Girls at Manor House School are counting down to August’s Rio Olympics with a daily run around the athletics track.

It’s part of the Surrey school’s Latin and South America Theme Week which started on Monday June 27.

The girls have been running or walking as many laps of the school’s 200m track as they can in 15 minutes – their aim is at least a mile a day each.

Every lap earns them a sticker which goes towards their house points total.

Manor House School teacher Tracy Evans said: “This is an opportunity for friends, classes, houses and the whole school to come together to encourage participation.”

It was also “a reminder that a little bit of exercise every day is good for the mind, body and spirit.”

She added: “This is not just about rewarding the sporty people” – staff would be looking out for any student that displayed some of the Olympic values:

  • Determination – striving to do one’s best, learning from one’s mistakes
  • Respect – treating others as one would wish to be treated
  • Inspiration – motivating others to take part and do their best.

Latin and South America Theme Week enables the girls to explore different topics, challenges and cultures. Friday July 1 will be themed around the Rio carnival.

Manor House School in Bookham near Leatherhead holds a Theme Week every year. Charities which have benefited previously have included the Make A Wish Foundation, World Bicycle Relief, the Born Free Foundation and Water Aid.

Theme Week follows the school’s two Sports Days – this year featuring farewell picnics for outgoing headteacher Zara Axton.

Miss Axton announced last October that she would be leaving the Manor House School to pursue a career outside education. She will be succeeded in September by new headteacher Tracey Fantham.

Earlier this month Manor House School held its annual Rock and Pop evening, featuring solo performances, the Junior and Senior Guitar Ensemble, Junior and Senior Vocal Ensembles, the Parent and Staff Choir, the Senior Choir and performances from Years 8 to 10 and staff bands.

Staff, parents and the Junior and Senior Choirs opened the concert with the chart-topping Uptown Funk. The concert ended with a medley in tribute to the late David Bowie.

Manor House School offers highly individualised learning and outstanding pastoral care for 2-16-year-old girls in a smaller school setting.

The school will hold its next open morning on October 1 2016.  Families are welcome.

For further details, please contact Mary Fowell, 01372 457077, mfowell@manorhouseschool.org, https://manorhouseschool.org