Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School has been busy striving to enthuse pupils to actively participate in sporting activities, and their efforts have been recognised and rewarded by the Sports Council for Wales.
Following a successful application for the ActiveMarc Cymru Award, that recognises schools promotion of sport and healthy living, the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Jane Hutt paid the school a visit recently.
During her visit, the Minister met with pupils who were working hard in the health and fitness suite, watched a badminton session and was treated to a special dance performance, as pupils demonstrated the types of activities that helped gain the award.
Jane Hutt, Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills said, “Congratulations to Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School on achieving the ActiveMarc Cymru award. I fully welcome the scheme’s emphasis on high-quality provision and learning experiences for children, and look forward to seeing more schools across Wales achieving the same excellent results.”
Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School Headteacher Robert Davies said, “We were pleased to welcome Jane Hutt to the School to celebrate our achievement of gaining the Active Marc Cymru Award. Both staff and pupils feel extremely proud to achieve this prestigious award.
We are constantly striving to provide opportunities for all our pupils to improve their life skills and leadership skills and to promote their wellbeing. The award is testimony to the hard work and dedication of the PE staff, 5×60 Officers and the Sports Development Team in ensuring pupils get the best possible opportunities.”
As well as participating in sport a group of year 10 girls have been actively involved in teaching dance amongst primary school pupils and organizing a competition.
The mentoring and teaching aspect of sport is as equally important to Pontllanfraith as the participation, as the responsibility of coaching others instils confidence and leadership skills within the pupils.
