Rockport120 Celebration - A Day of Running, Music and Family Fun

11 minutes ago

3 min read

We had a wonderful day at Rockport on Friday, 11th September marking 120 years of Rockport. Bringing together current families, Old Rockportians, new Rockport families and staff, we enjoyed our annual Cross Country event, including the first ever Old Rockportians Race; followed by an afternoon of Jazz on the Lawn, with a carefully chosen programme of songs reflecting the past 120 years.

It was a day with competition, nostalgia and plenty of laughter. It was also a reminder that Rockport’s strength has always come from its people.

Wide-angle view of pupils running across a school playing field during cross country.

The annual Cross Country event gave the celebration a lively start. Pupils took to the course with determination, cheered on by staff, families and friends. Some runners set off with serious focus, while others just enjoyed being part of the excitement. By the finish, there was the familiar mix of tired legs, proud smiles and well-earned applause.

Cross Country has a special place in school life at Rockport because it asks something simple and direct of every runner: keep going. The course may feel long in the middle, but the finish line always brings a lift. That experience was clear throughout the morning.

Eye-level view of families sitting on picnic blankets on a school lawn.

One of the standout moments was the presence of Old Rockportians at the race for the first time; bringing former pupils back onto familiar ground. Their race added a wonderful layer to the Cross Country morning, connecting past and present in the most energetic way possible.

Josh Eastwood took the honours as the winner of the first Old Rockportians Race, and a special mention goes to fellow competitors Christian Sims and Luke Brannigan. A sincere thank you goes to every Old Rockportian who ran, supported, travelled back or helped make the morning feel so memorable.

Close-up view of running shoes on grass before a school cross country race.

After the racing, prizes were presented by Old Rockportian (and past Rockport teacher) Josh Reynolds. Having an OR involved in the presentations felt fitting for a day designed to celebrate the school’s past, present and future.

After the energy of the morning, Jazz on the Lawn offered a welcome change of pace. The weather was kind, which made all the difference. Families gathered on the lawn with picnics, blankets and plenty of conversation, enjoying the chance to relax together in the open air.

Current, old and new Rockport families mingled throughout the afternoon. There were people with long-standing connections to the school sitting alongside families at the beginning of their Rockport journey and the result was a warm and easy atmosphere.

At the heart of the afternoon was a wonderful compilation of 'Songs through the Years', put together by Head of Music Mel Carr. The selection was chosen to reflect the 120 years that Rockport School has experienced, giving the afternoon a thoughtful musical thread.

The Rockport120 Celebration was special because so many people played a part in it. Runners gave the morning its energy. Old Rockportians brought history and connection, families filled the lawn with conversation and picnic blankets; and most of all, the day showed the value of coming together. Rockport School has reached 120 years because generations of people have cared about it, supported it and carried its spirit forward.

Thank you to everyone who attended events throughout the day and helped celebrate this very special school. From the first race of the morning to the final notes on the lawn, Friday 11 September was a fitting tribute to Rockport’s past and a joyful celebration of its continuing story.