Bradley Shields Inspires Pupils

As you may be aware, Rugby Union has a big following with Year 9 pupils, especially as GMS has a very successful rugby squad. Recently, contact was made with Bradley Shields, who is a professional rugby player in New Zealand. He plays for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby as a loose forward and has also represented New Zealand at under 20 level. He very kindly sent some signed photographs and donated a signed shirt.

The photographs were given to some of the Year 9 rugby squad; the ones who attained excellent in their entire Attitude to Learning scores in their recent progress grades. There was a draw for the shirt, which was won by Freddie Lewis, who is a very keen rugby player and fan, as well as an extremely hard working pupil in all his studies.

Here is the letter Freddie sent to Bradley.

We hope that Bradley might visit GMS if he ever is in England: his presence would further motivate the pupils.

Stuart Ross

Director of Learning YEAR 9

 

Dear Bradley,

Thank you very much for your kind generosity in giving some signed photographs and a signed shirt of you to our school. These have served as great motivational rewards to some boys, including me, who have worked hard in the first term of school to achieve an ‘Attitude to Learning’ score of excellent in every subject in my report.

The other boys and I have worked together as a team to achieve excellent. We met once a month to discuss how we might achieve the highest grades. Motivational quotations and a ‘Target Card’, which our teachers fill out at the end of each lesson, have made a difference.

The signed shirt was entered into a draw, and I was lucky enough to win it! I am really delighted about this because I love to play and support rugby. Also, one of my favourite teams happens to be the Hurricanes! As a flyhalf, Beauden Barrett is one of my idols, I love watching him play, Sometimes I have to get up really early to watch the game because of the time difference! I also enjoy watching Julien Savea and TJ Perenara. To be able to play with these players must be amazing.

I hope the upcoming Super Rugby season is successful for you. Be sure, I will be supporting you from far away in England.

On behalf of all the Year 9 at Great Marlow School, many thanks again.

Freddie Lewis