Thought For The Day – Thursday 10^th July 2025

The word “transition” is derived from the Latin “transitionem” or “transitio”, meaning “a going or passing across or over” or “passage”. The word refers to the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.

This time last year our school facilities were in transition.

We welcome Year 6 students today for their Secondary School Transition Day.  Please look after the new players.  It is an important life moment.

Tomorrow, owing to the weather transitioning, once again, to being much warmer, the track events for Sports Day will take place in the afternoon, and the field events will be held in the afternoon.  Please bring a water bottle, a hat and sun cream. All students will be in Physical Education kit during the day.

Once again, please stay safe in these hot temperatures,  especially near open water. Pace yourself. Make those healthy adjustments.

In school, in the community, in the neighbourhood and at home,  we look out for the vulnerable as these temperatures are health and life impacting on some.   

In a “must-win” tournament game yesterday, after school, the England Women’s Team, who won the tournament in 2022, produced the perfect performance,  winning by four goals against a very highly regarded and respected Netherlands team.  The Prince of Wales was one of many supporters in Zurich, Switzerland.

“The Lionesses” pressed high up the field, as the diagram of the first half below shows. The team tenaciously won the ball back in seconds on the rare occasions when they did not have it, transitioning from pressing to passing.   England Manager Sarina Wiegman made excellent tactical transitions and tweaks since the defeat to France.  In the preparation to, and of, this crucial game, Sarina Wiegman was characteristically calm and focused: “We don’t talk about consequences. We talk about our game plan.” After the match, the England Manager paid tribute to a “proper England” performance, whilst remaining humble, grounded, level, balanced and forward-looking.  Indeed the Lionesses have been in transition since 2022 and speak of “a new England” or “England 2.0.” On to the next.

On this day of transition, the transitions in the first world class England goal yesterday illustrated the team’s brilliance:   https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/ckglk81gdk9o

An outstanding visionary pass by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, turning defence to attack in an instant, excellent hold up play and “running the channels” by Alessia Russo, making the first of her three assists in the game, and an exceptional, ice cold finish, and celebration, by Lauren James.

Further wonderful goals followed by Georgia Stanway,  Lauren James and Ella Toone. 

Always keep going.  

“Goal difference” could be critical in a very tough group phase,  just like every mark is vital in an examination, as the Lionesses aim to make the transition to the next phase of the European Championships.  

Yesterday, “girl difference” led to one of the great England performances of any tournament and any era.