At Tenby International School Setia EcoHill, learning isn’t limited to the classroom—it stretches across fields, playgrounds and into every joyful moment of movement. This year’s Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Sports Day was a vibrant celebration of energy, teamwork and growth, showing how even our youngest learners lead their own learning through purposeful play.Held on the school’s sports field, the event brought together students, families and staff for a day that captured the spirit of curiosity, confidence and connection. From balancing beanbags to mini relays, every activity was designed to nurture physical development while helping students build core life competencies like collaboration, perseverance and self-awareness.What made the day stand out wasn’t just the cheering or colourful stations—it was the way students took charge. Early Years learners showed surprising balance and focus during their obstacle courses, while KS1 students stepped up with determination in team relays and tug-of-war. With each event, students set their own pace, encouraged their peers, and discovered what they could achieve when they tried something new.“Our aim is to create a learning environment where students feel safe to take risks, cheer one another on, and celebrate effort as much as achievement,” said the Head of Early Years. “Sports Day is a powerful way to show how physical challenges help children develop resilience, coordination and confidence.”This student-led approach reflects the school’s commitment to Learning.First™—placing students at the heart of every experience. Rather than simply participating, students took ownership: helping to set up equipment, leading warm-ups, and even guiding peers through events. Teachers acted as trusted co-pilots, stepping in when needed but giving students space to explore independently.Family involvement added to the day’s impact. Parents and guardians cheered from the sidelines, participated in friendly races, and joined their children in celebrating each success. This shared experience built a sense of community and showed students that learning doesn’t happen in isolation—it thrives in connection.What might look like fun and games from the outside was, in fact, a carefully designed developmental journey. Events targeted balance, spatial awareness, agility and team dynamics. Each moment was rooted in the school’s physical education goals, helping students grow stronger—both in body and in mindset.Beyond the final race or medal ceremony, what mattered most were the smiles, high-fives and proud reflections from students. Many spoke about how they “didn’t give up,” “helped a friend,” or “ran faster than before.” These are the kinds of victories that last—small steps that grow big confidence.At Tenby SEH, Sports Day isn’t just an event. It’s a reminder that every leap, sprint and stumble is part of the learning journey. Our youngest students may be small, but their courage, curiosity and determination are setting big foundations for lifelong growth.
