Visit from former World and UK BMX Halfpipe Champion Mike Mullen

On Monday 27th and Wednesday 29th January, we were very lucky to welcome Mike Mullen, a former World and UK BMX Halfpipe Champion, to our school. 

In an assembly to the whole school, Mike explained how he needed resilience to overcome obstacles in his life; he suffered from asthma, he was painfully shy and his family struggled to afford to buy the equipment needed for his hobby. He also explained how courage and having a growth mindset helped him to master the dangerous tricks and movements he needed to execute on his BMX bike to become a champion. The pupils absolutely loved his demonstration of BMX tricks.  In the assembly, Mike skillfully jumped over teachers as well as managing to manoeuvre himself around the bike, while it was in motion.  Mrs Shears, our deputy head, bravely volunteered to learn and demonstrate a balancing trick on the bike. She showed great perseverance and courage in tackling and succeeding in this difficult challenge, much to the delight of the children and staff.

Year 5 were lucky enough to participate in workshops on the school playground.  Non-riders were given the opportunity to learn to cycle. More experienced riders practised performing simple tricks on the bikes such as simple balances and executing small jumps. The children thoroughly enjoyed this experience. It has been lovely to hear the children talking so positively about Mike's visit.