This year, we launched the King James Badminton Club for students in all year groups. Run by Ms Stewart, one of our Student Support Workers, not only has the club proved hugely popular, but it has also revealed some previously undiscovered sporting talent.

Following a one-day Badminton Tournament, which took place during our Summer of Sport initiative, a number of requests were received from students for an after-school club. Ms Stewart, who is a keen player herself volunteered to launch our first Badminton Club.

"Initially, the club took place on one evening each week," Ms Stewart explains, "but now, due to popular demand and the number of students taking part, it is open on two evenings and two lunchtimes too. Around 50 students attend on a regular basis and numbers continue to grow. I am delighted that they are enjoying it so much."

Despite the fact that many participants had little experience of the sport, Ms Stewart quickly spotted some natural talent and, because of this, decided to organise our first in-house Badminton Tournament to build confidence and give students experience of a competition environment. The atmosphere and sportsmanship at the event was fantastic and our winners are pictured here. They received a badminton racket and Tesco voucher for their achievement. Well done to all who took part.

Following on from this, two of our boy's teams went on to compete in the District Badminton Tournament.

Our Year 8 team, consisting of Niall J, Brendan H, Tyler W and Steven D played brilliantly at Bishop Barrington School against teams from Parkside, Sedgefield, Greenfield, St. John's, Sunnydale and Wolsingham. The boys came top of their group, however as only one team from our district can move forward into the County Finals, they were forced into a play-off where they were narrowly beaten by Wolsingham.

Likewise, our Year 11 team consisting of Jacob H, Callum H, Ryan Hand Daniel P suffered the same bad luck when, despite coming top of their group at the Under 16's Tournament held at Greenfield School, they too were beaten in a forced play-off against Wolsingham.

With such little experience, our players are very much to be congratulated. We are extremely proud of their achievement and look forward to celebrating their future successes.

All students are welcome to join the badminton club; taking part is FREE and all equipment is provided. Please see Ms Stewart in Student Support for more information.