A NEWPORT secondary school has received a glowing report for its work in physical education.
St Julian’s School achieved the ActiveMark Cymru distinction for its work in developing PE and school sport, and for promoting the benefits of physical activity.
It was one of only 38 schools across Wales to achieve the accolade from Sport Wales and the Association for Physical Education (AFPE).
In the year after the Olympics, and days after Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win, the award commends the school’s success in carrying out physical education and excelling in a range of sports including athletics, tennis, football, rugby, netball and cricket.
This comes just over a week after Newport East AM and minister for culture and sport, John Griffiths, was presented with a report stating PE must become a core subject if Wales is to avoid an obesity ‘timebomb’.
The report, commissioned by Welsh Government and prepared under the leadership of Paralympic gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, maintain that giving PE core subject status - along with English, Welsh, maths and science - is the only way to make the aspiration a reality, and would make Wales the first nation in the world to do so.
Liz Blackburn, head of PE, said: "We are delighted to receive this accolade. Our school is proud of the way we focus on education and believe that sport and physical health gives children the very best start in life.
"The Olympics were such a massive thing for Wales and the UK is still excited about Wimbledon. We want to build on that legacy by encouraging students to take up new sports and to continue them into adulthood."
Professor Laura McAllister, Chair of Sport Wales, said: "We believe that schools play an essential role in building a Wales in which children are hooked on sport for life."
A spokesman for the AFPE added: "There is strong evidence that children who receive high quality physical education within curriculum time, build a firm basis for future participation and achievement; and also do better in the rest of their schooling."
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