The Abbey Gate College
Gymnastics Display - Summer 2009

Following on from this year’s success of the current Year 7 and 8 gymnasts, the PE department organised a Gymnastics Display at Abbey Gate College. Practice started in January 2009 and took a positive step towards the final production, which included pupils from varying ages within the whole school. Many junior pupils took part in the occasion, while ten pupils from Years 7, 8 and 10 were able to demonstrate their skills in the final show. Each individual and paired sequence was performed to music, which inspired all pupils and gave them a focus. 

On the night of the display, everyone involved performed to their potential, with some routines having a very dynamic theme and others incorporating props, such as Danielle Macready with the Pedestals. Among these young talented individuals, the college possesses two Welsh international gymnasts, namely Libby Smith and Danielle Macready, who brought something extremely exciting to the display. 

All pupils used skills learnt from lesson time, after school and club gymnastics, which enabled the display to have variety, imagination, creativity and commitment. Commitment was demonstrated throughout and during the final display, which, in total equated to almost five months of work. Many senior pupils worked with the junior pupils in order to help them devise individual and group sequences; this clearly demonstrates how well pupils work together at Abbey Gate College and the respect they have for each other and the work they produce. An enthusiastic audience came to support this event and were excited at how well each pupil had worked and the enthusiasm they had shown throughout the night. A particular favourite of the display was the incorporation of the New Zealand Hakka just after the interval but with a twist. Alex Robinson lead the rest of the juniors, which consisted of Danielle Macready, Amy Williams, Jack Dudley, and Matthew Povey, out of the changing area and onto the matting to perform the Hakka in darkness wearing glow sticks  to emphasise the actions. This was a massive hit with the crowd, as was the whole event and there is no doubt the PE department will continue to produce a gymnastics display annually. To end the display, a five minute vaulting performance was executed fantastically by twelve pupils, ranging from Junior 3 to Year 10. This finale was energetic, upbeat and thoroughly entertaining. Finally, there must be a considerable thank you to all those pupils from Year 10 who helped with the music, programme and seating arrangements. Well done to all involved, it was a very memorable evening.