Schools column: Hipperholme Grammar

This was the culmination of a day of sporting activity, both competitive and fun.

The athletics sports day was won by Broadley House following outstanding performances on the track and in the field from all competitors.

Later in the day parents joined their children for a fun afternoon with various sports themed inflatables including a space hopper grand national and human table football - some of the parents were more competitive than their children!

In the evening the Sports Hall was transformed into a presentation venue with a light show, speeches and awards.

This year’s Sportswoman of the Year was Halle-Blu Morrison who recently came second in the 200m and 100m relay at the ISA National Championships in Birmingham, with swimmer Myles Stirk as Sportsman of the Year for his outstanding achievements at county and national level.

The awards were presented by Bradford Bulls’ Adam O’Brien and former pupil and recently signed Barnsley FC footballer Elliot Kebbie.

Former Pupils Reunion

Every year former pupils and staff of Hipperholme Grammar School get together to share memories and catch-up with old friends.

This year was a special celebration of one of the school’s longest serving members of staff on his retirement.

Richard Griffith joined the school as head of PE when it became independent in 1985.

He oversaw many sporting successes with the school as well as running the successful outdoor learning programme.

Over time he moved into the teaching of geography and geology but still maintaining his links with sport and the outdoors.

For many years he has organised the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme.

For the last couple of years we had the second highest number of D of E Bronze award recipients in Calderdale despite being the smallest secondary school by a long way.

He will be continuing his connection to the school through the D of E, but head master Jack Williams commented: “Richard will be very much missed in the classroom.

“Generations of students have benefitted from his calm, jovial manner whilst maintaining the highest of standards. A true Schoolmaster!”

Richard was presented with his framed original application letter to work at the school alongside photographs and other memorabilia.

Junior Sports Day

Hipperholme Grammar Junior School held its annual sports day recently.

Traditional races was the theme with an egg and spoon race, sack race relay and a teddy bear shuttle run.

Parents were also involved in the tug-of-war but there were some good-humoured accusations of cheating as there were more parents on one side than the other! All the children competed as parents cheered on their own child as well as their child’s house.

The school was incredibly grateful to members of the PTA and other parents who helped provide refreshments for what was an event enjoyed by all.