As a Sports College we believe that through maintaining a basic level of fitness and good health students not only gain huge physical benefits but also learn important social skills – as individuals and as part of a team. Students learn tolerance, cooperation, sportsmanship, how to accept and manage responsibility plus many other valuable attributes.

By being fit and healthy students are better prepared for learning. Research has shown that: enhanced brain function, energy levels, perception of body-builds, self-esteem and behaviour have been attributed to physical activity and to improved academic performance; sport is an important leisure activity for adults and children; sport can contribute to neighbourhood renewal by breaking down barriers to social inclusion and promoting healthy living. The Academy will be the hub for the community for family learning, providing positive role models for students and building confidence in adults, encouraging everyone to take on new learning activities.

As a Sports College we have set two priorities to ensure that sport helps drive the Academy forward:
1. To raise attainment in Physical Education and school sport. This priority aims to:
• ensure the delivery of Physical Education and school sport of the highest quality
• ensure that Physical Education and sport initiatives complement national and local plans.

2. To maximise the wider impact of effective Physical Education and school sport. This priority aims to:
• monitor the impact of quality Physical Education and school sport
• focus on improved attendance and reduced
exclusions
• promote outdoor play and Early Years
development
• promote the links between participation and
citizenship
• link with the strategies for health, particularly the Healthy Schools initiative
• monitor and promote the contribution to the Every Child Matters agenda.

For full information about our Sports Specialism download our new prospectus (3.2Mb pdf)