The Vyne school wins a prestigious sporting award (From Basingstoke Gazette)

The Vyne school wins a prestigious sporting award

9:00am Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

A BASINGSTOKE secondary school is believed to be the first in the town to be awarded a prestigious accolade.

The School Games Kitemark was only launched in June by the Government.

Sponsored by Sainsbury’s, the aim is to reward schools for their commitment to developing competition in school and the community.

Schools in England can gain either a bronze, silver or gold level of the kitemark, with the first awarded in July this year.

To gain its silver award, the team at The Vyne had to provide evidence to show it offers sporting opportunities for all pupils.

This included evidence to show all pupils take part in at least two hours of PE each week; it promotes school sports games; it offers opportunities for the less active young people; and it offers meaningful opportunities for disabled students to take part in competitions.

Kevin Light, head of PE, hopes the school, in Vyne Road, South View, can now work towards gaining the gold award.

He said: “At The Vyne, we pride ourselves on offering as many opportunities for students of all abilities to take part in physical activity to include competitive sport in schools or against other schools.

“Sports such as archery, indoor bowls and dance mats have been important in encouraging less active students to participate in physical activity. Our students are extremely enthusiastic about leading others in sport, particularly in after-school activities where older students are often found managing younger teams, leading sessions, and officiating at Vyne or Basingstoke school tournaments.

“The staff and children at the school are really pleased all their hard work has been recognised with this prestigious award.”