Thirty-eight girls from Form II went to Calshot residential centre for five days on 30th June. The week, blessed with lovely weather, was full of fun and adventure. Everyone was encouraged to try something new and had a great time challenging themselves. The accommodation was very comfortable and the staff fantastic. Some of the activities included sailing, windsurfing, orienteering, skiing, rock climbing and even cycling in the velodrome. I enjoyed sailing and skiing, although there were many falls. I especially enjoyed the high ropes because we made Mrs Brooks run along the cat walk (pole suspended in the air) which was very funny to watch. Although very tiring, it was immensely satisfying and a great time was had by all.

A marvelous afternoon was spent last Tuesday at our Early Years Fun Day when around 40 Nursery and Pre-Prep children delighted parents and siblings by showing off their sporting ability. The afternoon was a great success with everyone having fun. A circuit of five different activities took place for approximately six minutes per activity, culminating in group races. Afterwards around sixty parents and siblings joined the children and staff for tea and cakes outside. Thank you to everyone for attending and making the afternoon such a great success.

All the girls were very excited and full of nervous expectation. The ISA gala this year was the biggest ever as fourteen schools were competing.

The Year 4 girls team did very well as Eshana and Sophie led the way, coming 3rd and 6th in their heats. However it was Tiana who received the loudest roar from the Alton crowd as she stormed through the field to take the lead in the 50m backstroke, only to be pipped at the post into second place.

The Year 5 girls all demonstrated how much improvement has been made over the year, especially by Hannah, coming a close 5th in her heat in the 50m breaststroke.
The Year 6 girls were up against an extremely strong team from Hawley Place and only Ellie gained a commendable 3rd in the breaststroke.

It was in the relays that Alton showed great courage, as the Year 4 girls came first in the 4x50m freestyle, and Ellie proved herself a great all-rounder in the Year 6 relay, swimming the last leg from laying 5th to a wonderful 3rd.

All the girls competed with great heart and it was an eye opener for all to see how strong some schools are in swimming. Well done to all we shall wait to see who are off to the national finals.

Alton had a pleasing day at the championships, taking 16 senior girls, with a few good performances, which may lead to national qualification. The competition was particularly strong this year, with at least 15 other schools taking part. The atmosphere was already building when we arrived with loud music playing in the very impressive pool area. It is one of the very few 50m pools with electronic timing at both ends of the pool.

The seniors got off to great start with Nicky gaining second place in the Y11/12/13 Individual Medley. This was particularly impressive as she on only in Y11, so may well have been up against some Y13 girls! Hannah and Rebecca in Y7 both swam well, gaining 4th places in the 50m backstroke and breaststroke respectively. Francesca then achieved another 2nd place in the Y8 50m backstroke at the same time beating her personal best by two seconds, completing in a time of 35.27s. Abigail then swam really well to gain 2nd place in the 100m Y9/10 Freestyle and Nicky got another 2nd, being pipped by 0.02s in the Y11/12/13 Freestyle 100m.