August 31, 2006

Five Gateshead Schools gain the prestigious IMPETUS AWARD

On Tuesday 18 July, five Gateshead schools became the first schools in the authority to gain the IMPETUS AWARD. School representatives received their certificates from Ann Nelson the National and North East Regional Co-ordinator, Maggie Atkinson Group Director Learning and Children, and Director of Children’s Services and the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Maureen Goldsworthy at the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Gateshead.

The Impetus Award is an active citizenship award promoting values, rights and responsibilities.

The ‘Impetus’ projects give young people the opportunity to tackle real issues in their schools and local community. The Award is promoted by the Citizenship Foundation, C.S.V and the Institute for Global Ethics.

The five schools to receive the award were Harlow Green Community Infant School for its Stepping Out Together project; Kells Lane Primary School for its Student Council Enterprise, Fell Dyke Community Primary School for its Healthy Communities Breakfast Club, Glynwood Community Primary School for their Male Family members School Club and Tyne View Community Primary School for their Inclusion and Equal Rights project.

Director of Children’s Services Maggie Atkinson, said:

“This programme encourages pupils to develop the confidence and courage they need to put their shared values into practice in the local community. The classroom is a place to teach pupils academic subjects but it is also important that pupils take away a sense of responsibility and citizenship that will help to shape successful communities of the future�.

IMPETUS AWARDS 2006-2007

Schools are invited to send a representative to the Impetus Award briefing meeting to be held on Thursday 28 September 2006 at 4.15 – 5.45 at the Dryden Centre.

Schools who wish to register for the 2006-2007 Impetus Award are asked to contact Alun Davies Health Education Adviser, Raising Achievement at The Dryden Centre, Evistones Road, Gateshead NE9 5UR – Tel: 0191 4338670.

Posted by Melody at 12:49 PM | Comments (1)

Citizenship Awards: 2006-2007

The Philip Lawrence Awards 2006.

This competition is open to 11 to 20 year olds who engage in praiseworthy activities in their local communities.

Nominations are now open in the following categories:-

• combating lawlessness and violence
• promoting community safety
• advancing racial harmony
• demonstration good citizenship
• supporting projects through schools

Closing date for nominations 15 September 2006.

Contact: info@4children.org.uk

Download application form

Posted by Melody at 12:41 PM | Comments (0)

August 30, 2006

Gateshead Physical Education Award

Congratulations to the following schools on gaining their “Awards� in 2005-2006.

Primary Schools

- Bede Community Primary School

- The Drive Community Primary School

- St Joseph’s Catholic Junior School, Birtley

- Larkspur Community Primary School

Secondary Schools

- St Edmund Campion

Schools are invited to register for this years Award 2006-2007.

Further details are available on the weblog or direct from Alun Davies, Physical Education and Sport Adviser, Raising Achievement at the Dryden Centre, Evistones Road, Gateshead NE9 5UR. Tel: 0191 4338670 or by Fax: 0191 4826500.

Please register your interest by 20 October 2006.

Posted by Melody at 12:47 PM | Comments (0)

August 29, 2006

Activemark, Sportsmark and Sports Partnership Mark 2006

Latest news on the new Activemark, Sportsmark and Sports Partnership Mark

• The kitemarks will in the future reward delivery of the National Physical Education School Sports Club Links Strategy (PESSCL).

• The kitemarks will be awarded annually, automatically through the national school sports survey.

The survey takes place during the summer term, starting in 2006, and the awards will be announced during the autumn term.

• The key indicator determining whether a school qualifies for one of the kitemarks will be its success in enabling pupils to take up their entitlement to at least 2 hours of high quality Physical Education and school sport each week.

Schools will have to demonstrate as a minimum that 75% of pupils take part in at least 2 hours of high quality Physical Education and school sport.

The final standard will be agreed after the school sport survey has been completed.

• Primary schools will also be assessed on the range of sports facilities (including dance) they offer.

- how many pupils are participating in club sport

• Secondary schools will also be assessed on the range of sports/activities (including dance) they offer:

- how many pupils are participating in club sport
- how many pupils take part in competitive school sport; and
- how many take on volunteering and leadership roles

Each year, a small panel will meet after the school sport survey has been completed to agree the standards schools and partnerships will need to demonstrate in order to be awarded one of the kitemarks.

The panel will be made up of a primary school headteacher, a secondary school headteacher, a special school headteacher and representatives from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Sport England, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), the Youth Sport Trust and the Association for Physical Education (afPE) and from a national governing body of sport.

The kitemarks will be awarded each year and will last for 12 months.

Schools Minister Andrew Adonis at the launch said:

“It’s important that school achievements in Physical Education and sport are publicly recognised and celebrated�.

“This scheme will help raise the profile of Physical Education and Sport and acknowledge the dedication of the many physical education teachers and coaches who go the extra mile to run out-of-school activities�.

For further information on the National School Sport Strategy visit www.teachernet.gov.uk/pe

Posted by Melody at 12:52 PM | Comments (0)