At Frank Wise School in Banbury, a specialist educational setting, Sports Day is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Centred around fun, participation, and a strong sense of community, the day features creative, inclusive activities that are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or age.

Students from across the school are placed in mixed-year teams, each represented by a colour and animal mascot (originally chosen by the Student Council), encouraging new friendships and cross-year connections. From egg-and-spoon races to welly wanging, beach ball relays, and even crazy caterpillar races, the day was packed with fun and laughter. Every event was thoughtfully adapted so that all pupils could participate equally. For example, in a race where children had to dress up along the course, pupils could choose how to carry the clothing - on their bodies, wheelchairs, knees, or hands - giving them the freedom to succeed in their own way. Similarly, in the egg-and-spoon race, participants could hold the spoon, the egg, or both, or to carry their egg in an upturned cone resting on their lap or wheelchair tray. Instead of enforcing strict rules, the emphasis was on making the activity enjoyable and achievable for every child.

Frank Wise’s Sports Day clearly centres around its core values of inclusion, enjoyment and safety for all, which raises an important question: do all Sports Days need to follow the same traditional format? If you handed a blank page to a pupil and asked them to design their own Sports Day, what would it look like?

After the event, several pupils shared their reflections. Their comments reveal that Sports Day at Frank Wise isn’t just about competition, it’s about connection, joy, and shared experience

Pupil Reflections: Highlights and Insights

Variety, Team Spirit, and Belonging

Students described the different races with enthusiasm, and the colour-coordinated teams helped foster pride and unity:

• “There were different types of races… a lot of running!”
• “Everybody wore different coloured outfits and I was proud of my team!”
• “Although I wanted to win, I was really happy that my friend’s team won because they didn’t get that last year.”

Celebrating Success, Individually and Together

Personal and group achievements were both valued. Celebrations were vibrant, with one child even performing a “Ronaldo-style” celebration to cheers and laughter from classmates, while another fondly recalled their team's past victory:

• “Last year, my whole team won. This year, it was winning the running race. That’s my best.”

Friendship and Connection

For many, the emotional impact was just as important as the physical activities. The event created space for meaningful interaction and support:

• “My favourite part was cheering on people and holding onto my friend’s hands.”

Whole-School and Family Participation

The last two years marked a shift from smaller, class-based sessions to a full-school celebration. Family involvement added to the festive atmosphere, strengthening the sense of community. Pupils noticed and appreciated the change, commenting:

• “It’s everyone altogether, the whole school watches everybody racing.”
• “I wouldn’t change anything.” … “No, I wouldn’t change anything either.”

Putting Inclusion into Action

Kerry, a teacher at Frank Wise, shared how the event was designed with care to ensure that all children had a safe and enjoyable experience. Staff enthusiasm and active involvement helped to create a welcoming, supportive environment for everyone. Pupil feedback reflected a strong sense of inclusion:

• Every child had a role, whether racing, cheering, or simply being part of a team.
• No one was left out; participation was universal.
• Pupils of all abilities felt recognised and celebrated, not just for winning, but for being part of something bigger.

Reflections and Takeaways

Frank Wise School’s Sports Day was a lively, inclusive, and memorable event that reflected the school's commitment to pupil wellbeing, joy, and shared success. Whether it was about crossing the finish line, striking a Ronaldo pose, or simply celebrating the success of a friend, each moment matters.

Their voices tell a story of a school where every child is seen and every effort is celebrated.

So perhaps it’s time to ask: what would Sports Day look like if we designed it through the eyes of our pupils?