School Sport Survey 2013 - an Important Tool, by Kate Fox Parry

As preparations for the beginning of the 2013 School Sport Survey are well underway, Kate Fox-Parry – Headteacher of Ysgol Gynradd Cae’r Nant, Connah’s Quay, Flintshire explains why she feels it is so important for every school to take part.

Last year, 2012 was the year that had the X factor as far as British Sport was concerned. I am sure that the spectacle of the Olympic and Paralympic Games inspired everyone young and old? I was certainly sitting on the edge of my seat and glued to the T.V. screen for the whole of the Olympics. This was followed by an inspirational Ryder Cup Team that claimed victory from the edge of defeat in Medinah and not forgetting the physical strength and mental tenacity demonstrated by Bradley Wiggins in winning the Tour de France earlier in the year. The children returned to school after the summer holidays buzzing with excitement, and eager to begin practising their physical education skills and playing for the school teams.

The Sport Wales School Sport Survey is an important tool for it will inform future physical education and sports provision for Wales and so I urge as many schools as possible to participate in the survey so that the “big picture” is clear. Educators and students will be able to inform us via their responses of how they want to shape physical education provision both in school and in their communities. Pupils will have a voice and an opportunity to have their say. As a school you will receive a personalised report which will provide valuable information about your pupils and your school and the standards of well-being, physical participation and attitudes that your young people have. This will obviously allow you to plan for future provision in your Local Authority and school and may be the evidence base for future Estyn inspections.       

Every day sports personalities from all around the world perform their skills at the highest level unifying the world with their brilliance and inspiring others to replicate their feats and successes. Each one was once a child, a pupil at a school and must have been inspired themselves to develop their talents and pursue their individual goals. The source of inspiration could have been parents, coaches or very often their teachers. As professionals we need to realise the positive influences we can have on shaping our children’s education and developing their knowledge, skills and self- esteem as well as nurturing our future sporting heroes. The physical well-being of pupils in Wales needs and depends on you SO PLEASE ALLOW TIME TO RESPOND.