Sports day at St Andrew’s late last term had a fruity feel. Pupils were divided into 12 teams with all-conquering alliterative titles such as Pouncing Pineapples, Killer Kiwis, Perfect Pomegranates, Conquering Coconuts, Great Grapes and Supersonic Starfruit.

The day’s 10 timed activities also had a touch of the poetic: Banana Balance, Fruit Flip, Tomato Splat, Juicy Lucy Water Wobble, Apple Kick and Plum and Spoon Challenge. Sounds simply organic, but the aim was to challenge the children’s speed, skills and teamwork (the juniors marshalled and encouraged the infant members of their teams in the morning before their events after lunch).

There was also the chance for a breather at two rest stations. No cakes or fizzy drinks here - fruit juice, tangerines and pears only.

It was PE co-ordinator David Lane’s sixth sports day for the 194-pupil voluntary-controlled school which is just 400 metres from the famous Hoe and close enough to the harbour for staff and pupils to hear “the Brittany ferries docking”, according to head Val Woollven. “The noise gave me the fright of my life on my first day.” She says the day’s activities were designed to make sure that everyone took part “with just an element of competition”.

Every team member’s efforts counted and the scores were added together at the end of the afternoon session - and after two sets of parents’ races. The winners? Let’s hear it for the Banana Splits.

Snaps by Jill Craven

Net work: Poppy Watts at the Fruit Salad Challenge

Quiet time: waiting at the first rest station

Yesss! Celebrating a goal at the Apple Kick

On the cards: Elizabeth Lee checks the current score

Thirsty work: PE co-ordinator and sports day supremo David Lane hands out refreshments

Pass it along: the Fruit Flip

Right on form: taking part in the Banana Balance