Let’s Hear It For The Girls!

Though the girls at Shiplake make up less than 12% of the pupil population, their achievements are undeniable; so let’s hear it for the girls!

Due to popular demand, the College expanded the girls’ Hockey club to two teams this year and both teams have been enjoying success on the pitch. The 1st team, captained by Lauren McNally, have won four games and lost only two.  Sophie Weldon has scored six goals while Olivia Bartlett has scored four. The second team, who are largely inexperienced but learning quickly, have lost two games, and drawn three under Captain Hannah Simonds-Gooding. They are currently on tour in Barcelona.

Girls’ Rowing Coach Charlie Jenkins is feeling very positive about the potential team this year, as the girls have been training hard on and off the water. There are a number of girls who are new to rowing but have not been deterred by the ‘capsize test’. All the while, the Fitness and Yoga programme continues to draw in the crowds. Circuit training in the gym is followed by yoga every Wednesday, for the first time for many of the girls.

The girls’ netball preparations are also going well, with 30 girls training hard every Thursday in readiness for the netball leagues after Christmas! The girls will be looking to improve on their mid-table finishes last year. Outside of school, Lauren McNally and Hannah Burnett have been competing in the schools equestrian competitions and Lauren in particular has achieved some outstanding results at national competitions. The girls also take part in the Ballroom Dance society, in which they practise alongside their male colleagues. Sharon Vickers at the Reading Dance Studio leads the lessons every Tuesday afternoon as part of the Co-Curricular programme.

Head of Girls’ Games Mr Tom Walter has remarked

‘I’m exceptionally proud of the girls’ accomplishments so far. Nearly two months into the term and they’ve already got some great results behind them and a rigorous training programme ahead!’