Sports – 2023/24 – written by Mr. Aldridge
20th April 2024 – London Mini Marathon
A huge well done to the 50 children (and accompanying adults) from Years 3-6 who completed the London Mini Marathon around Westminster on Saturday. The weather was perfect for the occasion and all of our children crossed the finish line, each earning a very special medal (handed out by Joe Wicks) and a £10 sports voucher for the school.
21st March 2024 – Years 3/4 LSSP Football Festival
Congratulations to the following children from Years 3 and 4 who competed in the LSSP football festival at St. Dunstan’s:
Year 3: Hunter
Year 4: Elif, Grace, Corey, Salik, Zach, Jesse, Mason, Shay and Nadeem
The team played with plenty of passion, skill and determination and finished as runners-up with an overall
record of 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats.
20th March 2024 – Primary Stars Football Finals
A huge well done to our girls’ football team who, representing Millwall, reached the quarter finals of the Primary Stars Regional Football Finals before losing 1-0 to Watford. The team had a fantastic day at Arsenal’s Academy in Walthamstow competing against 16 other London clubs, and getting the opportunity to take part in many different football-related activities, meeting ‘Gunnersauras’ and having their photo taken with the premier league trophy. A huge thank you to all the adults who made the day such a memorable one!
Group Match 1: Fulham 0-1 Millwall (Bruna)
Group Match 2: Millwall 0-4 Charlton
Group Match 3: Millwall 0-0 Stevenage
Quarter-Final: Watford 1-0 Millwall
8th March 2024 – Lewisham Schools Swimming Gala
On Friday 8th March, we took a team of 16 swimmers from Years 5 and 6 to compete against 20 other schools in the Lewisham Schools Swimming Gala at Glassmill Leisure Centre. It was an absolute pleasure to watch the team swim; the atmosphere around poolside and between the swimmers was electric.
Year 5 Boys: Nicolo, Hamish L, Patrick, Victor
Year 5 Girls: Honey, Poppy, Ivy, Kira
Year 6 Boys: Samy, Joseph K, Beau, Axel
Year 6 Girls: Abby E, Nuala, Aurelie, Anna
7th March 2024 – Jimmy Mizen Football Cup
On Thursday 7th March, we took a mixed Years 5 and 6 football team to Millwall to play in the annual Jimmy Mizen Cup. The team played with passion, determination and skill throughout the morning, finishing in a very credible third place in what was a very competitive competition. All the
matches were extremely close, with each one being decided by a moment of magic either from our team or from an opposition player.
Here are the results:
Match 1: 3-2 loss (Hamish 2)
Match 2: 2-1 win (Hamish, Samy)
Match 3: 1-0 win (Samy)
Match 4: 3-2 loss (Beau, OG)
Match 5: 2-1 loss (Beau)
Semi-Final: 1-0 loss
24th February 2024 – Blackheath Saturday League Update
A huge well done to the girls’ football team who completed two excellent victories in the latest round of
matches in the Blackheath Saturday League:
Match 1: Fairlawn 2 – 0 Kender (Bea & Bruna)
Match 2: Fairlawn 4 – 0 Good Shepherd (Nuala, Bea, Maggie, Bruna)
The team fully deserved both victories and were particularly impressive in their victory over a very physical Kender team. They are now undefeated since their opening defeat of the season and are preparing well for their Primary Stars Regional Finals on 20th March.
6th February 2024 – Inclusive Multi-Skills Festival
On Tuesday 6th February, we took 6 children from Years 1, 2 and 3 to participate in the LSSP inclusive multi-skills festival at Sydenham School. The children had a great experience and loved getting to try a range of activities, including curling, bowls, hockey, javelin and racket skills.
5th February 2024 – Kilmorie B 0-3 Fairlawn
A huge well done to the boys’ football team who completed a comfortable 3-0 victory in their latest match in the Monday Night Football League. The team completely dominated the first half and went into the break with a deserved 3-0 lead. Another special mention to Samy (6A), who having been moved up into midfield from his usual defensive position, scored a fantastic hat trick, including a superb glancing header (only the 3rd-ever header in the league’s 11-year existence. In the 2nd half, the team played some lovely football but were unable to extend their lead. Well done to all the squad who played on the night – it was great to see such passion, determination and teamwork.
Team: Noah, Thomas, Samy, Bradley, Hamish B, Patrick, Beau and Aljaye
29th January 2024 – Fairlawn 0-1 St. Michael’s
Last Monday, the boys’ football team suffered a 1-0 defeat in their latest match in the Monday Night
Football League. Despite matching a strong St. Michael’s side in all departments, it was a moment of quality from one of their classy midfielders which decided the game, giving Noah (6A) no chance in the Fairlawn goal. The boys played with fantastic passion and commitment with a special mention to Samy (6A) who put in a heroic performance in defence, including a last-ditch tackle that the late, great Bobby Moore would’ve been proud of.
Team: Noah, Thomas, Samy, Alfie, Hamish B, Tait, Beau and Joseph
27th January 2024 – Saturday Blackheath Football League
Match 1: Fairlawn 4-1 Baring
A dominant display from the team, with the goals coming from Nina, Nuala, Neriah and Abigail S. At the end of the game, the Baring coach was very complimentary towards the team and appreciated the quality of the football that our girls played.
Match 2: Edmund Waller 0-0 Fairlawn
Although neither team could find the winning goal, this was a brilliant game to watch with the girls showing fantastic resilience against an Edmund Waller side who are 2nd in the league. There were fantastic performances across the team, including a couple of girls making their debuts (the future continues to look very bright for the team). For those watching, it was a bit of a nail-biter with end-to-end football being played, but no one quite finding that crucial goal-scoring moment.
As always, a huge thank you to the parent coaches who continue to devote their time to the team – it is greatly appreciated by school and the team.
Intra School Speed Bounce Champions Crowned!
KS1:
LKS2:
UKS2 (joint winners:
13th January 2024 – Saturday Blackheath Football League
Match 1: Fairlawn 3-1 Holbeach
In our 1st match against Holbeach, the girls totally dominated the 1st half and took a 3-0 lead into half time with Nuala, Maggie and Bruna all scoring. Unfortunately, Bruna picked up an injury causing her to miss the 2nd half of this match and the final match – we went onto win this match 3-1.
Match 2: Coopers Lane 1-1 Fairlawn
The final match was against Coopers Lane – Coopers Lane had earlier lost to Gordonbrock 1-0; however, Gordonbrock had beaten us 6-0 only a few weeks earlier, so we knew we were in for a tough match. However, once again, we totally dominated both halves of the game. Neriah scored her first goal for Fairlawn, playing centre forward in Bruna’s absence. Unfortunately, just when we thought the 3 points were ours, Coopers Lane literally had their first attack of the whole game and scored to equalise in the final 90 seconds. Despite the result, this was their best performance all season.
Spring 1 Sports Heroes
This half-term, our sports heroes focus changes to Paralympic women:
Reception: Lauren Steadman
Year 1: Ellie Simmonds OBE
Year 2: Dame Sarah Storey
Year 3: Hannah Cockcroft MBE
Year 4: Sophie Christiansen CBE
Year 5: Kadeena Cox
Year 6: Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson
Speed Bounce – Lewisham Results
A huge well done to the following children whose speed bounce scores ranked highly when compared to other local Lewisham schools:
Bronze award: Jessica (3E), Grace (4GR) Tait (5T), Beau (6A)
Silver award: Blue (1W), Paloma (2K), Hunter (3E), Alexander (4R), Abigail (6BD)
Gold award: Bodhi (2K)
18th December 2023 – Haseltine 0-0 Fairlawn
A huge well done to our boys’ football team who secured a hard-fought and well-deserved draw in the Monday Night Football League. Despite peppering their goal with a number of shots in the 2nd half, the breakthrough just couldn’t be made.
Team v Haseltine: Noah, Thomas, Bradley, Jude, Beau, Aljaye, Alfie and Patrick
4th December 2023 – Runners-Up in Sports Hall Athletics Festival
A HUGE well done to the following members of our Years 5 and 6 athletics team who finished runners-up (out of 7 schools) in the LSSP Indoor Athletics Festival at Sydenham School last Monday:
5E – Hamish B, Lealaurel, Zs’Raeya
5T – Tait, Justin
6A – Beau, Samy, Abigail S, Kylah
6BD – Abigail E, Axel, Roshawn, Grace, Bradley, Ada, Neriah,
30th November 2023 – Fairlawn Win Primary Stars Cup!
A huge congratulations to our girls’ football team who WON the Primary Stars Football Cup at Millwall FC on Thursday morning. Here’s Maude’s (5T) report:
“Here we are at Millwall, ready to face the other teams. There are six schools, there will be five rounds, unless we get into the finals which will mean there will be six.
Go Fairlawn!!
The tournament has started and Nina is shouting words of encouragement. Fairlawn are really pushing it. Bea is tackling like never before and Ivy is really giving her all. Wow! What a great save from Ana-Luzia! Oh no! The ball has gone out of play. One of the rival players throws in, but Abigail is ready! We run towards our rival’s goal and oh! Bruna is tackled and falls to the ground. A penalty for Fairlawn. Bruna kicks but sadly no goal. The opposition kick it towards our goal, but Ana Luzia’s ready.
She throws it back on the pitch and suddenly Maggie’s got the ball. Oh no! She’s lost the ball. It’s now coming towards our goal. But Ana-Luzia saves it! As we knew she would.
She throws it in and it’s coming towards their goal but it’s already too late, the whistle has blown, it’s the end of the first round. Our first match ended in a 0-0 draw. Nina and Nuriyah are pumped for the next game.
In between rounds, we speak to a Millwall Lioness striker; it was so cool and she really motivated the team.
We won the second game, 2 – 1 and the third 2 – 0 and the fourth 2 -1 and again for the fifth game 2 – 0. Well done Fairlawn! We are doing so well!
Now we are in the finals!! Everyone is so pumped we can’t believe it. The team we are up against in the final is going to be very hard to beat. But we do it! 2 – 0 to Fairlawn. This now means we will be representing Millwall in a game later this season.
Well done Fairlawn!! Everyone played so amazingly.”
20th November 2023 – St Mary’s 0-1 Fairlawn
Well done to our boys’ football team who secured their first win of the season with a hard-fought victory against a very physical St Mary’s side in the Monday Night Football League. The winning goal came from Jo (6BD) whose magnificent strike into the bottom right hand corner settled the game.
18th November 2023 – Blackheath Saturday Football League
Match 1: Fairlawn 2-3 Stillness (Reported by Maude – 5T)
The game is starting with Ana Luzia in goal, the teams do rock paper scissors. Stillness wins, one of their players throws the ball in, suddenly the ball is coming towards the rival team’s goal. Maggie is in position and an incredible goal from Maggie! 1-0 to Fairlawn!
The ball goes out of play, Nuala throws it in and Fairlawn race towards the rival goal again! No goal but a great save from the Stillness goalie. Now the ball’s off again! Wow amazing tackle from Abigail. Oh no! One of the Stillness players has the ball and is running straight towards our goal! They just missed! And one of their players throws in. A few kicks, and it’s out. Maggie throws in and Bruna’s coming in for a goal. She kicks well, but the ball hits the post. The ball bounces back to Bruna, and she kicks it again, hoping for a goal this time. But sadly, the ball goes wide.
Keep going Fairlawn! A throw in from a Stillness player and Fairlawn runs towards the rival goal and Bruna’s tackled to the ground. If she was hoping for a goal, it definitely didn’t happen, but Fairlawn have high spirits. Stillness have the ball and they’re coming towards our goal. Nooo! Goal for Stillness but Fairlawn can still do this. The score is 1-1.
Interview at half-time with Maggie — Do you think you will win? Maggie says “yes”, hopefully she’s right.
It has just been half-time and Fairlawn are ready for the next half. Nuala throws in, Bruna tackles one of the Stillness players, the ball rolls to Ana Luzia and she kicks it. Abigail has got the ball and Honey is ready for action. Oh no, it’s a goal for Stillness! There’s only three minutes left. The score is Fairlawn 1 Stillness 2.
The tension is building, one of the Stillness players tackles a Fairlawn player and kicks it straight into our goal. How disappointing, Stillness are winning. The score is Fairlawn 1 Stillness 3.
Stillness go for another goal, but Ana Luzia saves it! The match is coming to an end. It doesn’t look great for Fairlawn but what’s this? Maggie has scored! Just on the whistle! The final score: Fairlawn 2 Stillness 3
Fairlawn lost, but it was a great game. I think Maggie has been a star player in this game. Let’s hope we win next time.
Interview with Ana Luzia — Was it hard being goalie ? She says sometimes it depends on the team.
Interview with Coach — do you expect to win the next game ? Well we are facing a great team so I think it will be close. Let’s hope he’s right.
Match 2 — Fairlawn 0-5 Gordonbrock (Reported by Maude – 5T)
Okay, the second game is starting.
There are some great tackles from Fairlawn. But tackles obviously aren’t enough because our rivals just got a goal in record time. The score is now Fairlawn 0 Gordonbrock 1. That might have deterred our players, but we can still do this.
Nothing interesting has happened yet. We have tried to get two goals but we’ve missed both, but I think that could all change. We are one step away from equalising.
It’s just been half-time. I know it seems like nothing has happened. There have been some great passes from Honey, amazing tackles, and there have been some headers. However, just before the half-time whistle blew, Gordonbrock scored another goal. Fairlawn 0 Gordonbrock 2.
Second half, the rivals have booted the ball straight into the goal, but in doing so, they hit our goalkeeper Ana Luzia, but she stayed strong and stayed on the pitch. What an amazing goalkeeper! The score is Fairlawn 0 Gordonbrock 3.
Oh my, just after that goal, Gordonbrock score another goal. This team is amazing. Fairlawn 0 Gordonbrock 4.
There were tackles, falling over, and oh no! A goal for our rivals just as the whistle blew. Fairlawn 0 Gordonbrock 5.
We did great, but unfortunately we lost. Maybe next time we will win, but for now we did amazing and we should all be extremely proud of ourselves. Go Fairlawn!
17th November 2023 – LSSP Intra School Speed Bounce Winners!
Over the past two weeks, Years 1-6 have been competing in the intra school speed bounce competition; here’s the top-boy and top-girl jumper in each class:
1W: McKenzie (21), Blue (27)
1P: Aria (18), Zion (23)
2K: Paloma (33), Bodhi (42)
2L: Mimi (29), William (37)
3E: Jessica (40), Hunter (42)
3B: Ayana (35), Daniyal (41)
4R: Ruby (37), Alexander (46)
4GR: Grace (45), Jasper (43)
5E: Eloise (43), Hamish B (41)
5T: Aaliyah (45), Tait (50)
6A: Bea, Abigail, Kylah (47), Beau (48)
6BD: Abigail (49), Jo (46)
13th November 2023 – LSSP Basketball Winners!
A HUGE well done to our mixed Year 6 basketball team who won the LSSP basketball festival at Sydenham
School last Monday. They were unbeaten for the entire event and displayed fantastic skills in all four matches.
Here are the results:
Game 1: Kilmorie 0 – 5 Fairlawn
Game 2: Fairlawn 2 – 0 St Mary’s
Game 3: Fairlawn 3 – 0 Beecroft
Game 4: Rathfern 2 – 3 Fairlawn
Squad: Samy (captain), Roshawn, Ayse, Axel, Beau, Grace, William C, Bradley
Autumn 2 Sports Heroes
This half term, our sports heroes focus switches to international women:
Reception: Serena Williams
Year 1: Lindsey Vonn
Year 2: Billie Jean-King
Year 3: Nadia Comaneci
Year 4: Simone Biles
Year 5: Megan Rapinoe
Year 6: Katie Ledecky
Year 6 Sports Leaders
A huge congratulations to the following children from 6BD who have been appointed as Year 6 sports leaders. Following their initial written applications for the post, they then successfully passed the interview stage on Friday:
Ayse, Abigail E, Axel, Ada, Grace, Oisin, Aiden and Anna
Today, they received their sports leader training, meaning they are now ready to support PE lessons in
KS1, organise games during lunch play and take on extra sports-related responsibilities. These children will serve until February 2024; the role will then switch to 6A.
Year 6 Boys Football Team
A huge well done to the following boys who will be playing for our Year 6 school football team this season. Training takes place every Tuesday evening:
Year 5: Hamish B, Patrick, Tait
Year 6: Eiden, Beau, Noah, Jude, Thomas, Samy, Aljaye, Joseph K, Roshawn, Bradley, Alfie
Autumn 1 Sports Heroes
This half term, our sports heroes focus switches to international men:
Reception: Usain Bolt
Year 1: Michael Jordan
Year 2: Muhammad Ali
Year 3: Pele
Year 4: Arthur Ashe
Year 5: Tiger Woods
Year 6: Jesse Owens
Sports – 2022/23
Bubble Rush Run
A huge well done to Bastian, Kit (both 6C), Thea (4A) and Cordelia (3E) who completed a 5K run last Sunday in aid of the Demelza Children’s Hospice. We are extremely proud of all four of you!
Football Achievement
Congratulations to Leo (6DB) and the Hillyfielders Falcons U11s who have been promoted to the A-league of the Selkent Football League. We wish you every success for the new season!
30th June – Sports Day 2023 – The Sprinting Results
A huge well done to everyone who took part in our sports day races. Here are the results:
RB Boys: 1st Blue, 2nd Cody, 3rd Eli
RB Girls: 1st Skyla-Rose, 2nd Shania-Rose, 3rd Edith
RGW Boys: 1st Zion, 2nd Emmanuel, 3rd Ezra
RGW Girls: 1st Aymara, 2nd Aira, 3rd Ariella
1P Boys: 1st Kai, 2nd Laurie, 3rd Seth
1P Girls: 1st Raiya, 2nd Alice, 3rd Paloma
1W Boys: 1st Noah, 2nd Lewie, 3rd Felix
1W Girls: 1st Nayla-Rae, 2nd Mimi, 3rd Ala
2F Boys: 1st Presley, 2nd Ruben, 3rd Tyshawn
2F Girls: 1st Tali, 2nd Ayana, 3rd Ella
2K Boys: 1st Hunter, 2nd Romiah, 3rd Gray
2K Girls: 1st Aysun, 2nd Noa, 3rd Aoife
3E Boys: 1st Corey, 2nd Jasper, 3rd Jesse
3E Girls: 1st Rose, 2nd Grace, 3rd Cora
3G Boys: 1st Shay, 2nd Otis, 3rd Miron
3G Girls: 1st Ruby, 2nd Georgina, 3rd Tamara
4A Boys: 1st Justin, 2nd Tait, 3rd Edwin / Hamish
4A Girls: 1st Lealaurel, 2nd Eloise, 3rd Maggie
4G Boys: 1st Hamish, 2nd James, 3rd Michael
4G Girls: 1st Zs’Raeya, 2nd Lucia, 3rd Ivy
5E Boys: 1st Roshawn, 2nd Bradley, 3rd Axel
5E Girls: 1st Neriah, 2nd Ada, 3rd Grace
5T Boys: 1st Samy, 2nd Beau, 3rd Aljaye
5T Girls: 1st Zion, 2nd Kylah, 3rd Aylin
6C Boys: 1st Nigel, 2nd Yusuf, 3rd Emre
6C Girls: 1st Anna, 2nd Iris, 3rd Amara
6DB Boys: 1st Noah, 2nd Leo, 3rd Zack
6DB Girls: 1st Marlena, 2nd Frankie, 3rd Ava
The children all received their medals in a special sports day assembly today.
27th June – Year 4 Platform Cricket Festival
Well done to the Year 4 cricket team who finished 4th out of 12 teams at the Platform Cricket Festival in Peckham Rye Park last Tuesday. It’s been a privilege to watch the team continue to grow and to see them learning so quickly from every match that they play.
Here’s the results (runs scored in brackets):
Group Match 1: Fairlawn 226-230 Dulwich Hamlet B
Group Match 2: Ivydale 222-239 Fairlawn
Group Match 3: Fairlawn 246-210 Hollydale
Semi Final: Dulwich Hamlet A 240-218 Fairlawn
3rd Place Match: Fairlawn 222-231 Judith Kerr A
Festival Squad: Hamish L, Tait, Katy, Maggie, Miguel (all 4A), Hamish B, Albert, Patrick and Maude (all 4G)
22nd June – Year 6 Girls Football Team 0 – 0 Fairlawn Staff
There have been many games of football in recent weeks that have rightly held the nation’s attention; Manchester City’s incredible treble, West Ham’s first European trophy and Burnley breaking all records to return to the Premier League, but few games have been more anticipated than that which took place last Tuesday afternoon on the famous sloping playground at Fairlawn School.
It was time for the most successful Fairlawn Girls team of all time to take on the best that the teaching staff could throw at them. The school had been lit up with chat for weeks on the subject: who would be playing? would the staff be able to out-think the year 6’s? and most importantly which lessons would be missed?
As the girls assembled for the big match, they looked focused, determined to show the staff just what the rest of us had been witnessing all season, but what they weren’t expecting was the arrival not just of the staff team, but with them, the entire school. The buzz had got to everyone and it was decided that no learning of any consequence would get done in the knowledge that the game of the decade would be taking place on the playground outside.
So, as the grass verge at the side of the pitch filled up like the Kop End at Anfield, and with the noise to match, the girls knew this would be a day to remember. However, what became clear in an unexpected twist, was that the majority of the fans were on the side of the staff, so, just as at Anfield, the girls knew they had to silence the crowd as early as possible.
As Mr. Aldridge blew for kick-off, the girls took immediate control with some accurate passing and moving. An early shot from Molly, put through by Frankie, was brilliantly saved by the Mrs. Henry, and before they could regain their breath, another shot came pinging in at the keeper, this time from Marlena, and again the keeper was in the right place. The game was pulsating and the passing and moving, the tackling and determination of the girls had the staff on the backfoot, but the staff had some fine players and soon they started to wrestle back some control, passing and shooting with some regularity. What they hadn’t reckoned for was Emily in goal, the best keeper in the district who never looked like being beaten.
Both teams fought hard against each other, against the noise of the increasingly excitable crowd and against the north face of the Eiger that was masquerading as a pitch. As the game headed toward its climax, the shots kept coming in, from Marlena, Frankie and Molly, while Muna, Daisy and Anna kept the teachers out at the other end. A goalless draw was inevitable, not least because the staff had secretly stuck on an extra player which made the girls’ job even harder (something that’s currently being investigated by the FA).
It was to be penalties, and the fans were losing their minds, the noise could be heard all over Lewisham, builders downed tools, shops put up their shutters and people crowded round their twitter feeds to find out what was happening. Game on!
As the crowd cheered and bayed, the competition got under way. It became clear that the staff had a wonderful keeper who would save all of the girls’ penalties, but we had Emily, the queen of the shoot-out, and no amount of adult power would defeat her either. The result was a draw. No penalties scored, the game was over, and as the teams were mobbed at the end, the spoils had been shared.
This is a game that the girls will never forget, nor I’m sure those who witnessed it. The atmosphere, the competitive but fair spirit in which it was played was extraordinary, but mostly the way the girls played, for themselves and as importantly for one another. A truly wonderful occasion and a fitting end to their Fairlawn football journey.
Finally thanks once again to the coaches, to Alan, Chris, Paul and Sean for their tireless work in rain and shine and to Pete for his brilliant administration.
It’s over to you, Year five…next time let’s hope you beat them.
Written by Coach Ash Ditta.
12th June – Year 4 Lewisham Cricket Festival
This afternoon, we took a squad of 8 children from Year 4 to the Lewisham Schools Cricket Festival at Catford and Cyphers Cricket Club.
Despite most of them not having played competitive cricket before, the team all grew hugely in confidence as the afternoon progressed, and were bowling and batting really well by the end. Fortunately, the two torrential rain showers didn’t stop play for too long.
A huge thank you to all the parents who supported the team and collected them promptly from the venue at the end.
Summer 2 Sports Heroes
This half term, our sports heroes focus switches to British women:
Reception: Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
Year 1: Kelly Smith MBE
Year 2: Dina Asher-Smith MBE
Year 3: Virginia Wade OBE
Year 4: Nicola Adams OBE
Year 5: Dame Katherine Grainger
Year 6: Victoria Pendleton CBE
22nd May – St. Mary’s 1-7 Fairlawn
Fairlawn Girls’ final match of the Monday League season against St. Mary’s resulted in a comprehensive 7-1 victory. The game was also significant as it saw the return from injury of Marlena (6DT). In her three months on the sidelines, she has been a frequent help to coaches and teammates and a great example of how to deal with disappointment in sport. Back on the pitch, she was one of the goalscorers, along with Emily (6C), Molly (6C) and Muna (6DT). Neriah (5E) made her Monday League debut and joins a number of Year 5s already in the squad, placing the team in good shape for next season. Having only conceded two goals across the whole league, with one narrow defeat amidst a string of victories, Fairlawn can feel proud to finish in second place in a season of consistently high achievement.
A huge thank you to all the parents who continue to give up their own time to coach the team and for taking the players to and from the matches each Monday.
18th May – Runner’s Up in the Lewisham Netball Festival!
Congratulations to Fairlawn’s Years 5/6 netball team, who despite only having had one training session with Miss Goulder, finished as runner’s up in the Lewisham Netball Festival at Sydenham School. The team finished with a fantastic record of 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat from their six matches.
15th May – Fairlawn 2-0 St Bart’s
Fairlawn’s girls’ team claimed an all-important win in the latest round of the Monday Night Football League. Here’s Muna’s (6DT) match report:
“This week, the girls were playing St Barts. Fairlawn soon gained the upper hand with the defensive shield of Sophia, Anna and Molly not letting anything past them, and the midfield magic of Muna, Frankie and Abigail running rings around the opposition, and taking many shots against their frustratingly good goalie.
Nina played striker in a courageous debut and Nuala added fresh energy to the game when she came on. As the referee announced five minutes left, there was a sudden thrill in the air as Fairlawn pushed for a goal, and finally, with a strong right foot shot in the corner Frankie got it in the back of the net. Soon after Muna rolled a left foot shot through the goalkeeper’s legs. So, when the referee blew the full-time whistle, Fairlawn had ended the match with a score of 2-0 and yet another victory.”
13th May – Blackheath Football League Finale!
The girls arrived at Blackheath on Saturday morning with two things on their mind. Firstly, why when the rest of the UK was sunbathing, the Blackheath pitches still required heavy overcoats, and secondly that they were just a few wins away from becoming the most successful Fairlawn football team of all time.
Without Marlena (Maarland as she has become known) the girls would have to dig deep and find new ways of winning, and after an initial loss to Toredon, a game in which we played well but seemed a little unfocused, the coaches (Chris and Alan) gathered them together. With their inspirational words ringing in their ears a whole new team turned up to play Gordonbrook, a team with some strong district representation. Frankie, Emily, Anna, Molly and Muna (the senior pros) set about upping the intensity and aided by the brilliant Nuala, Abigail, Maggie and Isobel, they dragged us over the line. A wonderful turn and finish from Molly, who began the season in goal for us and has become a fabulous centre forward, gave us the points.
We had to win our final game to go through the semi-final and it was time for Frankie, with the tireless Anna and Muna behind her, and the rock solid Emily to get us there. Nuala and Abigail fought tirelessly, alongside Molly and the fabulous year 4 Maggie (a future star) and in a tight match, we managed to fashion a winner, as a long shot from Frankie was turned in by a hugely enthusiastic Isabelle. The opposition worked hard for an equaliser but Anna, Muna, Frankie and the ever brilliant Emily were not going to let that happen.
So, with a semi-final place earned, this Fairlawn team had become the most successful in the school’s history and only Edmund Waller stood between them and the final. The game started well, Frankie playing passes, Anna and Muna mopping up any trouble, and Nuala and Abigail, alongside Maggie, causing issues for the opposition. Eventually some brilliant forward play from Molly led to her burying a wonderful finish that left Waller dumbfounded. It was game on. But games can turn on bizarre incidents and from nowhere we conceded a goal from a speculative long shot that managed to nestle in the corner. The girls continued to fight but as the game was heading for extra time a free kick was conceded on the edge of the box. The Fairlawn girls were convinced that it wasn’t, but the referee was well-positioned and made (much as I hate to admit it) the correct decision. From the ensuing free kick Emily (the best keeper in Lewisham by far) made yet another astonishing save but the luck wasn’t with us and the ball ricocheted into an oncoming forward and managed to get over the line. There wasn’t enough time for the red and white warriors to pull things around and the tournament was over.
Being part of this team has been one of the great pleasures of being a Fairlawn parent and while the girls were disappointed, not just for themselves but for their friend and talisman Marlena (who scored over forty goals before injury grabbed her), they can hold their heads high. A special mention to Alan, Chris, Paul and Sean, whose commitment has enabled this wonderful journey. The legacy continues.
Summer Term Sports Clubs
Monday – Year 3 Football Club
Tuesday – Years 5/6 Netball Club (invite only)
Wednesday – 1P Multi-Skills Club
Thursday (am) – Years 5/6 Girls Football Training
Thursday – Year 2 Multi-Skills Club
Friday – Year 4 Football Club
(All after school clubs run from 3.30pm-4.30pm)
28th April – Skipping Champions Crowned!
Today, we crowned Fairlawn’s skipping champions in two exciting assemblies. The standard was extremely high and all of the finalists skipped with real determination for the allotted two minutes. Here are the results:
KS1:
1st – 238 skips
2nd – Ruben (2F) – 221 skips
3rd – Bodhi (1P) – 220 skips
LKS2:
1st – 265 skips
2nd – Niccolo (4G) – 243 skips
3rd – Alarni (4A) – 165 skips
UKS2:
1st – 320 skips
2nd – Abigail E (5E) – 310 skips
3rd – Nuala (5T) – 280 skips
24th April 2023 – Monday Night Football League
Well done to the girls’ football team who secured a vital 1-0 win against St Michael’s in the Monday Night Football League at Haseltine.
The rain was so strong that Nuala could barely see through her glasses and Molly’s beanie hat was soaking, but that didn’t prevent a team performance full of determination and fluent passing. Frankie was brave on the ball and in the challenge, Abigail was lively up front, Sophia impressed again in defence and with her enthusiastic cheering, and Maggie scored the all important goal on her Monday League debut. Thanks again to James and Michael for bringing the team to and from Haseltine.
22nd April – London Mini Marathon
A huge well done to all the children and adults who took part in the London Mini Marathon around St James’ Park on Saturday. It was another amazing experience for everyone alongside some very kind weather:
Year 2: Alfie, Jean, Hunter, Brandon, Zac, Ivor, Aoife and Gray.
Year 3: Art, Otis, Shay, Ana Laura, Carolina, Cordelia Grace, Jasper, Lily, Rose and Jesse.
Year 4: Tait, Nuriyah, Honey, Kira, Ivy, Floella, Albert, Patrick, Thea and James.
Year 5: Abigail S, Samy, Gordon, Ana Luzia, Noah, Matilda, Aurelie, Nuala, Oisin, Beau, Bruna, Kylah and Thomas.
Year 6: Molly, Faith and Leo R.
A special mention to Beau (5T) who crossed the finish line in 1st place from wave 22 (about 120 runners). What a fantastic achievement!
Summer 1 Sports Heroes
This half term, our sports heroes focus switches to British men:
Reception: Lewis Hamilton MBE
Year 1: Sir Mo Farah
Year 2: Bobby Moore OBE
Year 3: Anthony Joshua OBE
Year 4: Sir Steve Redgrave
Year 5: Sir Chris Hoy
Year 6: Adam Peaty MBE
25th March – Blackheath Saturday League Update
A huge well done to the girls’ football team who have qualified for the knockout finals of the Saturday Blackheath League after Easter. They will also be joined in the last 8 by Prendergast, Stillness 1, John Ball and Torridon.
Here’s how their final qualifying table looked:
14th March – Speed Bounce Champions Crowned!
On Friday, we held our intra school speed bounce finals and crowned three winners across the school:
KS1 – 39 jumps in 20 seconds
LKS2 – 47 jumps in 20 seconds
UKS2 – 52 jumps in 20 seconds.
A huge well done to the other finalists who all performed brilliantly in front of a large, watching audience.
11th March 2023 – Blackheath Football League – Update
A huge well done to the girls’ football team who maintained their unbeaten start to the Saturday league season with a win and a draw in the latest round of matches:
Game 1: 1-0 win against Downderry 2 (Abigail S)
Game 2: 0-0 draw against Gordonbrock
The team are currently top of the table with 6 wins and 1 draw out of their 7 games and are yet to concede a goal. The knockout phase will begin after the Easter holidays.
10th March 2023 – Lewisham Schools Swimming Gala
A huge well done to the following swimmers who took part in the Lewisham Schools Swimming Gala at Glassmill on Friday.
Year 5 – Joseph K, Samy, Beau, Bradley, Nuala, Abigail E
Year 6 – Margo, Sophia, Sienna, Iris
It was a huge privilege to watch everyone swim confidently in a very high-standard competition, and to see the team show such support and encouragement to each other.
27th February 2023 – Monday Night Football League
Well done to the girls’ football team who maintained their 100% record in the Monday Night Football League last week with a comfortable victory over Haseltine. There were strong performances across the pitch including from Molly (6C) in goal, Sophia (6C) in defence and Frankie (6S) in midfield. The goals were scored by Isabelle (6S), Nuala (5T) and Muna 2 (6S).
As usual, a big thanks to all the parents who helped out on the night.
25th February 2023 – Blackheath Football League
The girls football team continued their Saturday League campaign with two excellent victories at Blackheath.
In the first game against Stillness 2, the team ran out 2-0 winners with the first goal from Abigail S (5T), followed by a debut goal from Bea (5T) after an excellent assist from Maggie (4A).
In the second game against Holbeach, the team secured a narrow 1-0 win despite dominating possession, the all-important goal coming from Isabelle (6S).
That’s now 5 games played, 5 won and no goals conceded for the team. A huge well done to everyone and a special mention to those who made their debut.
Spring 2 Sports Heroes
This half term, our sports heroes focus switches to Paralympic males:
Reception: Jody Cundy OBE
Year 1: Jonnie Peacock MBE
Year 2: Will Bailey MBE
Year 3: Lee Pearson CBE
Year 4: David Weir CBE
Year 5: Sascha Kindred CBE
Year 6: Ali Jawad CBE
9th February 2023 – Jimmy Mizen Football Cup
On Thursday 9th February, we took a mixed football team from Years 5/6 to the annual Jimmy Mizen Cup. Following a very disappointing 1-0 defeat in the opening group game against Holy Trinity, this was followed up by a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Baring. Going into the final group game against Goose Green, only a victory would see the team qualify for the semi-finals, but unfortunately, they fell to a 2-0 defeat.
A huge thank you to the parents who drove the team to Millwall and for supporting them so enthusiastically. On a positive note, the players all got to meet the parents of Jimmy Mizen and were given tickets to Millwall’s next home game.
6th February 2023 – Primary Stars Football Cup
A huge well done and commiserations to the girls’ football team who were agonisingly beaten on penalties in the final of the six-team Primary Stars Cup on Monday 6th February at Millwall FC.
The Group Stage Results:
Match 1: 1-0 v Holy Trinity (Nuala)
Match 2: 4-0 v Ilderton (Nuala, Molly 2, Marlena)
Match 3: 4-0 v Ilderton (Marlena 4)
Match 4: 3-0 v Holy Trinity (Marlena 3)
The Knockout Stage Results:
Semi Final: 2-0 v Deptford Park (Marlena 2)
Final: 0-0 v Holy Trinity (lost on penalties)
Intra School Speed Bounce Competition
Well done to everyone who took part in the intra school speed bounce competition.
Here are the top bouncers from each class:
1P – Raiya, Teddy
1W – Mimi, Noah
2F – Ayana, Daniyal
2K – Aysun, Hunter, Gray
3E – Grace, Alex
3G – Ella, Daniel
4A – Basiima, Tait
4G – Ivy, Samy
5T – Zion, Beau
5E – Abi E, Bradley
6C – Anna, Yusuf
6S – Isabelle, Suleman, Leo R
31st January 2023 – Year 2 Inclusive Multi-Skills Festival
Last week, we took a group of children from Year 2 to the Inclusive Multi-Skills Festival at Sydenham School. Everyone had a great time trying out a range of sports activities, including hockey, curling, seated volleyball and speed-stacking. A huge thank you to all the adults who came with us.
30th January 2023 – Fairlawn 2-1 Rathfern
A huge well done to the girls’ football team who kicked off their Monday Night Football League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Rathfern, both goals coming from Marlena (6S). Also, a big thank you to the parents who drove the team to the game.
Local Community links – Athenlay FC
Athenlay Football Club have recently made their ‘Wildcats’ girls training sessions absolutely free of charge. The sessions run on a Monday (4.30pm-5.30pm) and on a Saturday (10am-11am) and are aimed at ages 5-9. For more information, you can contact the club’s secretary via email:
18th January 2023 – Year 2 Multi-Skills Festival
Last Wednesday, we took a team of 8 children from Year 2 to the Lewisham Schools Multi-Skills Festival at
Sydenham School. The children had the opportunity to test their speed, agility, balance and co-ordination
through a range of exciting challenges. Well done to:
2F – Tyshawn, Lyla, Tali, Eleanor
2K – George, Gray, Ula, Jessica
16th January 2023 – Fairlawn 9-0 St. Mary’s
A huge well done to the Fairlawn boys football team who put in a clinical performance last week to thrash St. Mary’s 9-0 in the Monday Night Football League. Unfortunately, due to St Michael’s 4-1 win earlier in
the evening, the team required over 15 goals to take top-spot on goal difference. Despite knowing that they were facing a near-impossible mission, the boys played some wonderful football and deservedly went into half-time leading 6-0. Although they managed just three more goals in the second half, the team should be hugely proud of their achievement across the whole season.
Monday Night Squad:
Year 6 – Noah, Zack, Suleman, Leo R, Leo P, Yusuf
Year 5 – Joseph K, Thomas, Bradley, Beau
14th January 2023 – Blackheath Saturday League Update
Game 1 v Rangefield: 3-0
As the girls warmed up for the first league game against Rangefield, it became clear that Rangefield would be offering a physical test if nothing else. Looking rather like a Rugby team who’d got the wrong tournament, they kicked off against the mighty Fairlawn and in the first few minutes our girls seemed a little intimidated. However, it didn’t take us long to get a measure of them. Into the kind of headwind that would stop commercial aircraft, Marlena led the way, weaving her way through the opposition and before long slotting the first goal beautifully. Backed up by some great touches and passes from Nuala and Abigail, she soon went on to score a very composed second. It was time for the midfield and defence to help out and Anna and Muna delivered whenever they were tested while Frankie sat behind to sweep up any danger. Emily in goal was rarely tested (that would come later) as the girls controlled the second half, keeping possession and eventually forcing a third goal, an own goal that was unfortunate but caused by the persistent pressure from Fairlawn and the debutant Isabelle. The game ended 3-0, a result that sets them up well for the rest of the tournament.
Game 2 v Prendergast: 0-0 Fairlawn progress on penalties
An opportunity to represent Lewisham Schools in the Pokemon London Schools Tournament arrived in the form of a one-off match against Prendergast. Alan got the girls prepared and well organised and the ageing parents wiped clean their glasses to get behind them. It was evident from the start that this would be a much bigger test and Prendergast were organised and had some good district players. However, the girls very quickly matched them tackle to tackle with Frankie and Anna doing some terrific work in the middle with Muna and Nuala behind, allowing Marlena to pressure the opposition goal on a regular basis. But this was always going to be a tight game and despite the second half advantage of the wind and relentless pressure on the Prendergast goal, one move in particular involving Muna, Anna, Frankie and Isobel almost resulting in a wonderful goal, the game finished all square. So, it would come down to penalties. A collective sigh worked its way through the parents who agreed they’d never seen a team they wanted to win come out on top of a penalty shoot out. But England aren’t Fairlawn, and as yet England don’t have Emily in goal. With the tension rising, Alan asked for hands and quick as a flash Marlena, Frankie and Muna stepped up, and after the first phase of the competition we were equal with the opposition on two scored and one missed. Alan looked around for the next brave souls ready to make a name for themselves, and as the heavens opened and the rest of the world was running for cover, up walked Anna and Molly. Anna stroked her penalty into the bottom corner with aplomb, and then Molly, who hadn’t been playing in the match moved up to the ball as if she was born to do it and smashed it past their keeper; it was left to Emily to face the final penalty. The Prendergast player stepped up and caught it beautifully. The ball was destined for the right hand corner, but it hadn’t reckoned on one thing….the mighty Emily flying to her right at full stretch to parry it past the post. A magnificent moment welcomed by screams of joy, tears and human pyramids, and the kids were enjoying it too. A truly great performance from the girls in atrocious conditions and now they march onto Walthamstow to represent Lewisham. We should be very proud of all of them.
(Report written by coach Ash)
Spring 1 Sports Heroes
This half term, our sports heroes focus switches to Paralympic females:
Reception: Lauren Steadman
Year 1: Ellie Simmonds OBE
Year 2: Dame Sarah Storey
Year 3: Hannah Cockroft MBE
Year 4: Sophie Christiansen CBE
Year 5: Kadeena Cox
Year 6: Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson
Spring Term Sports Clubs
Tuesday – Years 5/6 Football Training (restarts 17th January)
Wednesday – Year 6 Basketball (starts 11th January)
Thursday (am) – Years 5/6 Girls Football Training
Thursday – Year 3 Hockey (starts 12th January)
Friday – Year 5 Hockey (starts 13th January)
Badminton Achievement
A huge well done to Abigail S (5T) who won a bronze medal at a recent badminton competition.
5th December 2022 – Fairlawn 3-1 Kilmorie
A huge well done to the boys’ football team who beat a very strong and physical Kilmorie team 3-1 in the latest round of the Monday Night Football League. Despite taking an early lead through an excellent finish by Yusuf, the opposition were almost immediately level through an excellent strike by their academy striker. Once the team had worked out how to keep him quiet, they quickly took control of the game with Noah scoring midway through the first half, and then an excellent strike from Beau into the bottom corner sealed the victory.
Year 6 Sports Leaders Revealed
A huge well done to the following children from 6C who successfully applied to be a sports leader for the Spring term:
Archer, Yasmine, Emily, Molly, Margo, Kit, Anna, Karina and Yusuf.
On Friday 6th January, they will receive their sports leader training from a Lewisham sports coach, and we look forward to seeing them supporting some of our youngest children in PE lessons next term and encouraging even more active play at lunchtimes.
29th November 2022 – Lewisham School Games Football Festival
A huge well done to the girls’ football team who finished with a fantastic record of 6 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat at the Lewisham School Games festival at Sedgehill Academy last Tuesday. Despite being drawn in the ‘group of death’, and facing both the eventual winners and runners-up at the start of the day, the team played with fantastic heart, spirit and skill. Incredibly, they only conceded one goal in the entire day.
Here are their results:
- Fairlawn 0-0 All Saint’s (eventual winners)
- Fairlawn 0-1 Haberdasher’s (eventual runner’s-up)
- Tidemill 0-2 Fairlawn
- Fairlawn 1-0 St. Francis Drake
- Turnham 0-1 Fairlawn
- Fairlawn 1-0 St Margaret’s Lee
- St. Stephen’s 0-1 Fairlawn
- Fairlawn 1-0 St. Francis Drake
28th November 2022 – St Michael’s 5-5 Fairlawn
A huge well done to the boys’ football team who drew 5-5 with St Michael’s last Monday in one of the best games that the Monday Night Football League has ever seen. Despite leading for the majority of the game, the team were cruelly denied a famous victory by a last gasp screamer. All the boys were fantastic with the goals coming from Yusuf (2) and an excellent hat-trick from Leo R.
19th November 2022 – Blackheath Football League
The bracing wind that is unique to this tournament ushered in the opening game of the season, which found the girls pitted against Edmund Waller. Fairlawn dominated the game from the beginning, and with first half goals from Frankie and Marlena, any residual early tension was dissipated. Anna and Muna were strong at the back and Nuala and Abigail were always busy and causing problems for the Waller defence, culminating in a brilliant assist from Nuala that put Marlena in for her second and Fairlawn’s third. The game was over and although the opposition stepped up the pressure the defensive core held strong with Emily making a couple of good saves and Neriah causing some problems down the wing, all of which helped secure the points.
Cooper’s Lane would be a stiffer challenge, arriving on the pitch as they did full of confidence and towering over the Fairlawn girls. However, the tactical acumen of Alan and Chris set the girls up to compete from the first whistle, and compete they did. The strength of Anna and Muna at the back marshalled by the peerless Emily behind them and the determined Frankie in front, created a foundation for the front three of Nuala, Abigail and Marlena to do their thing. An assist from Emily set Marlena on her way to score a goal which should already be a contender for goal of the season, as she beat most of Cooper’s team and slotted home. Marlena then followed that up with another, having received a through ball from Frankie she beat a couple of defenders and the resulting goal was never in doubt. The second half saw the introduction of Bea, who was strong in the tackle and added more much needed steel. The opposition came at the girls in waves but they defended as a team and never really looked like conceding. Cooper’s did however break free and got a powerful shot off only for Emily to make a fabulous save to push it round the post. A sterling display that sent Cooper’s Lane home with a lot more to think about than they’d initially bargained for.
Two first class performances from the girls that bode well for the rest of the season.
17th November 2022 – LSSP Basketball Festival
Well done to the following members of the Years 5/6 basketball team who finished 3rd in the LSSP festival at Sydenham School. The team played with great skill and determination, and even ended the competition with an excellent victory over the eventual winning school.
Year 5 – Samy, Ayse
Year 6 – Noah, Zack, Ollie, Zhiqi, Molly
7th November 2022 – Haseltine 0-2 Fairlawn
A huge well done to the boys’ football team who maintained their 100% winning record in the Monday Night Football League with a 2-0 win against Haseltine. Despite coming up against quite physical opposition, the boys matched them in this department and played some lovely one-touch football at times. A special mention to Noah (6S) who scored both goals with two very clinical finishes.
The team’s next fixture will be on the 28th November.
Autumn 2 Sports Heroes
This half term, our sports heroes focus switches to international females:
Reception: Serena Williams
Year 1: Lindsey Vonn
Year 2: Billy Jean-King
Year 3: Nadia Comaneci
Year 4: Simone Biles
Year 5: Megan Rapinoe
Year 6: Katie Ledecky
19th October 2022 – Indoor Athletics Festival
Well done to the following members of the Years 5/6 Indoor Athletics team who comfortably won the mini festival at Sydenham School on Wednesday 19th October:
Year 6: Yusuf, Anna, Nigel, Noah, Frankie, Leo R, Isabelle and Amara.
Year 5: Samy, Beau, Lukas, Ada, Neriah, Bradley and Zion.
The team won 7 out of the 9 sprint races and finished top of the standings in all of the field events.
10th October 2022 – Fairlawn 7-2 St Bart’s
A huge well done to the boys’ football team who beat St Bart’s 7-2 in the opening game of the Monday Night Football League at Haseltine last week. The players all looked comfortable on the ball and were very supportive of each other. It was also great to see some clinical finishing with the goals scored by Yusuf (2), Noah (2), Beau (2) and Suleman.
Our next fixture is against Haseltine on Monday 7th November.
1st October 2022 – Mini Marathon
A huge well done to all the children and adults who took part in the London Mini Marathon around St James’ Park on Saturday. It was an amazing experience for everyone; here’s the list of entrants:
Year 2: Flo, Ella, Niall, Hunter, Alfie and George.
Year 3: Art, Amelie, Otis, Zachary, Jasper, Jesse, Shay, Poppy, Grace and Gabriel.
Year 4: Patrick, Honey, Poppy, Miguel, James, Maude, Maya, Thea, Albert, Hamish, Ivy and Angelica.
Year 5: Abigail S, Samy, Nuala, Joseph R, Axel, Isabella, Ada, Noah, Oisin, Beau, Matilda, Bruna, Bea.
Year 6: Abi, Frankie, Anna, Faith, Alex, Conrad, Marlena and Molly.
Autumn Term 2022 – After School Sports Clubs
Tuesday – Years 5/6 Boys Football Training
Wednesday – Year 3 Multi-Skills with Mr. Gomez
Thurs (am) – Years 5/6 Girls Football Training
Thursday (pm) – Year 4 Basketball with Mr. Gomez
Friday (pm) – Year 5 Basketball with Mr. Gomez
After-school sports clubs run from 3:30pm-4:30pm
Autumn 1 Sports Heroes
This half term, our sports heroes focus switches to international males:
Reception: Usain Bolt
Year 1: Michael Jordan
Year 2: Muhammad Ali
Year 3: Pele
Year 4: Arthur Ashe
Year 5: Tiger Woods
Year 6: Jessie Owens