Students in Year 7 were visited by Commonwealth and Olympic gymnast, Craig Heap this month. The former Captain of the GB Gymnastics Team came to King James to deliver an inspirational assembly to students to coincide with the launch of our Summer of Sports initiative.

Students were engrossed as Craig talked about his school life and experiences as a teenager. "I knew that university wasn't for me", he told students, "but I found my niche in sport and, through this, I experienced achievement and pride. Everyone is good at something. The hardest thing in life is finding out what that is. I discovered a talent that has taken me to the Olympics and allowed me to meet the Queen."

Craig recounted the sense of pride he felt while representing the UK in the Olympics, the injury he had to overcome to be able to compete, and of his later success as Captain of the GB Team at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, a highlight of his career he will never forget. It was an inspirational account of how determination and dedication can lead to great things.

Suitably inspired, students were invited to set personal goals which could include anything from sporting success to academic achievement or getting involved in Academy or community activities. All students received a card with a login number which they can use to register their goals and track their progress online and, as an added incentive, participating students have the opportunity to be nominated for their efforts by a teacher, to receive a prize of £50 each month.