Page 106 - HMS 2020

Sport
Goodbye Mrs Paxman
This year we say a fond farewell to our legendary Head of Girls’ Games, Frances Paxman. Here we get the lowdown on her 15 years at Heath Mount.
Q When did you join the Sports department at
Heath Mount?
I joined in 2005 but very much part time – just helping with Year 5 and 6 games. This was under Harry Matthews (who was well known for cycling around the pitches on match days.)
Which sport did you most Q enjoy when you were at
school?
Athletics and netball at school on the Isle of Wight – not a hotbed for sporting excellence!
Q Did you always want to teach sports?
I rather fell into this as I always loved playing netball and qualified as an umpire when I could no longer play anymore (bad back!). I originally worked in a bank organising conferences!
Q If you had to choose one sport, which is your
favourite to play and teach?
Netball, without a doubt!
Q What changes were you able to implement as
Head of Girls’ Games?
When I took over as Head of Girls Games in January 2010 (from Sarah Holt) I set myself some challenges, one of them being to do a sports tour. We had some great times in Jersey
and for the past few years I have taken a Year 6 cohort to Shropshire for a fantastic netball activity weekend.
The girls always amaze me with their ability to have fun, eat loads and still play great netball. My other personal challenges were to get a team to the IAPS’ finals (we succeeded in netball twice) and to modernise the games kit.
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When I first joined, the number of teams we were able to put out was limited to the “A’s” – so I am most proud of the days when I have fixtures for every single girl in the school.
I was a little nervous about implementing cricket, mainly because we were good at rounders on the circuit and the girls loved it. However, with the help in particular of Michael Naylor, the girls’ games department took on the challenge of girls’ cricket and it’s just a shame that this second year has been so badly affected.
The girls’ games department inspired a number of girls to join local cricket clubs – so we were obviously doing something right!
Q What are you most proud of achieving during your
time at Heath Mount?
Encouraging all girls, no matter their ability, to enjoy their sport. I have seen the huge impact it has had on my own children who all still play competitively. It does wonders for social skills and the benefit both physically and mentally is clear to see. When I see girls continue to play sport at a
high level in their senior schools it shows the invaluable grounding we have given them. Those who reach
county standard are wonderful ambassadors for Heath Mount’s great Sports department.
Seeing the number of girls who join clubs for hockey, netball, cricket,
rugby and football has been such a pleasure and it is testament to the enthusiasm, knowledge and dedication of the games staff the girls have been exposed to over the years. It has been
a privilege to work at Heath Mount, surrounded by exceptional people. Working alongside Bronya Brown has been a complete joy – we understand each other and I will miss her hugely.
Q Can you share a memorable moment from the last
15 years?
In Scotland a few years ago with the Year 8 leavers ... I didn’t live it down when I came out of the changing room with my wetsuit on back to front! The swim in the freezing loch each morning was particularly memorable!
Q Have you got a parting message for the pupils?
Enjoy your sport, whatever team you are playing in. It is about so much more than letters. Try your hardest and leave a match knowing you gave it everything.
Mrs Paxman with members of the girls’ games department ‘past and present’.
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