Active pupils in Risca have been taking part in a range of sporting activities that have earned their school the title ‘School of the Month’ – an accolade handed out by the Sports Council for Wales.
The school has signed up to the ‘5×60’ scheme which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and is run locally by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The 5×60 scheme is scoring high marks in Wales with 98% of mainstream schools now signed up to get secondary school children, who usually prefer to stay on the sporting sidelines, more active, more often. Nearly half of the pupils at Risca Community Comprehensive School have given 5×60 activities a shot since the scheme arrived in the school in September 2008.
A whole host of new challenges are on the timetable this year, with many pupils getting set to sign up. Activities offered include cheerleading, badminton, girls basketball, girls football, golf, kickboxing, aerobics, kayaking, dance and table tennis, with badminton and cheerleading proving to be the most popular.
The pupils are certainly championing the scheme. Student Lucy Hurrell said, “I think it’s good to have the sports clubs as it keeps us fit and entertained.” Fellow student Sophie Wallington commented, “I enjoy football, hockey, netball and basketball. I think it’s really good that boys and girls have the chance to try all sports.”
Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Professor Laura McAllister said, “One of the winning formulas behind 5×60 is that pupils can take part in physical activity during lunchtimes and after school. The challenge now is to open the school doors for 5×60 at weekends and in school holidays. Success stories such as at Risca lay the foundations for the Sports Council for Wales’ long term objective, to ensure that as many of these youngsters as possible go on to live healthy adult lives.”
Pupils are invited to visit the 5 x 60 website. to nominate their school for 5×60 ‘School of the Month’ award.
