Yesterday, we hosted the East Midlands heat of the annual 'Kids Lit Quiz'. We were joined by over 70 students from schools across Cheshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Sheffield, competing for a coveted place in the National Final. Lady Manners School entered two teams: from Year 7 and Year 8. Our Year 8 team got off to a flying start, winning the first round (and a set of books, presented to them by a Carnegie medal-winning author). As the competitors settled in, our Year 7 team found their feet, winning the penultimate round (and another set of books). Both teams performed very strongly against stiff competition, our Year 8 team claiming fourth place and Year 7 joint ninth position out of the 21 teams competing. Congratulations to Highfields School who took the title for the second year running. A good time was had by all – a particular highlight being the cakes, provided in part by our Library staff.

Congratulations to our Junior Girls (Year 7 and 8) Cross Country Team, who competed in the regional round of the English Schools' Athletic Association (ESAA) Cross Country Cup at the weekend. The five athletes all ran well, achieving a creditable fourth place out of 15 teams. An excellent result – well done to all!

The annual house netball tournament has taken place over the last few weeks. All year groups take part, and the competition is intense. A theme emerged during the course of the competition as Cockerton proved themselves to be very strong in the younger years, winning the Year 8 competition and taking joint first place with Taylor in Year 7. However, Years 9 – 13 saw a change of fortune and Taylor triumphed in all groups. Overall, congratulations go to the victors, Taylor. Barker took second place, Cockerton eventually took third place and Glossop were fourth. Well done to all competitors.

Today we remembered. This year, the centenary of the end of the First World War, our assembly gave us the opportunity to show our respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by other people for us, in conflicts that continue through to this day. Students from Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 joined a special assembly of Remembrance in the Sports Hall this morning in which they participated respectfully and the service included the powerful words of Wilfred Owen. Years 7, 8 and 9 have reflected on Remembrance within assemblies earlier during the week.

Our First XV Rugby Team played a wet and muddy third round match in the U18 NatWest Bowl against Runshaw College yesterday. The Lady Manners School team achieved a decisive 59-3 win, gaining them a place in the fourth round, which is the last of the regional rounds in this national competition. Well done team!