go home with a winners medal was wonderful and so well-deserved. We are very proud of you all, girls!

Hampshire Plate Semi Final v Stoke Park – Monday 11^th March 2024

This was a fixture the boys were excited to play in. They have progressed so much since the first round of this tournament and were confident especially playing on their own field. From the very first whistle you could see how much the boys wanted to win. They were able to win possession of the ball and were relentless in attack. After 10 minutes they found themselves 3 – 0 up and were playing with a real confidence. They worked hard for each other and had started moving the ball around very nicely. Goals from Leo, Reuben, Luca and a hat trick for Jake gave us a 6 – 0 lead at half time. The boys continued to play well in the second half and Blake and Radley added their names to the score sheet. At the final whistle the boys had kept a clean sheet and won well but the most pleasing thing was how they continued to try and pass the ball around and a few of them had a spell playing in a different position to normal. The boys will now wait to find out in the final of the tournament to see if they can finish their season off on a high.

Girls Football Hampshire Plate Semi-Final

On Thursday 14th March, the girls faced Weeke Primary School from Winchester in the semi-final of the Hampshire Plate. For the first 10 minutes of the game, Weeke were dominant on the ball, showing us we were up against a well-organised, skilful side. Chances were created at both ends, but a well taken goal and a fantastic lob meant our team went into half time with a two goal deficit. The second half saw our midfielders growing into the game and a change to our formation meant Megan had more of the ball in midfield and made a number of great passes up the pitch to put the opponents under pressure. We had a few shots on goal from Lyra and Siena which narrowly missed the target. Any further chances from the opponents were swiftly dealt with by Rayah and Ramona scooped up any dangers with calmness and control. 

The second half of the game saw Eva and Ava breaking up numerous phases of play and always looked for a short pass to the wings where Mia worked hard to set us on the attack. As the final whistle was blown, it wasn’t to be; but a superb effort and a great game. We congratulated Weeke Primary and wished them good luck for the final. 

Sportshall Athletics

On Tuesday 19^th March Miss Coxhead had the pleasure of taking a group of Year 3 and 4 children to compete in an indoor athletics competition. Whilst at the event, the children participated in a variety of field events including speed bounce, long jump, javelin and chest push. The children had been training at school for this event and you could see that their hard work really helped them in their performances. After the field events, the children then participated in a variety of running races. They worked well as a team and it was lovely to see the support they gave one another throughout the competition. Not only did our athletes represent the school beautifully, they also ended up winning the event! Well done to all of those who took part.

Physical Activity Festival

On Tuesday 26th March, 15 pupils from across all year groups attended an Eco-friendly Physical Activity Festival at Places Leisure. This event was led by students from Barton Peveril College who were given the aim of creating an environment promoting physical activity in a fun way. The activities included team building challenges, orienteering navigating a trail, cycling and archery. The pupils represented our school superbly. They embraced the new activities with enthusiasm and bravery, while showing excellent communication and team-work skills. 

Thursday 1^st February 2024 v Portsmouth Grammar School (Hampshire Plate Quarter Finals) 

After a good win in the previous round, our boys’ football team had to travel to Portsmouth Grammar School to play in the quarter final of the plate. The game was played a very wide but short pitch and was the first away game the boys have had this year. The rose brilliant to the challenge and immediately took control of the game and dominated the ball. They were unlucky not to go ahead but they kept composed and looked to find the break through. The first goal came from a corner which Jake brilliantly headed in after attacking the near post. Having taken the corner, Rueben then went provider to goal scorer with a neat finish to make it 2-0. A few minutes later Jake turned his defender well and tucked the ball away for a third. In previous games, the boys’ have often found themselves in similar positions but taken their foot of the gas and allowed the opposition back into the game. Today was not following that pattern and the boys showed their ruthless side with Blake scoring on his debut from close range before Leo fired in a long range effort after beating 2 players to make the score 5-0 at half time.

The second half followed a very similar course. The only scare was when a sliced clearance fell to a PGS striker whose shot was brilliantly kept out by Evan to protect his clean sheet. Two more goals from Jake and one from Luca saw the game finish at 8-0. From front to back, this was the boys strongest performance this season. They played excellently as a team and even as the score started to grow they kept their shape and played some excellent football. After the game, it was hard to tell whether they were more pleased about the result or the chicken nuggets they were served in the pavilion!

They are now looking forward to the semi-finals which have yet to be drawn and should have every confidence in going the distance in the competition.

Netball Cluster Tournament

On Tuesday 6th February, a group of Year 5 and 6 pupils took part in a netball tournament at Wyvern School. We entered two teams and played against Durley, Upham and Owslebury Primary Schools. Each player worked hard to move the ball down the court displaying brilliant determination and teamwork. One of our teams won all their matches and so will go onto represent our school in the finals, to be held at Wildern School next week. Well done to everyone involved. 

National League Trust Regional Finals – Thursday 8^th February 2024

Having won the local tournament on the pitch at half time of an Eastleigh game, our boys’ football team travelled to Woking to the regional finals as Eastleigh FC. Represented there were schools from all over the south of England. The standard of football was incredibly high on a very wet and cold day. The boys had a touch start and lost their opening game against Aldershot. They then played against Slough Town in a well fought contest. Both teams had good chances but Slough was more clinical and won the game narrowly. There was a similar outcome in the next match against Havant and Waterlooville. This result meant it would be hard for us to qualify for the knock out rounds. Although the boys were disappointed, they were able to play the next two games without pressure. They got well into their stride in the first of these games and were unlucky to only draw with Woking FC. They then enjoyed a good lunch break and came out for their final game in high spirits and played some their best football all day. At the final whistle they secured a 3-0 win. This was a tough day for the boys against some very good opposition but served as a great learning opportunity for them. They should all be very proud at how they represented the school.

Saints Foundation Premier League Primary Stars Tournament 

On Friday 9th February, 8 members of our girls football team travelled to Millbrook to play at the Saints Foundation Premier League Primary Stars Tournament against 27 other primary schools. They played 9 matches in total and worked tirelessly throughout. After sailing through our group stage (scoring 28 goals) we narrowly missed a placed in the semis, meeting strong opposition in the quarter-final. The girls showed brilliant passing, some incredible goal-keeping and such a strong work ethic. They were very pleased to meet members of Southampton FC Women's First Team and were excited to have their photo taken with Laura Rafferty and Paige Peake. 

Year 3 Cricket Festival 

On Tuesday 20th February, eight Year 3 pupils attended a cricket festival at Wildern School. The event was led by a coach from Hampshire County Cricket Club and sports leaders from Wildern School. The children loved using the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the game as well as their cricket specific skills. They all enjoyed the experience and represented our school superbly. 

Through the Autumn term, we had 12 children work hard every Tuesday night to develop their hockey skills; of these children, 8 were selected to play in the South Winchester and Eastleigh hockey event at Trojans. The children were very excited and looking forward to their first competitive school's hockey fixture. The day started with a 0-0 draw against Botley Primary; we were pleased with this as we learnt to play in a larger space than we were used to. The second game saw a 2-0 win and Fair Oak were getting into their stride, developing confidence in their positions and enjoying the competition being given. A 1-0 win against Netley Abbey was followed by a 0-0 draw against Freegrounds and finally in the deciding game of the league, Fair Oak beat Durley 1-0. This meant that Fair Oak finished top of their league unbeaten and without conceeding a goal. I was blown away by the progress this group of children made from September through to the end of the tournament - within the team were a number of children who were making their competitive debut for Fair Oak! Winning the league meant that the team were given a place at the Hampshire Finals!

As we started the county finals, we knew that the day was going to be challenging at times as our hockey journey as a group was still very new. The morning started with a mixed group of teams. The games saw some fantastic hockey from both Fair Oak and their opposition. Unfortunately, we lost 3 games and won one but the progress the children made against very good opposition was brilliant and the quality of hockey improved game by game, bringing great hope for future tournaments. In the afternoon, the competition was split into seeded groups and we knew that this should lead to some more success and this is what we had! Beating Bordon 2-1, South Farnborough 3-1 and Uplands 4-3. We played fantastic hockey worthy of a higher seeding. The group was won and the fantastic team each got a t-shirt as a prize. 

As a coach, I look back on our first session in September and compare that to the hockey I saw at the county finals and I am amazed by the progress they have made as individuals and as a team through their commitment to the club. The quality of hockey they put on show exceededd all my expectation and I couldn't be prouder of each of them. I look forward to working with the Year 5s again next year and for the year 6s I hope this gives them the encouragement to try hockey and different sports when they go onto Secondary school. Thank you to the hockey team for making me so proud! 

Mr Jacobs

Utilita Cup 12.1.24

Our Year 6 boys’ football team had the chance to play in the Utilita Cup on the 12^th January. The tournament was a qualifier to see which school would represent Saints at a regional and then national tournament. In total there were 31 teams over the course of the day.

In their first group game, the boys performed excellently against Halterworth B. The games were only 8 minutes and the boys scored 3 good goals to get off to the perfect start. In their second game the boys could not find the break through even though they controlled the ball. It took an excellent long range finish from Leo to seal a 1-0 win. In the third game the boys played Oliver’s Battery in what was an even closer game. Oliver’s Battery eventually came out with a 1-0 win after scoring a late winner with no time to reply. In the final group game the boys played against Weeke. Both teams played well and had chances to score but neither was able to find the breakthrough with the game ending in a 0-0 draw.

After those results, the boys finished second behind Weeke in the group, which meant we would play Herne A in the quarter finals. Herne quickly scored a goal after a good counter attack and then protected their lead for the rest of the match well. Unfortunately this saw the boys knocked out in the quarter finals by the finest of margins. Although they were disappointed with the result, the boys represented the school well and on a different day could have gone much further into the competition.

Hampshire Plate vs Bartley 17.1.24

Having won after extra time in the last round of the plate, the boys were keen to put in an impressive performance. In this round, we were drawn at home again were able to utilise the whole field for the pitch. The boys were confident the extra space would help them.

Almost immediately, Jake scored a volley to make it 1-0. This was quickly followed by a good strike by Leo to make it 2-0. The boys had made the perfect start and were playing some of the best football they have played so far this season. However, they were disappointed to be caught by a rare Bartley counter attack which saw them score after the ball came off Harry. The boys rallied well and Leo soon scored a third goal before Jake grabbed his second to make it 4-2. Jake was then able to secure a first half hat trick after a real poacher’s goal, which made it look as though the tie was wrapped up. But, just before half time, Bartley won a free kick just outside the area which they were able to convert to make the score 5-3 to Fair Oak. Having been run close in all rounds of the Hampshire Cup, the boys could have been forgiven for expecting the same to happen again. However, in the second half they grew from strength to strength. Evan made one or two stops but didn’t look like he would be beaten. Harry and Radley defended well but also created multiple chances. Odhran was dangerous on the left and Luca – making his debut for the side – played excellently on the right before scoring a close range finish. In the end, the score was 11-3 to Fair Oak with Jake scoring 6, Leo 3, Luca 1 and after moving to midfield, Harry scored a well-deserved goal from a mazy run before a finish low into the corner.

This was an excellent victory for Fair Oak where they played some exceptional football but also capped this by being ruthless in front of goal. The only downside was George coming off injured toward the end of the first half after another solid performance in midfield. We now face Portsmouth Grammar away in the quarter finals and will be looking for another good win!

23.1.24

This week a selection of our athletics squad represented the school in the qualifiers. We took two teams who competed in a variety of events including throwing, jumping and running. It was lovely to see the children compete where they were able to apply the skills they have been developing at athletics club. They performed to such a high standard including many individual successes as well as team achievements. They represented the school brilliantly! Their teamwork was outstanding and their encouragement for one another was a pleasure to witness.  

29.1.24

Today our Year 5 and 6 girl's football team played in the quarter-final of the Hampshire Plate against Wallisdean Primary School.

The girls started brightly, moving the ball positively, with Flo dictating play in the middle, bringing wider players into the game with some slick passing. It didn't take long before Megan broke through the defence to fire us into the lead. There

were several chances in the first 20 minutes and the girls went into half time with a 2-0 lead thanks to a calmly converted penalty by Flo. 

After the break, Wallisdean came out fighting and made it hard for our players at times. Despite Rayah and Eva's tireless work to clear any threats, they managed to pull one goal back. The girls kept their heads up and continued to play their passing game. Mia played a through ball which reached Flo who showed great footwork to round two players and finish into the corner, giving us a 3-1 lead. 

Wallisdean continued to keep our midfield on their toes, with Siena and Lyra hunting down every ball. An excellent free-kick looks destined for the top corner but our superstar goal-keeper Ramona was able to hold onto it and protect our lead. The girls went on to create some excellent chances, a great strike from Lyra came off the post as the girls tried their best to extend their lead. 

Wallisdean kept the game very competitive and scored a second with six minutes left on the clock. Fair Oak were able to see the game out with some disciplined positional play and battling well to prevent an equaliser. Both sets of coaches agreed it was a fantastic game played in a fair and competitive spirit. We thanked Wallisdean for travelling to us and they wished us luck as we move onto the semi-finals. Well done girls, we are proud of you all.

Tuesday 5^th December

Today Fair Oak entered two teams in the area football finals having come first and second in the cluster qualifiers. From this tournament, two local teams would progress onto the County Finals.

The format of the competition was teams in three groups of three. The top teams from each group would go into a second group of 3. The second placed team in each group would go into a group with the 3 second place teams and the same with the third place team in each group.

Fair Oak 1 played their first game and although they dominated drew 2-2. Both times they came from behind from quick counter attacks. They then had to play Berrywood knowing they just needed to win to win the first group. Berrywood were a much harder opposition but Fair Pak went 2-0 up before the break. In the second half they made some substitutions which made them much stronger on the attack and ended up beating us 3-2 meaning Fair Oak 1 would have to settle for second place.

Fair Oak 2 played well in their first match but conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 with Shamblehurst. This meant they had to win their second game by 5 goals to win the group because of goal difference. The boys played brilliantly and managed to win 6-0 to see them top the group and give us a chance of qualifying for the finals.

Fair Oak 2 won both games in the second placed group 3-0 and 4-0 respectively. They showed good resilience to come back from disappointment. Fair Oak 2 played excellently against Berrywood and put on a defensive masterclass and earned a 1-1 draw. In their second game they went one nil down. They were unlucky to not equalize as they were through on goal in a quick counter attack before the referee pulled the game back for an opposition player even though he had gone down during the initial attack. As they continued to search for the equalizer they then suffered a cruel blow towards the end and eventually lost 2-0.

Both of the teams played well and were unlucky at various times. They played with great spirit though and represented the school well. Out of the 12 teams who qualified from their clusters Fair Oak finished 3^rd and 4^th.

Monday 11^th December

Both our girls and boys table tennis teams had previously qualified for the table tennis County Finals event at Aldworth School in Basingstoke. The standard today was extremely high with the teams hoping to book their place at the National Finals later in the school year. Many of the participating players were table tennis club members but despite this, our athletes put in some super performances. Unfortunately, two schools that Fair Oak were due to play at the event today could not make it so both of our teams had only two fixtures to complete. Our boys began with a match against Orchard. Despite a 3-1 loss, our boys can be proud of their performance as each individual match was extremely close. Next up were South Farnborough. Again, these matches were extremely close but it was our opponents who just edged our boys out, winning 4-0. Our girls began with a close match against South Farnborough. This ended in a 2-1 victory for South Farnborough. Our girls finished with a fixture against Orchard B who beat Fair Oak 3-0. Well done to all of our players – they should be extremely proud of themselves for their efforts today!

Tuesday 12thDecember

Fair Oak had previously qualified for the South Eastleigh and Winchester basketball finals. The standard of competition was high. The event took a league format where every team played every other team. The side with the most points at the end of the competition would be crowned tournament winners. After all of the fixtures had been played, the results were as follows:

Well done to our athletes who represented the school brilliantly today!

Monday 13^th November

Fair Oak entered five teams into a basketball tournament held at Wyvern school today. The competition was between teams from the local area and took a league format where every team played every other team. The side with the most points at the end of the competition would be crowned tournament winners. After all of the fixtures had been played, the results were as follows:

Well done to all of our players who performed superbly throughout the event.

Tuesday 14^th November

On Tuesday 14^th November, our Year 5 and 6 boys football team played in the first round of the Hampshire Plate against Cherbourg Primary School. Having narrowly lost in the first round of the cup, the boys were determined to get a more positive result. They started the game brightly and moved the ball around well. There were several half chances in the first few minutes. In the 8^th minute, Odhran did well to beat his man and make some space to cross the ball to Jake. Jake was able to turn the defender and fired into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 to Fair Oak. Five minutes after that, the same combination provided the second goal. George played a through ball to Odhran. Odhran again crossing for Jake to neatly turn the ball in. Harry and Radley were alert at the back and prevented Cherbourg from too many attempts on goal. However, just before half time they were able to pull one goal back as Fair Oak stopped, thinking the ball had gone out of play only for Cherbourg to finish well in the one on one versus Evan.

Cherbourg started the second half very well and were motivated by their late goal in the first half. They hit the bar and had a few half chances before their midfielder managed to find the top corner, after a corner was half cleared with, with a fantastic strike. For the second match in a row the boys found themselves at 2 -2 having lost a lead! It was pleasing to see the way they reacted though as they rallied together and had multiple chances. Leo showed some fantastic dribbling before placing the ball just wide and Frank also had a long range effort whistle past the post. For large periods, Cherbourg were defending their goal line as Rueben caused them problems down the right but we were unable to find the decisive goal.

The game finished at 2-2 and, with the light quickly fading the game went into extra time. The boys played at furious pace and, early on, Odhran took a long range shot which deflected past the keeper to make it 3-2. The boys continued to attack and never looked like conceding but the game finished at 3-2 to Fair Oak. The boys now progress to the next round against Bartley and will look to build on their performance from this game.

Tuesday 21^st November

The girls football team travelled to Vigo Primary School in Andover to compete in the Hampshire Plate competition. In a thrilling match, the girls came away with a 3-2 victory! It was a physical, competitive encounter played in great spirit where both sets of players were congratulated by spectators and coaches for the excellent skill and work rate on display. 

Well done girls! Onto the third round!

Tuesday 28^th November

The lower school boys football team finally took part in their first football tournament of the year after a couple of postponements. The boys played some great football and that showed by winning three out of the four fixtures that were played. The team won 6-0, 4-0, 1-0 and narrowly lost 1-0 despite a dominant performance. A big thank you to the parents that came along to support the team.