South Shields school strikes sports gold

Hadrian Primary School has achieved Sainsbury’s School Games Kite mark gold award for the third year in a row.

To achieve this, the school had to make sure that all pupils took part in at least two hours of PE as well as attending as many after school clubs as possible.

A group of year 5 children were trained as ‘Sports Ambassadors’ to lead smaller groups of younger children to make sure they were active at playtimes and lunchtimes, and they also helped arrange competitions.

Specialist coaches also came into school to help teach children sports including football, basketball, rugby, boccia, dance, gymnastics, tennis, street dance, netball and athletics.

Less active children were encouraged to take part in extra sport and a sports day was held.

To get the award, each year group had to attend at least two sporting events where they competed against schools.

Richard Cheetham, PE co-ordinator, said: “At Hadrian we know the value that sport and exercise plays in the development of children. Not only does it keep the children fit and healthy it also makes them more attentive in lessons which in turn help them to achieve more in classroom-based activities.

“We want to continue the high standards we have set ourselves to ensure that every child who comes to our school has the opportunity to try many different sports, have fun and learn about staying healthy. I am

very proud of all the children and staff at the school who have put in a tremendous effort to ensure that we achieve such awards.”