Sports - Outstanding Opportunites - David Ross Education Trust

The importance of sports and games in school encompasses more than just the benefit of physical activity. It increases self-esteem, highlights the importance of team work and engages and motivates young people.

The Trust has an innovative sports strategy that is transforming how sport is delivered and received across our network of academies. The strategy has five key areas.

Primary Sport

Primary sport has become an increased focus for the Trust. This includes:

The delivery of the unique Horizon programme to develop PE teaching, assessment and learning
Investment in court markings, kit and equipment to increase participation & encourage active lifestyles
Staff CPD across all academies in key areas
Creating a resource database for all academies to access lesson plans, rules and techniques
Introducing sports associations & Trust wide events to encourage more competition

Clubs and Coaching

The number of students doing 5+ additional sessions of sport per half term is up 14%, the number doing 8+ sessions is up 29%, and the number doing 10+ sessions is up by an incredible 47%.

These statistics highlight not just that more clubs are on offer, but that more students are selecting to take part in them. They are also inspired by the quality of coaching that they receive so that they keep coming back.

This is testament to the dedication of staff and the Trust’s partnerships with quality local clubs, without whom the coaching opportunities would be restricted.

Competition

From house tournaments to the Olympics, DRET students have taken an active part in competitive sport at every level. The highlight for many students is the headline Trust-wide event.

The Summer Cup, held at Grantham Meres Sports Stadium, saw over 1500 students take part in a celebration of competitive sport, with over a dozen Olympians helping to inspire and motivate them.

The number of students representing their county and local regions also grew significantly over the last 12 months, with some students also being selected to take part in training camps with national teams and governing bodies.

Talent

The Trust is supporting many talented athletes with the potential and ability to excel at the highest of levels.

The Charnwood College Basketball Team has won national titles, and even competed in the World 3×3 Championships in Ukraine. The football team at Malcolm Arnold Academy, run in partnership with AFC Rushden and Diamonds, has won many accolades and plaudits and individual students have benefited from scholarships and bursaries.

The All Star programme, bringing together the Trust’s best footballers and netballers into elite teams, has also strengthened. The football teams have taken on academy teams from leading Premiership and Championship clubs and the netballers have battled, and secured, victories against leading netball sides in their age group.

Inspiration and Motivation

The Trust is committed to providing students with the most inspiring opportunities.

Athletes like Rebecca Adlington have cheered students on at the Summer Cup. Lawrence Dallaglio has taught rugby, and on a regular basis leading athletes come and teach coaching sessions in schools.

Perhaps the most motivating factor for many students though has been seeing one of their peers being selected to compete at the Rio Olympics.

Tom Jarvis, a Year 11 student from Skegness Grammar School, was part of Team GB’s table tennis team, and was on the plane to Rio with many other athletes.

Testimonial

“It’s every athlete’s dream to go to the Olympics and I’m thrilled. My aim is to learn as much as I can and help the team perform as well as they can.

I’ve Googled the athletes’ village and it looks pretty good. I’ve heard a lot of people speak about it and how overwhelming it is, and I’m not really sure what to expect. But I’m pretty sure it will be amazing.”

Tom Jarvis

The first DRET student to represent Team GB at an Olympics

Testimonial

“I am so honoured to be part of this inspiring event. Being exposed to sport at a young age is so important and I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I had not been involved in sporting activities.

What’s great about the Summer Cup is that by bringing these academies together they have the opportunity to experience a high level of competition.”

Denise Lewis OBE

Olympic Gold Medalist