Sport

Sport has always been a dynamic element in Hazelwood College. During the new school build from 1996 to 2000 the pitch became home to the temporary classrooms of mobile city but the PE Department rose to the challenge and taught all lessons outside of the College. Coaches and mini buses were constantly in and out and pupils were taken to Loughside Recreation Centre and the Grove Baths for their PE and swimming sessions. Each year the PE Department held a sports day at the Antrim Forum with interclass competitions for football and netball, and a swimming gala. Things got easier as the PE buildings were completed and mobiles were removed from the pitch. Despite this lack of facilities the College produced some outstanding sports people. James Lavery left Hazelwood for a football scholarship in the USA, Sarah Booth who went on to Captain Northern Ireland ladies at football, and Raymond Adams who left Hazelwood to represent Great Britain at athletics. Raymond has returned to work in the PE Department in Hazelwood while continuing with his sports career.

 PE has come a long way with state of the art facilities and equipment which includes a sports hall, assembly hall, fitness suite, tennis courts and outside gravel pitches. Hazelwood recognises every pupil’s needs for a variety of sports within the curriculum and promotes the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Pupils also represent the school in leagues for football and netball and compete in many cross-country events and in high profile athletic events. In 2006 the girls’ Minor Netball team won their section of the league and reached the Belfast finals. The senior netball team also reached the final of the integrated cup in 2006. The boys’ football teams have also had success with the Year 9s reaching the quarter finals of the Belfast Cup. In Key Stage 4 pupils have a choice to continue PE at GCSE level. Results over the past 5 years have gone from strength to strength with lasts year’s results being of an exceptionally high standard.

The future looks exciting for sport in Hazelwood. Plans are afoot to develop the outside pitch to a full size astro-turf pitch with flood lights. We plan to double the size of the fitness suite and to furnish it with the very latest equipment. We plan to build a new gymnasium which will develop the pupils’ gymnastics, badminton and trampoline skills.