A South Shields primary school has retained its School Games Platinum Mark status – an accolade they first earned in 2018.
St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was awarded the accolade by the School Games Committee for a “consistently high commitment to school sport and development of PE”.
The sporty school is the only school in South Tyneside to hold this prestigious PE and Sport National award.
Brian McVittie, PE co-ordinator and Y3 teacher, said: “We are determined to keep striving to improve opportunities for everyone. Sport has the ability to enhance pupils’ discipline, character, communication, resilience and teamwork skills, which provide the tools to success in all subject areas and future life.”
St Bede’s provides children with a wide range of sports provision in both curriculum time and after school. They take part in inter-school competitions and enter multiple teams so children of all abilities can be involved. This term, the children across early years, infants and juniors are looking forward to attending local sports festivals.
“Everyone at St. Bede’s should be proud of this award, as everyone has played their part,” said Mr McVittie.
“Lunchtime supervisors keenly encourage activity, while parents keep their children moving outside of school and get them involved in local community clubs. But most importantly, this award is recognition for our fantastic children who seek to lead healthy lives and enthusiastically get involved in school sport.
“We hope to further inspire our children to get involved in local community clubs; this will enable sport to remain part of their lives after they have moved on from St. Bede’s.”