On 3rd November 2003 Sport England announced that it has given Sir Thomas Rich's School its most prestigious award - Sportsmark Gold.
We were given Sport England's "Sportsmark" award earlier this year. However we are delighted that this has now been up-graded to their highest award, Sportsmark Gold. This is a formal recognition by the country's sport development agency of this school's commitment to sport, for all our pupils, both within timetabled lessons and in our extensive extra-curricular provision.
The areas Sport England assessed included:
· the allocation of timetabled lessons to physical education;
· the encouragement of positive sporting attitudes;
· sporting opportunities provided for students out of school hours;
· opportunities for competition for students in a wide range of sports;
· links with sports clubs in the community;
· leadership training for students.
The demanding criteria necessary for Sportsmark Gold include:
at least two hours of timetabled physical education lessons each week;
at least 50% of all pupils regularly taking part in out-of-hours sporting activity in school, led by suitably qualified teachers and coaches;
at least 20% of students must be involved in an outside sports club with which the school has links.
The vetting process is most rigorous and it is therefore a tremendous compliment to the school's staff that they have achieved this honour. It is recognition of their hard work in providing our pupils with a wealth of opportunities in sport. We are committed to ensuring that our students are not only aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle but that they participate actively and hence lay firm foundations for development through later life.
Sports opportunities provided at Sir Thomas Rich's include rugby, soccer, cricket, athletics, cross country, netball, hockey, swimming, basketball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, indoor cricket, indoor soccer, climbing, skiing, fitness training. Our sports facilities originally consisted of a Gymnasium, changing rooms and extensive fields but recent extensions include a completely renovated indoor heated swimming pool plus changing rooms (thanks to a grant from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts) and a Sports Hall and fitness centre and further changing rooms (thanks to a grant from Sport England). All these facilities are open to, and well used by, our local community.
Just a few of Tommies' "Sporting Stars"!