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Papplewick School | An experience of a lifetime was in store for 16 boys and three very fortunate members of staff from Papplewick School, Ascot, when they visited the Caribbean island of St Lucia from 14th to 24th March.
The main focus was on football and they had the opportunity to play in six competitive matches. The conditions and humidity were tough but fortunately the temperatures dropped around 3.00 p.m. kick-off time, which helped the boys’ performance and fitness levels. The week was also an education for the boys on how to manage and look after their bodies - something that they possibly took for granted in the early matches.
They drew two games and won four. “To come away undefeated against some very strong sides is a real credit to this group of boys, who have had an outstanding football season,” said Headmaster Tom Bunbury.
In the final game, a rematch against VSCAD club, they found themselves 4-0 down after 25 minutes. This was devastating, as for the majority of the boys, this would be their last ever footballing experience together as a Papplewick 1st teamer. However, with grit, determination, a desire to win and a great team spirit, 4-4 was the final score - a nail-biting finish.
Experiencing the St Lucian culture was also part of the tour and trips out included a humbling visit to the Jermaine Defoe orphanage foundation, a day trip out at sea on the black magic pirate ship, a beach soccer tournament and a trip to the volcano mud baths and hot springs.
Results: ...
Monchy School
Walker 2 Woods 2 Syal 2 Haveriku Brown Garuba 9-0
RFC
Bovill, Garuba, Lewis 2, Woods, Syal 6-0
VSCAD Club
Garuba 1-1
Lancers Club A
3-1 Garuba, Woods 2
Lancers Club B
3-0 Calder, Barrilero, Woods
VSCAD Club - Rematch
4-4 woods 2, Lewis 2
About Papplewick
Papplewick is a day, weekly, and full boarding preparatory school for around 200 boys between the ages of 6 and 13. Situated in 15 acres of land opposite Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, Papplewick has an excellent record for academic achievement and feeds many of the UK’s top independent senior schools including Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, Stowe and Bradfield.
In the last two years the school has maintained its academic record, gaining no less than 22 awards to top independent schools, including a King’s Scholarship to Eton. Through its strong commitment to sports, the school also builds skills of teamwork, sportsmanship and responsibility.
As well as academic, sporting and cultural excellence, Papplewick aims to provide boys with the confidence and security they need to fulfil their potential, and the school strives to promote enthusiasm for life, contribution to the community and kindness to others amongst all its pupils.
A recent (2013) report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) remarks that relationships between pupils and teachers: ‘are an outstanding strength of the school and are seminal in creating the strong sense of a mutually supportive and trusting community.’