Many thanks to Yu Xuan, Adebola, Poppy, Maks, Leonard and Valentino who were our representatives at the Bexley Sports Leadership Academy this year. They contributed a huge amount to the programme, run by Mrs Allsop at Hurstmere, and did a fantastic job leading events for students at local primary schools.  Thank you for representing us so brilliantly.

Mr Lines, Head of PE

Our recent school trip to the stunning island of Sardinia was an incredible adventure, packed with unforgettable experiences that left a lasting impression on all of us.

We stayed with an Italian family in Ms Contini’s home town of Isili, which was perhaps the most memorable part of our trip. Their warm hospitality and delicious home-made meals made us feel right at home.

We began in Cagliari, Sardinia's vibrant capital, where we soaked up the lively atmosphere of the city and learnt about its history. Before we met our families, we went to one of the three breathtaking beaches we were due to visit, called Poetto, and although the water was cold, the memorable experience with friends made all other worries disappear.

On the second day, we stayed in Isili and visited the museum of textiles and copper, which offered us a fascinating glimpse into Isili’s rich traditions and craft skills, deepening our appreciation for the island's cultural heritage. We didn't just stick to the land; a canoeing excursion gave us a chance to see the San Sebastián Church from a different perspective and learn about the many legends that took place there. Paddling through the waters was both thrilling and tranquil.

A particularly heart-warming visit was to Centro Cetacei marine animal rescue centre in Nora. Seeing the dedication of the volunteers and the recovery of the animals touched us deeply. Eating a home-made lunch by Nora beach enlightened us, and we enjoyed the hot weather and clear waters.

History came alive as we explored the ancient Nora archaeological site, a window into the city’s past.

The adventure continued as we ventured deep into the Zuddas Cave, where we marvelled at the formations of stalactites and stalagmites and the deep history behind the cave.

 

The last beach, Porto Pino, was by far the best in my opinion: the waters were clear, the sand pristine and the weather hot. That day was also the day of Sant’ Antonio, who is a Saint celebrated in Isili. Therefore, we spent the night dancing with the families and with each other.

On the last day, the natural beauty of Sardinia was on full display during our visit to Giara National Park, where we were surrounded by lush landscapes, stunning vistas and the largest population of wild horses in Europe.

As we bid farewell to Sardinia, our hearts were heavy as we were leaving; however, we were thankful for the incredible experiences and the warm hospitality we encountered. Sardinia has left a mark on our hearts, and we carry the spirit of the island with us as we return home, forever enriched by the memories we've made.

Krishal Patel, Year 10

Staying with my host family in Sardinia was an amazing experience. They were very welcoming and friendly. One cultural difference I noticed was how they enjoy long, leisurely meals together, which made me feel very much at home.

One of my favourite visits was to the city of Cagliari. The historical buildings and beautiful views of the sea were breathtaking. It was fascinating to learn about the city's rich history.

I loved all the Italian meals we had, but my favourite was the home-made lasagne my host family made. The flavours were incredible, and it was so fresh and delicious!

Our time in the hall with all the families was fantastic. It was fun to see everyone together, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company. It made the trip even more special.

Overall, my trip to Sardinia was unforgettable, filled with wonderful people, delicious food, and beautiful places.

Anagha Pai, Year 10

After having been to Sardinia, I can easily say that it has a special place in my heart. The locals were caring and kind and the food was tantalising as well. We will never have pasta like that in England. The weather was pleasant, and our host families were courteous.

During our holiday, we explored many parts of the wonderful island of Sardinia and learnt all about its history and culture, ranging from the Nuraghi, the city walls in Cagliari and archaeological ruins and buildings. Furthermore, we went to three unique, golden beaches. Although the waters were transparent, they were very salty and didn’t taste very nice.

One of the highlights of my holiday was meeting my host family. Although it was daunting at first, she welcomed me with open arms, improved my Italian and taught me all about her culture. I didn’t know that it was normal to eat rabbits in Italy. She was like a second mother to me and I will never forget her. Another highlight of my trip was being able to venture around the island by ourselves. I feel that buying food at shops has not only improved my Italian vocabulary, but has made me more confident in what I say in Italian.

Overall, this trip has been an amazing experience and I would recommend anybody who is thinking about travelling to Sardinia to go.

Braiden Dolan, Year 10

Click on the link here to view the Sardinia Photo Gallery.

I am immensely proud to announce that we have been doubly successful for a second year running. Both Matilda Jackson and Yu Qi Ong in Year 11 have passed through all three stages of the Arkwright Scholarship application process.

This prestigious engineering mentorship programme is extremely competitive, and we look forward to hearing about the opportunities and experiences this provides throughout the Sixth Form.

Congratulations ladies!

Ms Lusted, STEM Coordinator

Bexley Grammar School recently hosted 2 Induction Days on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th June. Over 400 students, including 200 of our own, from schools across the South East attended a highly successful event. Thanks to Miss Roberts and Mrs Aspill for the coordination and planning of the days, the current Year 12s for their friendliness and support on the day and with all the staff involved in supporting sign in, planning and delivering sessions for these prospective students.

Mr Martin - Head of Sixth Form

Induction day at BGS was so enlightening, even being an existing student, it was so exciting to try out the Sixth Form areas (SFC and K1) and meet all the new students. We were dressed in our new Sixth Form clothes, and it was great to see everyone looking so much older and ready for September. I really enjoyed being a tour guide for the new students and showing them all the best parts of BGS.

We started the day with an escape room activity, where we were randomly put into groups and had to crack many puzzles, padlocks and clues to get the secret code to open the final safe. Unfortunately, my group came 20th… last place, but it was a great icebreaker and a lovely surprise for induction day.

We also had subject tasters for the higher subjects we will be taking next year, which was so interesting considering that is what a day in our lives will be like from September. Another highlight was the taster TOK session, which was run by our amazing Senior Prefect Team and involved many debates and discussions.

I really hope to see all of Year 11 back at BGS next year and I can’t wait to find out what’s to come next year…

Matilda Jackson, Year 11

On Tuesday and Wednesday I had the pleasure of helping out with the Year 12 Induction Days. I started each day helping guide the incoming Year 12 students to their assigned rooms in the morning.  It was nostalgic seeing them all in the same position I was in just a year earlier, and seeing how quickly Year 12 had gone! The Escape Room activity in the morning was a joy to watch, and I was around the room helping out any teams that needed it. As both days went on, along with some of the other Senior Prefects, we ran the TOK taster sessions and each session brought up different ideas and questions from the students that made me further appreciate the spirit of debate that Theory of Knowledge brings out of students, including myself.

Speaking to the incoming Year 12s about the IB and BGS life in general and helping answer any of their queries was an incredibly fulfilling role and one that I enjoyed immensely. We ended each day off with a subject fayre which gave me the great opportunity to speak to some of the students about two of my higher level subjects in order to give them a better perspective into what it would be like studying them. The Induction Days were two incredibly productive days on which I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to help assist!

Princela Mensah, Year 12

Monday 17th June to Friday 21st June sees the nation's schools celebrating National School Sport Week 2024. Each year the Youth Sport Trust dedicates one week to promoting PE in schools and co-curricular activities. This year's theme, powered by Sports Direct's Monster Kickabout, brings a special one-off Euro 2024 event that emphasises football as a means to engage young people in PE, sport and play. At BGS, we have been celebrating the week with lots of competitive events within lessons. We encourage you all to get out and get active as much as you can!

#NSSW got off to a flying start with some football tournaments for the boys. With lots going on during the week, let’s hope the weather stays nice.

Click here to view the National Schools Sports Week 2024 Photo Gallery.

Euro 2024 ~ What you need to know

14th June ~ 14th July 2024

The UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament is just around the corner and is scheduled to take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024. This year it will take place in Germany, spanning over 10 stadiums. It first started in the 1960s in France, but it only included 4 countries and the first winner was The Soviet Union.

The group stage runs until 26 June, with the knockout stage beginning on 29 June.

The countries taking part are:

Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Group F: Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, Czechia

England's 26-man squad are:

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

The final will take place on the 14th July 2024, but only one team can win.

Riley Boyle, Year 12

Football Events

With the 2024 Euros underway, this year we have included a football tournament for all students in their PE lessons, giving all students a chance to play competitively.

Bexley Grammar has had a lot of success in football competitions this year, with the First XI winning the Kent Premier League. Our Year 8 Squad reached the final in the North Kent Cup (just pipped by Wilmington Grammar) and our Year 9s were crowned champions in the Kent Cup.

We are super proud of all of our students, and we would like to thank and congratulate all students who have represented BGS in all sports. A big congratulation to the students below, who have been selected by teachers and coaches to get a special mention following a fantastic football season.

National School Sports Week Award Winners

We are thrilled to present the below awards to students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and enthusiasm by actively participating in numerous sports clubs. Your commitment, sportsmanship, and passion for physical activity have set a shining example for your peers. Your involvement not only enhances your own skills and well-being but also contributes significantly to the vibrant sporting community at our school. Congratulations on your outstanding achievement, and thank you for inspiring others with your dedication to sports.

Summer Events

Cricket T20 World Cup

4th June ~ 30th June 2024

The Cricket World Cup 2024:
England’s Fixtures and Key Dates

As the cricketing world gears up for the 2024 Cricket World Cup, excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high. This prestigious tournament, set to take place throughout the West Indies and areas of the United States, promises thrilling matches and intense competition amongst the world's best cricketing teams. The tournament begins on June 4th and will culminate on June 29th at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

England enters the competition with a strong squad, carrying the nation’s hopes with them.

The England squad is composed of:

Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley and Mark Wood.

The groups for the tournament are as follows:

Group A: Canada, India, Ireland, Pakistan, USA
Group B: Australia, England, Namibia, Oman, Scotland
Group C: Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Uganda, West Indies
Group D: Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Netherlands

The top two sides from each group then progress to the Super 8s stage of the event, with the bottom three teams from each group eliminated.

Jacob Jeffrey, Year 12

Tour de France

29th June ~ 21st July 2024

The Tour de France is one of the world's most prestigious and gruelling cycling races, held annually since 1903. It is held in France with occasional segments in neighbouring countries. Originating as a promotion by the French newspaper L'Auto, the race spans 21 stages over 23 days, covering around 3,500 kilometres and featuring a mix of terrain. Cyclists compete for various jerseys, including the yellow jersey for the overall leader, the green jersey for the best sprinter, the polka dot jersey for the top climber, and the white jersey for the best young rider.

The teams consist of eight riders facing challenging terrain, from the Alps to the Pyrenees, with the race traditionally concluding on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The event attracts millions of spectators, with last year there being 42.5 million viewers in just France alone. Famous winners of the event include Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault. However, the race has seen many doping scandals, the most famous being Lance Armstrong being stripped of his medals after being found cheating. Despite this, the Tour de France remains the most famous cycling event in the world, with a very large number of viewers each year.

This year's race starts on the 29th June at 11:00am. The event starts in Florence and then ends three weeks later on 21st July in Nice, with daily coverage taking place on various TV Channels. We can see 8 different British Cyclists taking part in the Tour de France this year, all in various teams.

Hopefully we see one of them win!

Jed Baulch, Year 12

Wimbledon

1st July ~ 14th July 2024

As summer is just getting started, the world’s eyes turn to London once again for the oldest and arguably most prestigious tennis tournament, Wimbledon. This year promises to be a great showcase of athletics, tradition and emerging talents!

Wimbledon stands out from other tennis tournaments due to its history and commitment to tradition. Players wear white and compete on beautiful grass courts where spectators enjoy the games with their prosecco, strawberries and cream!

Reigning men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic aims for another Grand Slam victory against formidable opponents like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. Last year, we experienced a historic and thrilling match where Carlos Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in a gruelling five-set battle, resulting in Alcaraz’s first Wimbledon title. Will he be back to claim his second this year, will Djokovic get his 8th Wimbledon Crown, or will we be pleasantly surprised by a new talent?

Sophie Pooley, Year 12

Paris Olympics 2024

26th July ~ 11th August 2024

The countdown to the Paris Olympics 2024 has started and is set to be a spectacular event, with high hopes placed on this year’s competition, especially the women’s 100m, as the top female athletes of the year once again go head-to-head for this worldwide showdown. However, the United Kingdom has created a formidable and exceptional team of athletes with the potential to leave marks in this year’s competition. One to look out for is GB's very own 100 and 200 sprinter, Dina-Asher Smith.

Dina Asher-Smith, who is already a household name in the UK, is expected to be one of the standout stars of the Paris Games. As the reigning World Champion in the 200 metres and European Champion in both the 100 and 200 metres, Asher-Smith has consistently demonstrated her amazing ability on the track. Her exceptional speed and determination definitely makes her a favourite for multiple medals in Paris, and she will be a key figure in Britain's athletics team. Going up against the likes of Sha'Carri RICHARDSON, Shericka JACKSON, Shelly-Ann FRASER-PRYCE to name a few, Dina ASHER-SMITH is most definitely a fan favourite.

Another athlete to look out for is 16-year-old skateboarder, Sky Brown. Already a skateboarding prodigy, having won bronze in the women's park skateboarding event at Tokyo 2020, making her one of the youngest Olympic medallists in history. At just 13, her exceptional talent and fearless approach to the sport were on full display. Despite a serious injury a year before the Games, Brown made a swift recovery, showcasing her resilience and determination. Her innovative tricks and fearless style have gained international acclaim, setting her apart in the competitive skateboarding world. She definitely aims to inspire young athletes to work hard at doing what they love.

The Paris 2024 Olympics not only provides a platform for these incredible athletes but also represents a return to the roots of the modern Olympic movement. With the inclusion of new sports like breakdancing and the introduction of mixed-gender events, the Games continue to evolve. As the countdown to Paris continues, British athletes are training hard, fuelled by the hopes and dreams of a nation.

Beth Abegunde-Williams, Year 12

Paris Paralympics

Wednesday 28th Aug ~ Sunday 8th Sept 2024

Shooting Para Sport at Paris 2024

As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games begins, anticipation is mounting for one of the most thrilling events on the schedule: Shooting Para sport. Set to take place between 30th August and 5th September at the prestigious Chateauroux Shooting Centre in central France, this competition promises to be the ultimate test of accuracy and control.

In shooting para sport, athletes are renowned for their steady hand, unwavering concentration, and emotional control. Techniques such as focused and controlled breathing play a pivotal role in reducing heart rate and enhancing stability for optimal performance. Competitors engage in rifle and pistol events across various distances, each aiming to land shots closest to the centre of a 10-ring target.

With up to 160 athletes from around the globe expected to participate, the stage is set for a showcase of talent and technique. Amongst the standout names in the sport's history is Sweden's Jonas Jacobsson, widely regarded as the most decorated shooter of all time. His remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the dedication and skill required to excel in this demanding discipline.

Not to be overshadowed, Australia's Elizabeth Kosmala has left an indelible mark as the most successful female athlete in shooting para sport. Her nine gold medals and three silvers, earned between 1976 and 1988, are a testament to her enduring legacy in the sport.

However, it's China that has been a dominant force in recent Games, clinching the top spot on the medals table for the third consecutive time at Tokyo 2020. With four gold medals out of the 13 up for grabs, China's shooters showcased their prowess on the international stage once again.

The Chateauroux Shooting Centre, a state-of-the-art facility inaugurated in 2018, stands as one of Europe's largest shooting venues. Equipped with multiple shooting ranges, it provides the perfect setting to host all 13 Paralympic events. Beyond Paris 2024, the centre will continue to serve as a venue for international competitions, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the global Para sport community.

As the Games draw nearer, excitement builds for what promises to be a thrilling display of athleticism, determination, and sportsmanship in the Shooting Para sport competitions. With history in the making and medals up for grabs, the world eagerly awaits the action to unfold at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.

Mateja Smailys-Bartkus, Year 12