At Aston Hall Junior & Infant School, we’re incredibly proud of the extraordinary talents of our students – both inside and outside the classroom. Today we’re shining the spotlight on four of our students who all compete at a high level in their chosen sport.
Sienna, Y5 – Karate
Karate runs in Sienna’s family – her dad practised judo and her mum karate – so it was only natural that she would continue the tradition. After around three years of dedicated training (including five to six sessions a week!), she has already collected numerous medals, with one of her favourite moments being winning two gold trophies at the Leeds Open Championships.
Later this month, Sienna will be taking part in the World Championships in Italy, marking her first competition abroad. She credits her Master, Terry, for guiding her progress and her advice to other students is:
“Sport helps you build confidence. You can do it if you put your mind to it. Train loads and hard and you’ll be able to improve in your sport.”
Sienna’s ultimate dream is to attend more competitions abroad and become a world-renowned martial artist.
Loui, Y5 – Football
Inspired by his dad and his dad’s friend, who have both played football, Loui has been a goalkeeper for three and a half years and has spent the last two years with the Sheffield Unitled Academy. He enjoys travelling for games, recently visiting Newcastle, Manchester, Sunderland and Derby, with Middlesbrough next on the schedule.
His standout moments include saving in one-to-one situations and a memorable 14:2 victory over Huddersfield.
Training three times a week while also playing for Rotherham School Boys, Loui dreams of one day representing England at the European Championship or World Cup – inspired by one of his favourite goalkeepers, Jordan Pickford.
His advice to other students is:
“Try hard no matter what and never give up.”
Ashleigh, Y6 – Ballet
Ashleigh’s journey in dance began at the age of seven and quickly grew to include modern, theatre, tap and ballet. Aged nine, she successfully auditioned for the Royal Ballet School in Manchester, impressing the inspectors with her performance and improvisation.
She trains weekly with DNA Dance School, attends Royal Ballet School sessions on weekends and practises ballet every day at home after school.
Ashleigh loves the supportive atmosphere of ballet and enjoys seeing her progress each week, particularly in posture and conditioning. Her advice to aspiring dancers is:
“Train hard and practise. One day you might get into a professional ballet school.”
The long-term goal for Ashleigh is to become a professional dancer and join White Lodge School in Covent Garden, which she is hoping to visit at the end of this month!
Finlay, Y6 – Swimming
Swimming is a family passion for Finlay and he has been competing for two years with Rotherham Metro Swimming Club. Training four times a week, he has already made his mark, earning the Top Boy title at a recent gala.
He competes in county and regional competitions, with the Yorkshire Championships coming up next.
Finlay is inspired by Olympic breaststroke champion Adam Peaty and hopes to one day compete at the Olympics himself.
His advice:
“Keep trying and never give up.”
Mr Holmes, Headteacher at Aston Hall Junior & Infant School, said: “At Aston Hall, we’re proud to support our students in pursuing their passions and achieving incredible things outside of the classroom. Sienna, Loui, Ashleigh and Finlay embody dedication, perserverance and ambition – something that we encourage in school every day. These four students inspire us all with their commitment and drive, and everyone at Hall and Wickersley Partnership Trust is incredibly proud of their achievements. We can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”
Our students demonstrate what can be achieved through commitment and resilience. Their accomplishments across karate, football, ballet and swimming highlight the results of consistent effort and determination. They all set an inspiring example for their peers and our wider school community and we look forward to following their journey and celebrating the milestones they reach in the years ahead.
Superstars!
#WeAreProudOfOurAchievements
