STUDENTS and staff at Teign School in Kingsteignton, part of Education South West, are celebrating as the school has achieved the School Games Gold Mark Award.

The School Games Mark is a government-led award scheme which launched in 2012.  It is facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community.

At Teign School, the sports centre allows not only the delivery of the formal Physical Education curriculum but also a comprehensive provision of competitive sports to more recreational activities.

Just a few of the sporting achievements by students this year are as follows; 675 students are attending extra-curricular sports clubs this year so far or are competing for school teams.

206 Year 7 students were introduced to life skills through PE lessons making children think as well as play! 105 students are involved in the school’s sports leadership and volunteering clubs, events or qualifications.

65 students attended the new surf club and after-school trips to Cornwall. 55 students engaged in the 'Active in Mind' wellbeing programme. 26 students attended inclusive mixed football events. 23 students attended the student-led multi-sports club to increase physical activity levels.

King Surf- Teign School
King Surf- Teign School (Contributed)

The school would also like to give a special thanks to NARFC, Daniel Lugg, Chudleigh Bowls Club, NA Table Tennis Club, Two Sisters Dance Co, Sam Shaw, Exeter Chiefs and Teignbridge Titans Netball Club.

Lucie Wagner, the Head of School, revealed that everyone “Is delighted to have been awarded the School Games Gold Mark. We are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who make our sporting competitions possible.  A huge thank you also needs to go to our fantastic teachers from other curriculum areas who lead a number of extracurricular clubs and fixtures - we couldn't do it all without your support!”

Meanwhile, the CEO of Education South West Matthew Shanks had this to say about the success.

“I want to say a massive congratulations to Teign School on this achievement. It’s brilliant that their hard work providing such a diverse and enriching range of sporting activities has been recognised. I also want to give thanks to all the community sports groups that work so closely with the school to enrich young people's lives, it really is much appreciated.”

All Education South West schools have UNICEF Rights Respecting accreditation, which recognises their commitment to creating safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive.

This award ties in well with Teign’s Ofsted review- they were rated as good and the inspectors noted that there are many opportunities for pupils to be active citizens.