Latest News | Hugh Sexey C of E Middle School

Reformation at Wells Cathedral.

Mon 27 Feb 2023 Mr Mallett

As part of their studies on Reformation, year 7 had the opportunity to visit Wells Cathedral and explore how the Cathedral was affected by religious change throughout the 16^th Century. Students had a guided tour through the Cathedral where they were able to see first-hand how the Cathedral had to adapt following Henry VIII’s Break with Rome and the religious changes of the subsequent Tudor monarchs. Students were also able to get hands-on with history through two fantastic workshops. In the library students compared a Latin manuscript with an English printed Bible, as well as having an opportunity to see the chained books of the library. Students also had an opportunity to visit the Cathedral archives and see how the records reflect the religious change they had studied in class. Students had many fantastic questions about how the documents are kept safe and the role of an archivist as a career. Finally, students were able to get creative and make their own leather- bound chained book and illuminate a page with their first initial. Year 7 conducted themselves well throughout the whole trip and asked many fantastic questions, showing the depth of their knowledge and understanding of the Reformation.

ESAA National Cross Country Championships

Mon 20 Feb 2023 Mr Jackson

ESAA National Cross Country Championships

Our Year 8 runner Grace has been selected to represent Somerset in the English Schools' Athletics Association (ESAA) National Cross Country Championships in March. This event will be held in Nottingham.

Grace achieved second place in the Somerset championships in January. In the South West championships in February, Grace was second again out of the Somerset runners and in the top 20 overall. The South West championships has 7 participating counties.

Grace's dedication is incredible. She has continued to perform brilliantly both in local park runs and at these cross country events whilst, at the same time, having to contend with a temporary condition that can restrict her running.

Go well Grace at the National Championships.

Another special guest at cross country club

Mon 20 Feb 2023 Mr Jackson

Another special guest at cross country club

An ex pupil of Hugh Sexey who has represented Great Britain at cross country joined us at cross country club.

After a Q&A with Ollie Fox, he then showed us some training drills.

During the Q&A, Ollie advised that the biggest contributing factor to his successes in cross country was the effort he put into it. This applies equally as well to learning and other pursuits both within and beyond school.

Thank you Ollie and good luck for a speedy return to full fitness.

401 Marathons in 401 Days; Ben Smith visits HSMS

Tue 07 Feb 2023 Mrs Adair

On Friday 1^st February, pupils were treated to a visit from Ben Smith of the 401 Foundation. Ben is well known for running 401 marathons in 401 days to raise money and awareness for any-bullying charities. Ben supported our eager cross country runners with their lunch-time run and then spoke to KS3 in the afternoon. Pupils found out a bit about Ben's life and how he found it really hard to be himself and the impact that had on his mental health. After suffering a life-changing stroke, Ben vowed to change the way he lived his life - he decided to be honest and true with himself about how he was and what made him happy. The journey to self-love and happiness ultimately led him to running. He now runs to raise money and awareness to support inclusion, diversity and equality initiative and to help other people to 'find their happy'.

Ben's work supported our termly value (Endurance), our weekly virtue (acceptance) and our careers and employability work (CDI: How can I learn from my disappointment and what can I do when my original plan doesn't work out)

Thank you Ben.

Girls' Football Tournament at Nailsea.

Mon 06 Feb 2023 Mr Banwell

Match report Girls football tournament 31st January

On the 31st of January, Hugh |Sexeys travelled to Nailsea school to compete in a tournament with other schools from the area. We were lucky enough to take two teams, both ready to make an impact on the day. Poppy and Lulu captained the 2 teams. Both teams narrowly lost their first games 0-1. However, this did not affect the girls as they were still hungry to get a win on the board. They carried that momentum into the next two games and as reward for their determination, both teams won their games; goals came from Amelia on one pitch and Poppy on the other. With a good start from both teams there were still plenty of games to look forward to.

In the next round of play, Sexeys took one win from the two games. There were great team performances from both teams with Kyla covering almost every inch of the pitch and Bo, Eliza and Millie helping their team in not conceding a goal. Poppy put in a good solo run to confirm the win for her team.

Fast forward to the conclusion of the day and both teams did themselves proud, with one team narrowly missing out on winning the tournament. Five games were played by each team. Team one won 3, drew 1 and lost 1 and team two won 2 and lost 3. There were outstanding performances from Amelia, who did amazingly in goal, and Kyla who ran nonstop!

Thank you to Nailsea school for putting on a great event and allowing us to use their facilities.

Gymnastics -Mimi is selected.

Thu 02 Feb 2023 Mr McGrath

Congratulations to Mimi (7RMK); she had a try out for the South West Gymnastics Squad on Sunday and was selected for the squad, as one of the top 30 girls (across all age groups) in the South West Region - a fantastic achievement.

Mimi has had a challenging year as she recovered from injury but has remained focused and disciplined throughout. We are delighted for her and wish her all the best. She is a shinning example that hard work and perseverance brings results.

Cross Counrty race @ Palace Fields, Wells

Thu 02 Feb 2023 Mr jackson

A team of 11 runners from Years 5 and 6 took part in the third race of the Mendip Junior Schools Cross Country League 2022/23.

The challenging course was on the side of a hill at Palace Fields in Wells.

All of our runners who achieved a top 20 finish continue to improve their performance with every race; Bethany (7th), Louis (5th), Henry (7th) and Stanley (14th).

Joe also continues to make big gains in his performance with each race. There was a great debut too from Harriet.

As well as a great effort from all our runners, credit and appreciation goes to their parents who either attended the race or came to Wells to pick them up after our minibus broke down (since found to be a faulty battery).

With two races still to come, our boys team have strengthened their claim for a top 3 place which is very impressive out of 26 competing schools.

Taiko Drumming

Wed 01 Feb 2023 Mrs Harrison

Year 7 pupils had the opportunity to participate in a Taiko drumming workshop led by a visiting percussionist on Monday. Pupils we taught traditional rhythms and worked hard at their ensemble skills.

Burmese Python visits Year 6

Wed 01 Feb 2023 Miss Waring

On Monday, year 6 had some very special visitors from Animals UK, as part of their living things science topic. Pupils were able to get up close and personal with a variety of creatures including: a chameleon, tarantula, Fennec fox, little owl and even a 10ft Burmese python! Severus the snake took 6 pupils to hold him up and lots of pupils conquered their arachnophobia to hold Charlotte the tarantula. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed seeing the curriculum come to life through the hands-on experience and learning about these beautiful creatures!