Ysgol David Hughes in Menai Bridge has been rewarded for its dedication to excellence in sport and physical education.
Competing against hundreds of schools across the UK, Ysgol David Hughes’ continued commitment to maintaining fit and healthy lifestyles saw it win a highly commended award at the Aviva / Telegraph School Sport Matters Awards 2010.
The school came second in State School of the Year category, only narrowly beaten to the top prize by Needham Market Middle School, Suffolk.
Teachers and pupils recently picked up the prestigious award at a star-studded ceremony at Wembley Stadium, which included former Olympic medal winners Sally Gunnell and Iwan Thomas and many other sporting greats.
Head of Physical Education, Gethin Môn Thomas, said, “Ysgol David Hughes is rightly proud of its reputation as one of the best sports school in Wales. The school strives on excellence in sport, and developing people in the sporting world is an important focus for governors, teachers, and parents alike.”
“We’re delighted to accept the highly commended award. It not only recognises Ysgol David Hughes’ long standing commitment to attaining excellence in physical education, but also the outstanding support we receive from both the County Council’s Sports Development Unit and Sports Council for Wales.”
He added, “Physical education has developed a great deal in recent years, but with their support we are continuing to develop young people in the world of sport.”
The school is a main centre for the Physical Education A-level classes and BTEC First Diploma in Sport and Exercise. It also runs various programmes, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Community Sports Leaders Award.
Anglesey’s Active Young People Officer, Barry Edwards, co-ordinates many of the activities held at Ysgol David Hughes. He said, “The 5×60 exercise project, in particular, has been embraced by the school, with pupils regularly taking part in various activities to improve fitness and ensure a healthy lifestyle. The school continues to develop and grow and is currently also working to complete the highest level of the National Healthy Schools Award.”
Leisure portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry OBE, congratulated the school on its success, adding, “Ysgol David Hughes has a great tradition in sporting achievement. This latest prestigious award shows that it is competing with the UK’s best schools and that its commitment to sporting excellence is still as strong as ever.”
Many sports stars began their careers at the school, including former England cricketer, Mathew Maynard. The school campus also boasts a brand new sports hall, tennis courts, outdoor activities club, dance studio, fitness room, spinning class, and much more.
