On Friday 11th May, Year 9 students from Mountain and Lake travelled to the County Ground in Hove to take part in the annual DISCOVERABILITY DAY, where students had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of highly inclusive and adapted sports and activities, including Table Cricket, adaptive boxing, JOLF, football, inflatable nets, and a variety of fun challenges. There truly was something for everyone, and the festival atmosphere made the day even more enjoyable. Football and boxing were definitely among the most popular activities on offer!

Students also had the chance to try a sport that was completely new to many of them called Showdown — a fast-paced table sport specifically designed for people with visual impairments, where two players use paddles to hit a ball across the table and try to score into their opponent’s goal. The ball contains small bells so players can track it by sound, and participants usually wear eyeshades to ensure fair play.  Our year 9s really enjoyed this new sport which soon became very competitive!

We love this annual event as it gives our students a valuable insight into some of the challenges that people with different impairments and additional needs may experience when taking part in sport. It helps everyone to develop an empathy, understanding, and admiration for the skill, resilience, and determination shown by so many athletes and individuals.

It was a brilliant day that was expertly organised by Sussex County Cricket Club, and we would like to say a huge thank you to Sussex Cricket for putting on such an inspiring and enjoyable day. We can’t wait to return next year!

After weeks of anticipation, Friday 1st May finally arrived—and with it, the one and only Jump Start Jonny. Expectations were already sky-high following last year’s visit, but somehow this year managed to surpass them all. From the moment the sessions began, the energy was electric.

 Jonny delivered two outstanding sessions, one for primary students and another for Key Stage 3, each packed with movement, music, and infectious enthusiasm. His ability to engage every student, regardless of age or ability, was nothing short of remarkable. The sessions were inclusive, high-energy, and above all, great fun, filling the space with laughter and positivity.

 It wasn’t just the students who were thrilled. Many staff members were equally excited, with more than a few admitting they were completely starstruck meeting the face behind so many of their PE warm-ups! Jonny was incredibly generous with his time, interacting with students throughout and bringing encouragement and enthusiasm to every moment.

The entire morning became a shared celebration of movement and wellbeing, uniting the whole school community in a truly memorable way. It’s safe to say the question on everyone’s lips is already: same time next year?

On Monday 20th April, our girls’ football team travelled to The Triangle Leisure Centre in Burgess Hill to compete in the highly anticipated annual Albion Tournament against schools such as Manor Green, Frewen College, St Marys, Lindfield, Northese Manor and Oakgrove College —and what a day it turned out to be!

Bringing together players from both our school and college sites, the squad stepped onto the pitch united and determined, ready to face a strong field of SEN schools from across the region. Despite a nervous start that saw them fall to a 1–3 defeat in their opening match, the team refused to let that result define their day.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary...

Finding their rhythm and confidence, the girls produced a stunning run of form in the group stages, winning their next four matches in emphatic style. Scoring an incredible 15 goals without reply, they not only showcased their attacking flair but also demonstrated remarkable defensive strength—keeping four consecutive clean sheets against determined opposition. It was a complete team performance, built on communication, resilience, and growing belief.

Their dominant display secured a well-deserved place in the semi-finals, where they faced tournament favourites Frewen. With little time to rest after their final group game, the girls dug deep and gave everything in a fiercely contested match. In a tense and closely fought battle, the teams could not be separated, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout in which we unfortunately fell short.

However, the team showed great character to respond, earning a place in the Plate Final and the chance of silverware!  They produced a performance to be proud of, winning 4–1 and becoming Plate Champions—what an unbelievable achievement!

There were standout moments and achievements across the whole squad.  Tianna once again demonstrated her clinical finishing, leading the line with confidence and            composure.  Elsie marked her debut with determination and energy, gaining increased confidence with every match.  Precious made a huge impact; adding multiple goals to our highly impressive tally, while Megan celebrated a memorable milestone by scoring her very first goal for the team—an achievement that will no doubt be the first of many!  Jay was combative and fully committed in defence, repeatedly stopping the opposition in their stride and Rosie made a number of superb saves between the sticks, whilst also providing a calm, reassuring presence at the back.  Izzy proved to be a solid and reliable defender, combining tough tackling with constant encouragement for her teammates, and Sophie impressed with her contagious box-to-box energy in midfield, tirelessly supporting both defence and attack.  Last but by no means least, Hollie embodied true team spirit throughout, giving her all and putting the team before herself—which earnt her the well-deserved recognition as our ‘Player of the Day’.

Across the entire tournament, the team conceded in just two matches—a testament to their organisation, teamwork, and unwavering effort from the first whistle to the last.

The pride in this team could not be greater.  Their resilience, sportsmanship, and unity were evident throughout the day, and they represented the school with distinction.

This was more than just a tournament—it was a showcase of determination, growth, and team spirit.  You don’t always get what you deserve in football, but this time, the girls did—and we could not be prouder of their brilliant achievements.  CONGRATULATIONS!

On Monday 9th March, Fox and Rabbits Classes travelled to our college site to take part in our very own basketball festival — and what an exciting morning it was!  The festival was delivered by Storm Basketball Club and kindly organised by Mid Sussex Active to meet the needs of our students. It was a fantastically inclusive event, ensuring that every child could take part, feel successful and enjoy the experience.

Throughout the session, pupils had the opportunity to take part in a range of engaging basketball drills, fun games and skill-based activities. From practising their dribbling and shooting to working together as a team, everyone had the opportunity to develop their skills in a supportive and energetic environment.

Most importantly, there were smiles all around — and plenty of enthusiasm on display! It was wonderful to see such teamwork, determination and enjoyment from all involved.

 A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the festival such a memorable and positive experience for our pupils.

On Wednesday 4th February, Robin’s Class represented Woodlands Meed for the very first time, making their debut at the annual NAK Festival hosted by Imberhorne Upper School.

This was a massive achievement for the students, as they were required to adapt to a different setting, with different people, while taking part in a new activity. Well done, guys, we are very proud of you!  We would also like to say a special thank you to the staff, and especially the Sports’ Leaders at Imberhorne, who were absolutely brilliant with our children.

The children were an absolute credit to the school, showing fantastic adaptability as they took part in less familiar activities, competed alongside new peers, and navigated an unfamiliar setting with confidence. Each student approached the morning in their own unique way, bringing enthusiasm, positivity, and plenty of fun to the session. We are incredibly proud of you all!