#GetExamFit success

4 February 2019

World Champion skater Jenna Downing is hoping Holy Cross students will glide through their GCSEs.

Inline skater Jenna is a ten times British Champion and has mentored 12 Year 11 girls over four sessions.

Jenna is working with the Youth Sport Trust as part of their ‘Get Exam Fit’ programme.

“I have loved spending time at Holy Cross,” said Jenna. “The girls have really opened up to me and invested in it. They seem to have taken a lot from it and I can’t wait to see how they do in their exams.”

Get Exam Fit is a package of support which helps build the confidence of students, manage their physical and emotional wellbeing and achieve their potential in school examinations.

They use high profile athletes during the school year, to come in and talk to the students, hold workshops and support them.

“It’s about confidence building, working as a team and challenging yourself.”

In the final session, Jenna challenged one student, Niamh, to walk on a tightrope, held by fellow students.

“They didn’t think it was possible but we showed they can do it,” said Jenna. “It’s about team building and talking positively to yourself to achieve things.”

They also had a go at in-line skating supported by Jenna.

Head Girl Alana said: “ It’s been amazing. Jenna is inspirational and she has taught us how to motivate ourselves.

“There has been a lot of team building which has brought us closer together, she has taught us to look after our bodies and to find solutions to problems. I admire everything Jenna has achieved.”

“It’s been a great session,” said PE teacher Mr Stokes. “Jenna had won all her British Championships by the time she was 21 so she knows how to deal with pressure at the highest level.

“The students have really thrived with her sessions.”