PE & School Sport
 

The National Assembly for Wales' PE and School Sport Action Plan was published in June 2001. The plan promotes a common vision for improving standards in PE and School Sport. It identifies ways in which the Assembly and all partners involved in providing PE and School Sport might take action to address the identified shortcomings. (See PE & School Sport in Bridgend at bottom of page)

Bridgend County Borough Council has been awarded a sum of £2,060,000 to improve facilities used for PE, school sport and community use. Following evaluation by the Sports Council for Wales and New Opportunities Fund a series of priority projects have been agreed to meet the aspirations of the National Assembly task force.

Cynffig Comprehensive - New 4 court sports hall

Ogmore Comprehensive - Floodlit all weather pitch/dance studio

Ynysawdre Comprehensive - Refurbishment of sports barn/floodlit multi sport courts

Heronsbridge School - Outdoor changing pavilion/court markings

Pencoed College - Indoor climbing wall

Bryntirion Comprehensive - Floodlit all weather pitch
 

The projects have been given a priority order and are dependent on the budget availability. The projects at Heronsbridge, Pencoed College and Ogmore Comprehensive have already gained approval.

The Out of School Hours Learning Programme

What is the ‘School Sport’ Programme?

The ‘School Sport’ programme is one of three initiatives funded by the New Opportunities Fund to encourage young people to participate in out of school hours activities. The School Sport programme which commenced in April 2003 in Bridgend aims to increase the range and quality of sporting activities in areas of disadvantage and to encourage all young people to take part in extra curricular physical activity.

Nature of the Activities

Playing for Success is a learning based programme that develops children’s skills in numeracy, literacy and ICT through the medium of football. It is an initiative that has been successfully developed in England through funding from the Dfes (Department for education and skills) and links professional football clubs with study support centres and schools across England. Bridgend County Borough has been able to develop the programme through funding from NOF and support from Cardiff City Football Club.

Tri-Golf is a mini version of the adult game, designed specifically for children in primary and junior schools.

Get Set Cycling is a cycling development programme aiming to develop new skills and increase safety awareness.

Fit for Life will support schools to deliver health related exercise programmes within after school clubs

PE and School Sport in Bridgend

The Welsh Assembly in June 2001, produced a PE and School Sport Action Plan that sets out to promote a common vision for improving standards in PE and School Sport.

The work is conducted within Development Centres. These centres include the secondary school and the local feeder primary schools, along with other outside agencies that are committed to promoting the common vision of improving standards in PE and School Sport.

The first centre in Bridgend was Cynffig Comprehensive, the feeder primary schools, Pencoed College, Heronsbridge School and The KPC Youth Centre.

The second centre is Maesteg Comprehensive School, the structure of the centre is similar to that of Cynffig but in addition, has created very strong links with Maesteg Sports Centre.

Each centre has common targets that include:

* Developing resources and activities that will ease transition between the key phases of learning;

* Developing and extending resources and accommodation in order to raise the profile of PE and School Sport;

* Develop a structured programme for Continuous Professional Development for teachers.

A key focus for both centres has been to work closely with outside agencies. Cynffig Comprehensive was keen to broaden the range of activities offered to girls during curriculum and extra-curricular time. One such activity has been Sports Aerobics. The department has been working closely with the National Development Officer and a qualified coach from the Sports Development Unit. The girls from years 10 and 11 are now working towards demonstrating the work they have produced to Heads of Departments, and PE Co-ordinators from all over Mid Glamorgan.