Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy has finished top of the class after their work in PE received a glowing report.
The Sports Council for Wales and the Association for Physical Education (afPE) are championing schools which recognise the importance of PE.
All schools can apply for ActiveMarc Cymru and, this year, 22 schools from across Wales have sailed through.
ActiveMarc Cymru endorses schools that are committed to developing high quality physical education and school sport and for promoting the benefits of physical activity.
Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Professor Laura McAllister, said:
“We believe that schools play an essential role in building a Wales in which children are hooked on sport for life. We are eager to celebrate and champion schools that are doing their bit and we hope that ActiveMarc Cymru provides a yardstick to measure good standards to which others can strive towards.”
Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy’s retiring Headteacher, Ifor G. Efans said: “In recent years the PE department at this school has worked hard to give extra opportunities for all its pupils to take part in and enjoy the various aspects of physical fitness. It has being working well with all kinds of local clubs, the 5 x 60 officer and with the Leisure Centre to enhance opportunities and enjoyment.”
A spokesperson for the Association for Physical Education said:
“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.
“It is good to see that schools which make adequate provision for physical education also report higher achievement across the school, in other subjects, but also in behaviour, attendance and retention. The ActiveMarc award recognises this vital contribution to school life and children’s education. Physical education in schools is a great investment!”
Leighton Andrews, the Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning, is backing the accreditation scheme which provides a seal of approval to those schools which are making a firm commitment to PE:
“ActiveMarc Cymru is an important benchmark so that schools can continue to make improvements to physical education. We know that positive experiences of sport at school help to encourage active lifestyles into adulthood which is something that the Welsh Assembly Government is firmly committed to.”
If your school wants to apply, please visit www.sports-council-wales.org.uk
