For the first time in The English School Girls football history, we entered two teams into the Ayia Napa Soccer Festival 2026, consisting of an U13 group made up of Year 1 players alongside two Year 2 players and an U15 group made up of Year 2, 3 and 4 players, supported by Year 1 players. With two teams participating and 21 players, The English School are proud to continue to support girls’ football in Cyprus and with the strongest girls presence at the tournament which boasts over 3000 participants including international teams, The English School certainly had a successful impact.

Our U13 team started on fire, claiming wins against Portuguese professional side Varzim SC and Cypriot giants Pafos FC in the group stages, finishing second in the group stage out of 5 teams, earning a place in the semi-finals. With a place in the televised final on the line, our determined and passionate U13 side narrowly missed out, losing 6-3 in extra-time to Varzim SC. Not allowing their heads to drop, our U13 girls channelled their disappointment into boosting the depth of our U15 team who arrived determined and motivated to have a successful tournament.

Our U15 team included six Year 4 players who first attended the tournament in 2023 as Year 1 players. In what could be their last tournament together, they had one goal in mind, which was to leave with the trophy. Year after year, we have seen improvements and development, and they arrived with fire in their belly to go one step further after last year’s semi-final defeat. Leaving no room for doubt, they did just that, and they performed to an exceptional level with last minute goals, penalty shoot-out wins and only conceded one goal in the entire tournament to cement their place in history as the 2026 Ayia Napa Soccer Festival Girls U15 winners. Maria Leandrou, one of those experienced and determined Year 4 players finished top soccer in the U15 category and provided two moments of magic with back-to-back last-minute winning goals across two days. It was a hugely rewarding tournament for all involved, culminating in the trophy ceremony on the final day which was televised live on CytaVision Sports. It was a memorable moment to see our Year 4 girls win their first trophy after four years of hard-work and likewise to do it alongside numerous Year 1 players just starting their football journey was a touching moment and the best example of what can be achieved with team-work, spirit and hard-work.

Team:

• Maria Christodolou (GK)
• Andrea Gavriel
• Stella Anastasi
• Leni Solomou
• Maria Leandrou
• Emily Nicoloau (C)
• Nayia Stephanou
• Victoria Georgopoulou
• Kyveli Matsi
• Popi Koumenidis
• Despina Panayides
• Charitini Iosif
• Christina Agathocleous
• Amelie Christodolou
• Sotia Theocharide
• Irene Xenofontos
• Ellie Zavrou
• Mia Michaelides
• Hara Mavrommati
• Erica Tingerides
• Alexandra Iness Lteif

On Friday, 24th April 2026, Year 1 students took part in a special awareness initiative in support of people affected by multiple sclerosis.

To show their support, students wore orange t-shirts, the colour commonly associated with multiple sclerosis awareness, and gathered together to form a heart shape. The gesture was a simple but meaningful way to express solidarity with those living with the illness, as well as with their families and support networks.

The initiative aimed to help students understand the importance of awareness, empathy, and community support. Through their participation, the Year 1 students contributed to a wider effort to bring attention to multiple sclerosis and the work of organisations supporting those affected by the condition.

We thank all students and staff who took part in this thoughtful initiative.

The fifth edition of the Erasmus+ DataScEd4CiEn project newsletter is available. This edition focuses on classroom implementation during the 2025-2026 academic year and records how partner schools integrated Data Science into STEAM education.

The issue includes examples of students investigating climate change, droughts, earthquakes, migration, poverty, gender equality in sport and environmental protection through authentic datasets and digital tools.

The English School contributed through the implementation of STEAM scenarios that supported data literacy, interdisciplinary work and evidence-based enquiry.

Download the fifth newsletter: Fifth Newsletter

The English School participated in the final Erasmus+ DataScEd4CiEn multiplier event, hosted at European University Cyprus on 22 April. The event brought together educators, researchers and project partners to present the project’s outcomes and discuss the use of Data Science within STEAM education.

The event opened with addresses by Prof. Panos Papageorgis, Vice Rector for Research and Academic Affairs at European University Cyprus, and Ms Popi Grouta, Deputy Head of The English School, Nicosia.

Representing The English School, Ms Leoni Hadjithoma and Mr Michalis Gavrielides presented the school’s work on the project, including the implementation of STEAM scenarios and the use of Data Science to support civic engagement, social justice and critical thinking.

The programme included workshops on data exploration, digital tools, data-driven enquiry, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in education.

The fourth edition of the Erasmus+ DataScEd4CiEn project newsletter is available. This issue focuses on the project’s professional development programme for educators working with Data Science in STEAM education.

The programme covered the DataScEd4CiEn framework, classroom activities using authentic data, the use of CODAP for data exploration and visualisation, and ethical questions connected to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in education.

The English School took part in the professional development work and used the project resources to support interdisciplinary STEAM teaching.

Download the fourth newsletter: Fourth Newsletter

This archived notice announced the final Erasmus+ DataScEd4CiEn multiplier event, held on 22 April at European University Cyprus and online.

The event presented the outcomes of the project and examined how Data Science can be integrated into STEAM education to support civic engagement, social justice and active citizenship.

The programme included contributions from European University Cyprus, The English School and project partners, with workshops on data exploration, digital tools and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in education.

Download a copy: Flyer,  Social Media Communication, and Agenda

The English School’s charity club, Chain of Change, has organised two successful bake sales over the past two months, raising funds to support worthy causes and highlighting the strong sense of social responsibility among our students.

The first bake sale took place in February and was led by Ariana Vallance in Year 6. The proceeds were used to purchase items in support of the organisation Generation for Change.

The second bake sale was held in March and was led by Year 4 students Cassandra Isidora Pattichis, Loukia Marina Jirka, Panayiota Myrto Papasavva, and Myrto Eliades. Funds raised from this event were donated to support the Sophia Foundation programme, “I Cook and I Offer.”

We are incredibly proud of our students for showing such initiative, compassion, and commitment to helping others. We are also grateful to all members of Chain of Change, who continue to respond with enthusiasm and a strong sense of social responsibility.

We look forward to seeing this spirit of generosity and initiative continue to grow through even more student-led actions in the future.