Wednesday 29th November - Basketball

Year 5/6 had a wonderful time at a recent basketball competition. They represented Willowbank with pride and were incredibly well behaved, showed respect towards the Sports Leaders and supported each other. No doubt, their favourite game was when Willowbank Lightning played against Willowbank Thunder.  Willowbank Thunder came 3rd and Willowbank Lightning came 5th. 

Tuesday 21st November - Football 

Year 3 and 4 played their first football match of the league vs Uffculme (and it was the year 3s first ever school game representing Willowbank). They were incredible and worked amazingly as a team! They remained upbeat throughout the whole game and sustained momentum throughout.

Wednesday 15th November - Football

Year 5/6 enjoyed their first football match against Willand! They demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and worked collaboratively as a team.

P.S Check out our new football kits (wearing these were a real highlight of the game)!

Wednesday 11th October 2023 - Basketball

Year 5 and 6 children loved taking part in a friendly basketball tournament at CCC. They had the opportunity to play games against three different schools in the Cullompton Cluster and apply the skills they’ve been learning in PE. The children worked collaboratively as a team, and demonstrated impeccable behaviour. A special mention to Freddie, George, Noah, Thomas and Sullivan who were our goal scorers of the evening! We can't wait for the competitive round in November!

Tuesday 3rd October 2023 - Cross Country

Children across Years 3/4/5 and 6 took part in the first round of Cross Country at Killerton. We were competing against 10 other schools across the Culm Valley area. In each race, the children ran against, up to, 40 other children. Our children were absolute super-stars showing such resilience and determination to get to the finish line. We had some outstanding results with seven children finishing in the top 20: 

Luella - 1st 

Sebastian - 6th

Dylan - 11th

Poppy - 13th 

Rowan and Louis - 14th 

Boshra - 19th 

We are incredibly proud of this achievement and are looking forward to the next Cross Country round in March.

Tuesday 28th February 2023

We're so incredibly proud of these boys for their performance at the Cage Football finals!

Despite the tough competition, they were resilient, worked collaboratively and showed excellent sportsmanship.

Overall, we came 4th out of 9 teams across the Culm Valley area.

Year 3/4 Football vs Duchy - Tuesday 21st February 2023

Our first Year 3/4 football match vs Duchy - final score 2-2!

We are super proud of this team and how well they worked together, especially in the second half of the game. Rowan had two fantastic goals!

We are looking forward to playing our next game against Plymtree next week.

Beach Football with Exeter City Community Trust and England Beach Football - Friday 17th June 2022

What a wonderful way to end the week - beach football WINNERS!

The children have had the most amazing day: playing football barefoot in the sand, meeting England Women's beach football players, WINNING the plate cup and celebrating with an ice lolly from Miss Gibbs!

Year 5/6 Summer Quadkids Athletics - Wednesday 25th May 2022

It was wonderful to see the skills we've just learnt in our PE lessons, from athletics, in action at this event. The children were keen to demonstrate their sprinting skills and share their top tips of 'hands to mouth, running on the balls of your feet and big strides' to achieve their fastest pace. Our long distance running, standing long jump and distance throwing skills were also put to the test. 

It looks like our PE lessons have paid off: we made it through to the finals at Kings School on Thursday 9th June!

KS2 Swimming Gala - Wednesday 18th May 2022

18 children across KS2 represent us in the CVSA swimming gala at Exe Valley Leisure Centre. The children competed in an individual race and competed in a team relay. We had some incredible results:

• Max (Year 5) 1^st place in breaststroke
• Olivia (Year 6) 2^nd place in backstroke
• Tilly (Year5) 2^nd place in backstroke
• Esme (Year 4) 2^nd place in backstroke
• Cory (Year 4) 2^nd place in backstroke
• Ruby (Year 5) 3^rd place in freestyle
• Joseph (Year 4) 3^rd place in freestyle
• Lauren (Year 5) 3^rd place in breaststroke
• Dylan (Year 5) 3^rd place in backstroke

We couldn’t be prouder of the children and their achievements!

Year 5/6 Football VS Uffculme (CVSA Football League) - Thursday 12th May 2022

Willowbank remain undefeated in the group stages of our CVSA league after our 3-1 win against Uffculme; Jake scored a hatric. The boys had excellent communication skills and listened well to coaching. 

We will now progress onto the finals evening on Tuesday 14th June!

Year 3/4 Quadkids Athletics Finals - Thursday 5th May

Year 3/4 had another amazing evening at The King's School for the Athletics finals.

They were elated to represent Willowbank and showed such passion and enthusiasm in each event.

Year 3/4 Quadkids Athletics - Wednesday 27th April 2022 

Year 3/4 participated in Quadkids Athletics where we came 3rd! We had lots of fun, laughed, cheered each other (and other schools) on and burnt lots of energy.

East Devon Tag Rugby Megafest - Wednesday 4th April 2022

The children worked incredibly well as a team and were impeccably behaved. They LOVED getting their photo taken with the Perry the bull, the East Devon mascot. 

Year 3/4 Football VS Plymtree (CVSA Football League) - Monday 28th March 2022

Our Year 3/4 footballers had a terrific game Vs Plymtree! We WON 11-1! The boys worked amazingly together; our goal scorers were Landon, Rowan, Patrik, Finley.

Cross Country - Wednesday 23rd March 2022

We are incredibly proud of all the children who took part; the children were impeccably behaved and supported both Willowbank children and other schools across the finish line.

A special mention to:

Rowan (Year 3) - 6th

Jack (Year 3) - 13th

Sebastian (Year 4) - 4th

Patrik (Year 4) - 16th

Molly (Year 4) - 10th

Jake (Year 5) - 13th

Jayden (Year 5) - 17th

Tilly (Year 5) - 10th

Ellie (Year 6) - 19th

Year 5/6 VS Kentisbeare (CVSA Football League) - Thursday 10th February 2022

A fantastic start to the league! The boys were incredibly as a team and had clear communication. These skills were merited with a 6-4 win. We saw a hat-trick from Jack, two goals from Harry and also a goal from Jayden. 

British Dodgeball - Girls Dodge Too! Campaign - Thursday 10th February 2022

Year 5/6 girls took part in the Girls Dodge Too! campaign ran by British Dodgeball to promote female participation in dodgeball. 

The girls had a wonderful experience and are excited to start our dodgeball sequence of learning, in PE, next half term! 

Animal theme Dance night - Wednesday 9th February 2022

We have some keen dancers in KS2; the animal theme dance (inspired by Madagasca) night was a blast! The children worked in groups to create a dance to the song 'We Like To Move It, Move It!'

Check out their fantastic costumes and moves...

Netball Tournament - Wednesday 2nd February 2022

21 children in Year 5 and 6 participated in a Netball Tournament against 3 local schools. The children worked incredibly hard as a team and demonstrated their knowledge of the netball rules and positions well.  

We had some fantastic shots at goal from many of the children with Charlie and Lewis managing to score. 

Friendly Football Tournament - Wednesday 12th January 2022

Did someone say FOOTBALL? 46 children across KS2 attended a friendly football tournament which provide them with an opportunity to develop their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. The favourite part of the evening was being able to play a game of football against other teams and school. 

Christmas themed Dance - Wednesday 1st December 2021

Children in Years 3,4,5 and 6 loved their evening full of dance; there were smiles all round! The children worked in small groups to learn, practice and perform a dance created by the Sports Leaders. 

Year 3/4 Football VS Kentisbeare (CVSA Football League) - Thursday 25th November 2021

Our year 3/4 boys worked incredibly hard to showcase some of the skills they have whilst at football club. They worked hard to gain possession, made accurate passes and worked well as a team! 

Cross Counrty (East Devon Finals) - Friday 19th November 2021

5 boys and 4 girls, in years 3 and 4, travelled to Bicton College to participate in the East Devon Finals for Cross Country. Our children demonstrated sheer determination and perseverance throughout the 1000m-1200m course. 

Vinnie was awarded a self-belief medal for continuing to challenge himself whilst running and not loosing faith in himself. 

Basketball Tournament - Wednesday 17th November 2021

We developed our communication and teamwork skills whilst at Basketball; our team built on their defending and marking of the opposition. 

A special mention to Anya, Lewis and Harry for some terrific goals!

Quadkids Sportshall Athletics - Wednesday 13th October 2021

During our time at Sportshall Athletics, 24 children had the opportunity take part in a range of activities which enabled us to beat personal bests and work collaboratively as a team. The events included: Sprint races, relay races, chest push, skipping, speed bounce, standing long jump and vortex throw. 

“I enjoyed attending Sportshall Athletics because I have never had the opportunity to represent Willowbank outside of school before. My favourite part was the running relay.” – Molly

Congratulations to our A Team who came 1st and qualified for the East Devon finals!

Cross Country - Wednesday 6th October 2021

What a fantastic afternoon had by all! 32 children across KS2 spent the afternoon competing in a cross country event at Killerton House. Our Year 3 and 4 children ran 0.8 of a mile and our Year 5 and 6 children ran 1 mile. They all demonstrated excellent perseverance and determination. 

A special mention to the following children for finishing within the top 20:

Jake (Y5) - 1st

Ruby (Y5) - 14th

Molly (Y3) - 15th

Sammy (Y4) - 18th

George (Y3) - 19th

Congratulations to our Year 3/4 boys and girls team who qualified for the East Devon finals.

Basketball - Wednesday 28th September 2021

31 children (4 teams) had thoroughly enjoyed taking part in a friendly basketball tournament. The children work collaboratively and communicated with one another well. We saw some spectacular goals from Harry, Iona, Anya and Lewis. 

“I loved taking part in the basketball tournament because I got to perform some tricks and I got play against other schools.” – Ruby

High 5 Netball - Wednesday 22nd September 2021

19 children, across KS2, attended our first tournament of the year at the local secondary school (CCC). They had an amazing time developing their netball skills and working together to score and defend the goal. 

Overall, we came 3rd and 4th which we are all incredible proud of!

Thursday 27th May 2021

KS2 have enjoyed their taster cricket session learning how to bat, bowl and field with Damien from Devon Cricket. Here are some photos from Owl Class.

Cullompton Cricket Club are offering All Stars and Dynamos cricket sessions every Friday if your child is interested in developing their skills further. They also have youth teams which your child could join if they are interested.

Devon School Games Mascot - Crunchy

We had a special visitor - Crunchy the mascot for Devon School Games. He came to award Oscar with a Passion and Self-belief medal for his commitment, passion and enjoyment during his performance for the Virtual Dance Competition. We feel immensely proud of Oscar for this achievement.

Gymnastics

We are incredibly proud of these girls for their achievements in the Gymnastics competition. Every single one of them were committed to perfecting their routines and dedicated to improving. 

In the Bronze category we came 2nd and 5th place. 

In the Gold category we came 9th and 10th place.

In the Platinum category we came 16th. 

Devon School Games 

Willowbank are keen to get involved in the Devon School Games, for many of these events we will participate in these through our PE lesson however you can still participate at home!

Compete against schools across Devon to continue building Willowbank's positive sporting reputation.

The more children who enter, the greater chance we have of earning a Devon Schools Games Award - highlighting our sports achievements across the year.

What a fantastic way to start the 20/21 academic year - celebrating our sporting achievements during lockdown! 

Well done to all the children who entered the Devon Virtual Summer Games and a special congratulations to those children who were award medals for their achievements.

Willowbank's Virtual Sports Day

One of the highlights of the Summer Term is the opportunity for us all to come together for Sports Day. This year we will be holding a Virtual Sports Day between Monday 6^th and Sunday 12^th July. As a family, you may choose to complete the events in 1 day or you can spread them across the week. Like any other sports day, your child/children will be earning points for their house (Ash, Beech, Chestnut and Oak) and they will be competing against all the other houses to see who will be crowned winners of Willowbank School Sports Day 2020.

Sports Relief

Thank you so much for your contribution for Sports Relief, as a school we raised £223.

Our contribution will make a difference to people who need it the most, particularly those who are living in poverty. 

As well as your raising money, our Year 6 Sports Leaders aimed to promote physical activity across the school. Every lunchtime, for a week, the children set up 3 activities: rugby kicks, penalty shoot-out and timed passes. Across the week, the Sports Leaders encouraged over 1,000 participants to participate between all 3 activities. Each group also set themselves a target. We achieved:

750 Rugby Kicks 

500 Passes 

600 Goals 

It was fantastic to see so many children active and engaged.

A massive thank you and well done to our Sports Leaders!

Cage Football CHAMPIONS  

A massive well done and congratulations to our cage football team who are now 2020 Cage Football Champions. These boys showed dedication, enthusiasm and sheer determination throughout the entire tournament. A well deserved win!  

Cage football - 26th February, 2020

Willowbank wins!

We took two teams to participate in cage football. During our lunchtimes, the children have spent time practising cage football - they developed confidence as a team and had a secure understanding of the rules.

All the children's hard work paid off as Willowbank A won 6 games and drew 1 therefore topping the table and securing a place in the finals. They demonstrated incredible football skills and built upon each game which helped to improve their performance. 

Willowbank B  also dazzled us with their fantastic football skills: scoring some phenomenal goals; communicating with one another; and demonstrating excellent perseverance and resilience. 

Football VS Sampford Peverell - 12th February, 2020

Willowbank's winning streak continues! 

Our year 3/4 football team secured another fantastic win (8-1). Jake was our top scorer with 4 goals, Harry scored a hattrick and Jack finished the game with 1 goal. 

Year 5/6 also excelled during their game with Henley scoring a hattrick resulting in a 3-1 win. 

The boys in both teams are continuing to work with each other strengths: becoming stronger as a team in every game - keep it up boys!

Swimming Gala - 12th February, 2020

Willowbank made quite a splash at the swimming gala. The children excelled themselves with some children swimming competitively for the first time. Every child,showed great determination, swimming 2 lengths of the pool in a range of strokes: front crawl, breast stroke and back stroke. They also worked incredibly well as a team during the freestyle relay. 

Quicksticks Hockey - 5th February, 2020 

Children across year 3 and 4 attended an evening where they were able to develop their hockey skills including using a hockey stick correctly, accurately dribbling a ball around an obstacle course and passing the ball. The children had lots of fun learning something new and challenging themselves.

If your child has an interest in hockey, take a look at our local hockey team's (Exeter and Culm Valley Hornets) website. 

Friendly Football Tournament - 29th January, 2020

Over 50 children across KS2 (girls and boys), enjoyed a fun filled football evening at CCC. Split into 8 teams of 7, each team played one another. The children's enthusiasm and excitement filled the astro-turf. It was fantastic to see so many parents watching and supporting their children. 

Basketball FINALS - 28th January 2020

2nd Place - WOW Willowbank!

Our year 5/6 basketball team had a fantastic time during the basketball finals - finishing in 2nd place. They worked creatively as a team by utilising individual strengths; Henley, Kingston and Danny were able to make accurate shots and scored some terrific goals. Lewis' fast thinking enabled the team to travel up and down the pitch with speed. Freya, Milly and Tala made several accurate passes whilst continuing to boost team moral.

Well done Willowbank - you should feel extremely proud. 

Football Vs Uplowman - 22nd January, 2020

Winners all round!

Year 3/4 won 9 -1 and year 5/6 won 5 - 1. The team spirt and dedication of all of players shone throughout the  duration of both games. Within our training sessions, the boys have been focusing on improving communication and building team moral; it was fantastic to see the boys talking to and supporting one another throughout. Well done boys - keep up the positive attitude and hard work!

High 5 Netball - 22nd January, 2020

We took two teams to participate in the High 5 Netball tournament, a mixture of girls and boys across year 3/4/5 and 6. They showed excellent team work and communication. As the tournament progressed, the children's confidence grew enabling them to demonstrate their dribbling, passing, defending and shooting skills. 

The Challenge Games - 15th January, 2020

What a wonderful way to start the year! A group of children in year 3,4,5 and 6, who wouldn't usually choose to participate in sports, embraced the challenge games with the aim to develop their confidence and enthusiasm for physical activity. They engaged in a range of challenge games such as obstacle courses, throwing, relay races and kicking a ball into a target. Each of these activities required them to show team work, resilience and determination. 

Dance - 13th November, 2019

Wow - it was wonderful to see lots of children join us for an evening of dance at CCC. 

The children worked in small groups to think of different dance moves create a sequence of moves using the stimulus of 'The Incredibles'. The children had excellent rhythm and co-ordination. Well done to you all for confidently performing in front of lots of children, sports leaders, teachers and parents. 

Year 5/6 Indoor Quadkids Athletics - 6th November, 2019

We (Willowbank) went to Culm Valley sports centre to participate in Athletics versus many different schools. We competed in 7 different activities such as: chest push, jumping side to side, skipping, standing long jump, spiriting, vortex throw and a relay. Although we completed each event separately, we had to work as a team to earn the most points. It was hard work but we persevered and tried our best. 

- Sports Leaders (Harrison and Oli)

Year 5/6 Baskekball Tournament - 30th October, 2020

On Wednesday, we travelled to CCC to take part in a Basketball tournament against 4 school. First, we played Duchy, I(Henley) scored 3 goals helping us to our first win. The final score was 3-0.  Willand challenged us by scoring 2 goals but thanks to 3 goals from Kingston and 1 goal from me we secured the victory with a final score of 4 - 2. Despite us continuing to try our best, Plymtree managed beat us 2-0. In our final game, St Andrews initially took the lead but after a goal from Danny and Kinston we were able to settle the game with a draw (2-2). Overall in the tournament, we came 2nd therefore qualifying for a place in the finals which will take place in January at Uffculme School. 

- Henley (Sports Leader)

Football Match vs Willand - 14th October, 2019

Year 3/4

Our Year 3/4 football team worked well together and communicated well with one another. Tristian played well, with him nearly scoring a goal. The boys managed to execute quick passes and played in their positions well. I feel the man of the match was Jack because he was determined to get back to defend the goal and made excellent passes to other players in the team. 

- Josh (Sports Leader)

Year 5/6

We travelled to Willand School for a football match. In the Year 5/6 match, before halftime, Harrison played a beautiful cross to Henley who released a vicious shot just past the post. Soon, Willand were running through on goal but an amazing save from the Willowbank goalie (me) kept the score at 0-0. Moments later, Henley was on the ball and let loose a curling shot towards the top left corner, forcing an outstanding save from the Willand keeper. Again Willand slotted a pass that the striker ran onto. Disappointingly, he tucked it into the bottom right corner. 1-0 to Willand. Putting on the pressure, Willowbank ran through as a powerful shot from Henley slipped past the Willand goalkeeper. 1-1! This was the score at half-time as we swapped ends, silence filled the air. During the second half, about four minutes in, a goal crept passed the goaler. 2-1 to Willand. Five minutes later, a well worked move in Willand's half lead to an excellent shot from Kingston saved by the keeper. The ball was hoofed by the keeper a great touch from midfield and passed over the top to the forward with a shot harder than a rock flew past the keeper. After the restart, a clever move lead towards a strike like thunder from Kingston and into the bottom corner! 3-2. Confidence brimmed as we restarted. As Willand attacked one last time, our defender tripped and conceded a penalty. The goalie dived but he was inches away. 4-2. That was the final score. 

- Jonah (Sports Leader)

Year 5/6 Netball Tournament -  9th October, 2019

On Wednesday, we went to the netball tournament at Cullompton Community College. There were two teams: Willowbank A and Willowbank B. We played against four other schools (6 teams in total). We started playing in the rain, both Willowbank teams played three games outside. We started getting cold and wet but we persevered and got our coats to finish the games. Then we got our bags and walk to the sports centre and played two more games. Willowbank (A) played and Willowbank (B) had a break. When Willowbank B played Willowbank A had finished all their games. 

I think all the schools played really well, and we all worked as a team. Great efforts Willowbank. 

- Year 6 Sports Leader

Cross Country @ Killerton - 2nd October, 2019

On Wednesday 2nd October, we had a fantastic afternoon at Killerton for the Cross Country. We took 8 children (4 boys and 4 girls) from each year group across KS2. We are very proud of all of the children for completing the course to the best of their ability.

There are few performance that deserve a special mention:

Jake (Year 3) - 1st place

Ruby (Year 3) - 6th place

Harry (Year 4) - 2nd place

Jessica (Year 5) - 8th place

Freddie (Year 5) - 7th place

Josh (year 6) - 12th place 

- Henley (Sports Leader)

Tag Rugby - World Cup

We took part in a 'Tag Rugby World Cup' at Lady Seawoods. We all had a wonderful time. Many of the us scored tries. Overall, we came 4th. 

- Tim (Sports Leader)

Exeter City - Premier League Primary Stars

Exeter City are working with Owl, Foxes and Deer class across the year.

This half term, Owl Class are learning the skills of Netball. They are focusing on working effectively as a team, communicating clearly and making precise and accurate passes to play shots.

This week, they have thought carefully about how they can demonstrate effective dribbling around obstacles; performing skills with control and confidence.