Arthur Terry students shine at home and abroad

Gifted Arthur Terry School language and sports students have represented their school in highly impressive fashion.

Twenty-two Year 12 and 13 A-Level Spanish sixth-formers were joined by three Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) teachers in Madrid, where they enjoyed an immersive long weekend.

The visit was the first of four Arthur Terry MFL trips this year – marking a welcome return to excursions abroad for the school’s students.

Highlights included exploring the historic city centre and visiting the Palacio Real de Madria – the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family – as well as taking in Picasso’s world-famous Guernica mural at the Reina Sofia museum and many monuments depicting Spanish history.

Students experienced some quintessential, authentic Madrileña food and were treated to famous Spanish hospitality at the lovely La Gloria restaurant.

Teacher of MFL Paula O’Hare said: “This trip was a brilliant opportunity for students to experience ‘real’ Spain beyond the Costas and islands and use their ever-growing language skills in real-life situations.

“Students impressed staff with their confidence and resilience in using their language skills. They were given free time in which to independently explore places like Plaza Mayor and Retiro park so they could experience Madrid like a local.”

Back on home soil, Arthur Terry’s Year 8 football team turned on the style to win the Super Cup final at Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground.

They had booked their place in the Super Cup final against Handsworth Grammar School having retained the District Cup the previous week.

Arthur Terry opened the scoring through Ben Talboys’ angled drive, but found themselves 2-1 down at the break. In the second half they drew level thanks to Fionn Peters’ superb goal before Steven Sandhu capitalised on a defensive mistake to bag the winner in a thrilling contest and ensure the boys also retained the Super Cup they had won the previous season.

Team manager Andrew Hill said: “This was a thoroughly deserved win against a strong team. I am very proud of the boys and what they have achieved. It was a fantastic performance to cap another great season.

“I am not sure if any other team from our school has ever retained two trophies from the previous season, so this could be a piece of history. Either way, it’s a fantastic achievement and the boys have only lost one game in two seasons.

“Thanks to Mr Briggs for helping to transport the boys to away games and also parents and staff who have supported, including Mr Glazebrook who assisted with home fixtures.”

On their way to the District Cup final, Arthur Terry defeated Greenwood Academy 6-1, Bishop Walsh 3-0 and Heartlands Academy 6-1 away from home in the semi-final.

The final was against North Birmingham Academy who were beaten 5-0 thanks to Cian Mulligan’s hat-trick and goals from Oliver Egginton and Isaac Wheeldon in what was a superb Arthur Terry performance.

The squad features Sam Penney, William Hoe, Finley Pike, Thomas Reid, Kairan Sangha, Ben Talboys, Oliver Egginton, Isaac Wheeldon, Noah Phillips, Fionn Peters, Cian Mulligan, Steven Sandhu, Lucas Read, Myles McKoy-Overton and Jack Gillett.

Main picture: Outside the Palacio Real de Madria.