Schools from the East of England enjoyed a fantastic time at their regional final for this year’s primary ten-pin bowling competition, hosted by the Hollywood Bowl in Norwich, writes Cat Goryn.
Sunrise Academy from Lowestoft were the team winners on the day, with class teacher Aimée Kelly describing their journey as “amazing”, adding: “So much confidence has built in the students, they’ve come back really excited, they want to share with everybody, something they would never normally get to do, the confidence in their work is brilliant.”
Red Oak Primary School were thrilled to be back in Panathlon competition.
“They’ve been asking me when the next bowling event is ever since the last one,” said class teacher Johnny Lee. “I think it’s really given them a real positive aspect to school, something that they can feel really proud of.
“All the students know that they’ve got to make sure that they’re staying on task in their lessons and they’re working really hard so they can go to events like this, represent the school and we’ve seen really great attitude from all of the team in their lessons.”
“It’s been good, because I just like bowling so much,” said Jimmy of Red Oak, with team-mate Iken saying: “It’s been good, because I get to play bowling with my friends and I enjoy playing in this tournament. You have to work together and it’s not all about winning, the other schools have a chance of winning, not just us.”
Lucy How, headteacher of Thriplow Primary School, was delighted to see the team spirit on show.
“It’s really encouraging to see them support each other today,” she said. “They’ve had such a great opportunity today that they might not normally take part in and their identity is our school ten-pin bowling team. It’s been really lovely.”
Pupil Nelly felt similarly, saying: “It’s really fun and I like being really sporty. What I liked about today is that all of us have been cheering each other on and having fun together.”
Team-mate Aaliyah added: “Even if we don’t win it’s still OK to be with your friends because it’s fun.”
Mr Burrows, PE coordinator of Bluebell Primary School, said that ten-pin bowling is perennially popular at his school.
“The children really enjoyed going to the local bowling alley, some of them children had never been there before, great fun, they love it. This is the first time we have been to this bowling alley and it’s a great experience for the children to get out of school and go to places they have never been before.
“For the next few weeks these kids will bring their medals to school and out on the playground – and show off in front of everybody!”
