Excellence, respect and friendship – we find out how Olympic values are inspiring pupils across the South East
Spring Grove School
A special assembly gave pupils a little taste of Olympic success
Spring Grove is a small school with big horizons. Every Friday morning, the whole school community (including parents) is invited to come together to celebrate achievements big and small, both in school and out of school.
In the wake of the Olympic and Paralympics in Summer 2024, the children in Year 5 gave a Friday assembly presentation about these inspirational sporting events which explored the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship. Luckily for them, the pupils were able to draw on an impressive array of Team GB Olympic and Paralympic family connections – including modern pentathlete Georgina Harland, rower Heather Stanning and para-triathlete Henry Urand (above). In a special video message recorded for the assembly, Heather spoke about the importance of teamwork and hard work, and saying ‘yes’ to opportunity – aligning perfectly with the Spring Grove aim of developing ‘can-do, resourceful and curious children’.
The highlight for everyone was the presence of no fewer than three shiny Olympic medals on stage… what a treat for the children to be able to see and touch them, and to think ‘maybe that could be me one day!’
Millfield School
A rich history of Olympians inspires athletes at Millfield
Millfield athletes achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing seven Olympic medals and one Paralympic medal. A total of 12 competed at the Games and two coaches attended, with ten representing Team GB, two for Bermuda, one for Zambia and one for Ireland in swimming, rowing and cycling.
The gold medals were achieved by Team GB’s James Guy (above), Matthew Richards and Kieran Bird in the men’s 4x200m freestyle swimming relay, and Rory Gibbs in the men’s eight rowing event. Helen Glover brought home silver in the women’s fours rowing, Matthew Richards complemented his gold with a silver in the men’s 200m freestyle whilst Annie Campbell-Orde achieved bronze at her debut Olympic Games in the women’s eight rowing.
Daphne Schrager was the first Team GB athlete to secure a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games, achieving silver in the Women’s C1 3000m Individual Pursuit.
Max McCusker from Ireland, Mia Phiri from Zambia, and Emma Harvey from Bermuda all competed in swimming, while Erica Hawley represented Bermuda in triathlon at the games. Additionally, Millfield Performance coach Ryan Livingstone accompanied the Team GB swimmers as part of the coaching team.
Swimmer Suzanna Hext and Millfield Fencing coach Glen Golding were selected by Great Britain to compete and coach at the Paralympic Games.
Millfield has produced 82 Olympians who have participated in every Olympic Games since 1956, amassing a total of 27 medals, including 11 golds, eight silvers, and eight bronzes. The school, on average has 60 students competing at youth international level each year, supported by over 200 sports staff, including five former Olympians, and 14 full time Heads of Sport, who have strong links with National Governing Bodies and professional clubs. Bespoke student-athlete programmes that marry sport, academics and pastoral care are designed for each student, allowing them to balance their time at school with their domestic and international sporting commitments.

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