STUDENTS were bouncing after taking the top places in a prestigious trampolining competition.
South Shields School students Charley Dobson came second in the KS3 development section and Katie Watson came third in KS4 development of the Tyne & Wear trampoline final at the AAA Sports Centre in Sunderland.
The success followed on from an inter-schools contest which saw seven competitors from South Shields School ranked between first and third as a 37-strong squad battled for honours.
Katie came first in the KS4 development category while Emily Snell and Charley secured the top slots in KS3 beginner and KS3 development respectively.
Mina Corner was second in KS3 beginner and Abbie Coates runner up in KS3 elite. Third place went to Tegan Clark in KS3 beginner and Abbie Rome in KS4 novice.
Other schools taking part in the annual competition were Harton Technology College, St Wilfrid’s RC College, Mortimer Community College, St Joseph’s Academy and Boldon School, with students completing a set routine and a voluntary performance.
Several of the squad will now take part in a regional competition on November 5.
Katie, who has won at a national level, said: “Competitions can be quite nerve-racking but they no longer phase me after competing for the past five years. Everybody did really well and we were delighted with the squad’s performance.”
Abbie Rome added: “When we first started the trampolining squad we didn’t have that many members but it has really taken off. We help coach the Years 7 and 8s, which helps us as the leadership aspect forms part of our GCSE PE qualification.”
Katie added: “It is so much fun and feels really worthwhile helping the younger children build their confidence and develop their skills.”
Head teacher Allie Denholm said: “The trampolining squad really is going from strength to strength and is a great example of how our students work across year groups to help each other.
“They have developed real spirit and skills and the success of the recent competition has spread throughout the school boosting pride and lifting aspirations. We are all really looking forward to seeing how they perform at the regionals.”