While students were enjoying the sunshine today, staff were hard at work during one of the school's Inset Days. Staff came together for a series of sessions focusing on how we enable learning for all of our students, whilst accommodating different needs and learning styles. The day gave the opportunity for staff to learn of best practice from expert speakers as well as sharing ideas and strategies between departments. Departmental planning in the afternoon has prepared staff for next term. We are looking forward to putting our planning into action when we welcome students back to school on Monday 25 February.

Today was the last day of the third half term of the year. Friday 15 February is an Inset (staff training) Day. We wish all of our students a good half term break, and look forward to welcoming them back to school on Monday 25 February.

Our younger netball teams were playing again last night. Our U13A, U13B, U12A and U12B teams played those from Denstone College. Scores were: - U13A won 22-20 - U13B won 14-8 - U12A lost 9-7 - U12B won 10-1 Well done all! A special mention goes to each of our players of their matches: Melody, Evie, Ava and Bethany.

Last night, our U15, U14A and U14B netball teams played Mount St Mary's College here at Lady Manners School. The teams has a successful afternoon with the U15 and U14B teams winning their matches. The U14A team lost in a close game, but they showed a massive improvement on the score from the same match last year. Scores were: U15 won 17-8; U14A lost 22-15; U14B won 5-0. Very well done to all players! Ella, Lucia and Isabel in particular played well, each being named 'Player of the Match' for their games.

The Equestrian Team are back in the saddle after a challenging time of snowy weather and an outbreak of equine flu (as a result suitable precautions are being taken at all events that go ahead). Our intrepid riders set out for an Eventers' Challenge at Eland Lodge, near Ashbourne last weekend, through gale force winds! The Eventer's Challenge competition is an arena eventing format with a number of show jumps followed by a number of simulated cross country fences that have elements that can be knocked down rather than solid obstacles. The competition at the weekend was a qualifier for a final that will be held at Hickstead later on in the year. In the 80cm class, not only did our team of three riders take the top team spot, but the top three individual places as well! The same team went on to win the 90cm class too – a great day for them! Our other 90cm team also qualified in second place so will be keeping them company in the final. The 1m class was big and technical. We entered a team of three riders. Two of our riders completed the first (show jumping) phase of the course, but were eliminated at different fences on the cross country element of the course. Our third rider completed both parts of the course, coming fifth as an individual. Well done to all riders for a very successful event!