Auchinleck Academy has been recognised with a prestigious national award for innovation and achievement in delivering physical education and extra-curricular sport.
The sportscotland Gold School Sport Award was presented to staff and pupils at the school on 5th June 2015
The School Sport Award is a national initiative that is designed to encourage schools to continuously improve the quality and quantity of physical education and school sport opportunities. They also encourage the sporting links between schools and the communities around them.
There are currently 82 Gold Schools, 181 Silver and 65 Bronze across Scotland.
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland said:
“I would like to congratulate all of the staff and pupils at Auchinleck Academy for putting quality physical education and school sport at the heart of the school. They should be proud of this fantastic achievement.”
“We are building a world-class sporting system for everyone, and a crucial part of that is putting young people at the centre of our efforts. Working with our partners in local authorities and governing bodies of sport, we are creating closer links between physical education, school sport and club sport, which benefits young people by providing more and better opportunities to take part in sport.”
Jennifer Sharpe, Principal Teacher of Physical Education – Auchinleck Academy commented:
“It is a privilege to have been awarded this GOLD award from sportscotland. We are so committed to school sport and achieving excellence in our department. I would like to thank the full department, Active schools, volunteers, pupils and other agencies we work with as without them this would not have been achievable.”
To achieve a bronze or silver sportscotland School Sport Award, schools self assess their current practice. However, to gain gold status an extensive external assessment is also carried out by an independent panel of experts.
The Young People’s Sports Panel were central in the development of the School Sport Award which means that young people were able to input at the earliest opportunity.
The award will help ensure that quality physical education and school sport is at the heart of each school and its wider community. They will also encourage schools to ensure there are opportunities for all children and young people to engage, participate and reach their potential in this area.
Throughout the assessment process schools are encouraged to reflect on current practice and focus on continual improvement. Support and guidance is available to schools to help improve the quality and quantity of physical education, physical activity, and sport opportunities available to children and young people.
