Continuing the trend of the heats, Friday’s final of the House Countdown competition made for compelling viewing as the participants put dictionary corner through their paces, with the scores multiplying nearly as quickly as the teams themselves!
A convivial competitive spirit – ever the hallmark of Cokethorpe’s inter-House events – was on display throughout, both among participants and the crowd packed into The Shed’s tiered seats, as all were entertained by Deputy Headmaster, Mr Stevens’ repartee on hosting duties.
As the conundrum approached, the scores were tight, with only three points in it. It was a particularly challenging conclusion, with the eye naturally drawn to letter combinations that formed partial words – well done to Mrs Bowden in the audience who was a past participle away from success against the clock – the final tally saw Queen Anne triumph.
Commenting after the Final, Mr Stevens said, “House events at Cokethorpe are always special, with the spirit in which they are carried out. But the House Countdown delivers something unique. It represents so many aspects of our community, with multiple academic disciplines being celebrated, and the strength and nature of our pastoral life, with mutual support across age-groups and Houses, even in the midst of a particularly tense competition! That each heat, as well as the final, draws a capacity crowd on a Friday lunchtime amidst a busy school day, with pupils, teachers and support staff all watching on; for me, that is as clear an indication of a community where every person matters as you could wish for.
“Many congratulations to all this year’s participants on a competitive and well-contested House Countdown, and well done to Queen Anne.”
