6/10 Mile Cup and Inter House Shield Update

This term has seen tension, twists and moments of brilliance in equal measure, between each house across each and every Inter House Shield Event. From the first hints of sunshine on the golf course to the thunder of boots striking the Quad in perfect unison, this has been a term of precision, pride and just a little bit of theatre.

On the courts, House Netball set the tone early. The cold of a Saturday morning did nothing to dampen the atmosphere. If anything, it sharpened it. Sidelines were packed, voices hoarse and every pass and interception met with roars of approval. In a closely contested match, School remained composed under pressure. Steady, organised and supported by the leadership of Senior Monitor Caroline M, they executed the crucial moments with confidence and earned a well‑deserved victory.

This term also saw the annual CCF inspection and the inter-House Newcastle drill competition. We had the pleasure of welcoming Captain Young RNR as the reviewing officer for the CCF's Annual Inspection, to give several promotions and reveal the results of the inter-house Newcastle drill competition. He was incredibly impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of the cadets, and appreciated getting to have lunch with the senior cadets and learning about their development.

All involved should be incredibly proud of themselves for the weeks of work in the lead up to the day, especially the Corps of Drums and Guard of Honour. Particular congratulations go out to Atkinson House for completing the sweep of Best Caller and Best Team in the Newcastle Competition - well done!

With the sun starting to shine this term, House Golf unfolded. The competition advanced with careful concentration, with Priestley’s Nathan and Paula maintaining composure at key stages. Their steady performance secured a narrow lead over McClure in a highly competitive match where every shot mattered. Their approach demonstrated the high degree of precision required throughout.

The term’s programme also included the Top of the Bench Chemistry competition, which highlighted the pupils’ extensive subject knowledge and analytical ability. School delivered an excellent performance throughout and were deservedly awarded first place.

The Spelling Bee brought several weeks of competition to a close, coming down to a 14–14 draw and a sudden‑death decision. The final word, obstreperous, was delivered with confidence by Murray, earning a well‑deserved place in the final.
Across the school, the General Knowledge teams continue to compete through the heats, maintaining their focus on reaching next term’s final. Each round presents another opportunity to build momentum.

The term’s concluding highlight is still approaching, with the Six Ten Mile Cup scheduled for the final day before Easter. This event represents the culmination of extensive training and preparation. New records may be set, and established rivalries revisited. Attention now turns to whether Atkinson can once again prevail and whether John M will secure the record he has been working toward.

As the leader board compresses and each recorded effort, commendation and performance acquires heightened significance, the contest for the House Shield continues to be closely contested. The concluding stages of the term will be decisive in determining the final standings.

Updates of the 6/10 Mile Cup will be shared on our social media.