REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2007-2008 - Pershore High School

Physical Education and School SportReport by Ian James, Head of Department2007-2008 began superbly thanks to the exceptional results achieved by our GCSE and A Levelstudents once again – 78% A*-C at GCSE and 80% A-C at A Level. The vast majority of Year 13students achieved above expectation with 67% achieving A or B grades, enabling them to go on tostudy their first choice university courses.The department continues to thrive, enhanced with the appointments of Alison Lockley and LoriKendall. It is no coincidence that the number of students attending extra-curricular clubs hasincreased and new ideas and initiatives have been introduced. The department continues to providethe best opportunities for all students through an extensive range of curricular and extra-curricularactivities. Students respond well to the options systems in place, ensuring each individual follows theirown sporting pathway from Year 8 through to Year 11 and beyond. Further improvements to thecurriculum are planned from September to incorporate new National Curriculum changes, whilst alsoallowing students even greater choice. I am delighted that we are now in a position to offerexamination dance from September with 14 students opting to study BTEC Performing Arts: Dance.The quality of dance has improved dramatically in recent years and many students make a substantialcontribution in school productions and festivals.In her role as PE and School Sport Coordinator (PESSCo), Becky Forshaw has forged even strongerlinks with our local First and Middle schools and our community clubs. Moreover, through the newSchool Sports Council, many students have been able to make a valued contribution, helping to raisethe profile of PE and School Sport further. The department continues to use our qualified leaders tohost dance, gymnastics and leadership festivals for students in our feeder schools from Years 4 to 7.For the first time, our Year 10 netball leaders have coached students at Cherry Orchard First School,which has been an excellent development. In addition, many new sports festivals have taken placethis year as a part of the newly formed South and West Sports Partnership. More students fromPershore High participated in the events than any other school in the partnership. The festival eventswere: trampolining, rugby, dance, cheerleading (girls), hockey and badminton (boys). Further eventsare planned for rounders, football (girls), softball, rugby and rowing (boys). For the first time this yearour Year 12 Community Sports Leaders and Year 10 Junior Sports Leaders will be teaming up todeliver a major sports event for over 160 Year 4 students from our 12 local First schools. The event isin conjunction with a Puzzle and Problem-solving activity and promises to be an exciting event for allconcerned.The many successes and highlights have been publicised in the local press and school newsletter.Most of these are listed below:• District RepresentativesBryn Evans and James Parkin (cricket)Katie Clasen, Abigail Pallett, Joshua Carr, Jo Train, Nathan Jones, Adam Gordon,Hannah Train and Scott Law (Cross Country)• County RepresentativesWilliam Worthington and Stuart Grant (football)Ellen Smith, Courtney Hewison, Katie Clasen, Beth Marler, Vicky Barrett, Charlotte Amphlett,Emma Hall, Katie Clarke and Samuel Cross (cricket)Esther and Hannah Chidlow and Cody Aldington (netball)Victoria Wassell, Katie Clasen, Abigail Pallet (swimming)Esther Chidlow, Beth Marler, Katie Clasen (hockey)Ella Gibbons (high jump)Hannah Train (cross country)• National RepresentativesStephanie Holmes (kayaking)Jessica and Rebecca Dawkes (sailing)Stuart Grant (football - England trialist and ESFA Midlands representative)