Grove students were ‘knocked out’ by a visit fromDermot Gascoyne a former international professional heavy weight boxer as part of the Sky TV Living for Sport Programme. The Sky Living for Sport mentor has been working with young people in schools and youth groups since his retirement from boxing through injury. A group of students from Year 8 and 9 were selected to take part in a boxing master class.
The group of students were selected by PE teacher and Learning Development Leader Mr Granger. After the session with Dermot today the students will take part in a six week programme developing and implementing the new skills they have learnt. After the six weeks, Dermot will 
again visit the school again to catch up with the group and see the progress they have made. As well as developing boxing skills and increasing the students participation in fitness, the students can hope to learn the following 6 steps to success which the programme aims to encourage in all participators; Mental toughness, Hunger to achieve, People skills, Sports and life knowledge, Breaking barriers, Planning for success
The students were inspired by Dermot’s honest account of his early life and his formative school years. He admitted he was never an academic student who struggled to understand the basics of English, Maths and Science. He discovered that although he would never a successful academic student with outstanding grades, he would make himself a successful person. This resolve held him in good stead as he left school with 5 GCSE grades and joined the Navy at 16 and discovered boxing through the Navy boxing championships. His career took off as he was taken on by legendary boxing manager and promoter Frank Warren. During his 5 year professional career he trained with some of the worlds best heavyweight boxers and lists Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno amongst his previous sparring partners.
Dermot was delighted to be allocated the Grove He said, “I knew the School would be a great visit for me. From the first telephone call I had with Mr Granger, he was so enthusiastic about the students and the school and worked so hard to ensure the programme happened. The staff and students have been fantastic, very welcoming and a real credit to the School. I am looking forward to returning and seeing the progress they have made.”
Students Liam Hollis and Zak Groom, get up close with ex heavyweight boxer Dermot Gascoyne.
