It was a fantastic start of the year for Earls Hall in terms of inter-school tournaments as both the boys and the girls table tennis teams were crowned Southend champions! Hosted by the team at Thorpe Hall in their plush Seaglass sports hall, the boys competed in the morning against a series of other schools from the city whilst the girls competed in the afternoon. Coached by Mr Crooks and Mr Gordon since we returned at the beginning of the term, the children took to the tables with confidence and their play improved as the competition progressed. There was hardly a game dropped and their fantastic triumph means that both teams will be competing in the Essex finals in October. Well done children, Mr Crooks and Mr Gordon, we are proud of you!

Meanwhile, it was an exciting day for the children in Year Five as a large proportion of the year group ventured over to Sussex in order to begin their residential trip to PGL. The children enjoyed a fantastic afternoon where they developed their archery skills and challenged themselves to take their courage to new heights on the giant swing! After a smashing dinner, the children spent time in their cabins before taking part in a fun game of ‘ambush’, a group hide and seek game, out in the dark! There was then more time to socialize in their rooms before lights out was called. I cannot tell you just how much fun the children are having and how they are making us proud by facing up to their challenges!

Meanwhile, back at Earls Hall, the children in Squirrels had a busy day. There was a real theme of teamwork in class as some of the children worked together building towers with construction straws whilst others ran an imaginary restaurant together, role played airports or investigated animals.