TGS is delighted to have won the Outstanding Secondary Practice Award at the Youth Sport Trust’s 2022 Conference for helping our pupils to improve their wellbeing and achievement through the power of sport.
The award, sponsored by Ortus Energy and presented at a ceremony in Coventry on March 2, recognises a school which has harnessed the power of physical activity, PE and sport to transform the lives of young people and put wellbeing at its heart.
TGS was recognised for its work as part of the Well Schools Movement, a national community of professionals and stakeholders who believe that wellbeing should be at the heart of education. As a Well School we have tackled gritty societal issues head on over the last year using the Well School framework. The Well School ethos is complemented by an investment in staff to drive the depth and breadth of the work.
Over the last year, the school has changed the way it does things to keep our young people active. We have used PE to re-engage students in the summer term, with a whole school sports day being a pivotal moment for the school community. We also gave students a say in shaping an extra-curricular programme that would increase participation for disadvantaged students. In addition, a number of students have been receiving mentoring from athlete mentors to develop life skills and increase their confidence, self-belief and motivation.
On winning the award, Headteacher Joanna Halliday said:
“It is fantastic to win this award. It is a reflection of a lot of people’s work and the excellent leadership and creativity of the team to connect the community and create a sense of togetherness over the last year.”
Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said:
“The Youth Sport Trust would like to congratulate Theale Green School, the winner of our Inspiring Changemakers Outstanding Secondary Practice Award. They have demonstrated a huge commitment to the central role of play, sport and physical education in young people’s recovery from the consequences of the pandemic – using it to build back wellbeing and accelerate academic progress.”
A total of nine awards were presented at the Youth Sport Trust Awards hosted by former Paralympic swimmer Kate Grey and broadcaster and retired sprinter Jeanette Kwakye MBE. All awards aligned to the theme of ‘Inspire a Generation’ linking to the 10th Anniversary of London hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
