The Create faculty of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi has finished top of the class after their work in PE received a glowing report from Sport Wales and the Association for Physical Education (afPE), and achieving the ActiveMark Cymru award.

ActiveMark Cymru endorses schools that are committed to developing high quality physical education and school sport and for promoting the benefits of physical activity. The award is one of the highest accolades a school can achieve for provision in PE and involves a rigorous assessment procedure.

ActiveMark Cymru is awarded to schools who, in the opinion of the assessors, demonstrate a commitment to developing quality Physical Education and School Sport for all children. Strengths highlighted by the assessors included the way the PE department at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi systematically looks at ways to improve the quality of physical education.

Chair of Sport Wales, Professor Laura McAllister, said:

"We believe that schools play an essential role in building a Wales in which children are hooked on sport for life. We know the importance of being active to the future life chances of a young person, and that schools are central to providing every child with the physical skills and confidence to take part and enjoy.”

Headteacher Mrs Nicola James said:

“Achieving this award is very important for the school as it recognizes the hard work and commitment of our PE staff, without whom none of this would be possible, and I warmly congratulate all the staff who have contributed to this success, particularly Mr Rob Evans and Mrs Elin Davies. We have spent the last ten months fundraising for a new school gym because we understand that sport helps young people develop confidence and self-discipline, alongside the very real health benefits that sport brings. There are also clearly great learning benefits to be had from regular and sustained physical activity such as developing concentration skills and a feeling of achievement. This new gym should ensure that the school’s work in PE continues to go from strength to strength.”

Head of the Create faculty at the school, Mr Rob Evans, said:

“We are extremely proud and honoured to receive this prestigious Active Mark Cymru Award. We have been recognised by Active Mark Cymru for our commitment to developing high quality PE which is inclusive for all our pupils. Active Mark Cymru recognised many strengths in our school, including the newly introduced world class school gym and the endless opportunities and developments that this holds. It was also highlighted that the department is hardworking and forward thinking and we were praised for embracing national priorities and enhancing our own curriculum as a result.”

A spokesperson for the Association for Physical Education said:

“There is strong evidence that children who receive high quality physical education within curriculum time build a firm basis for future participation and achievement; and also do better in the rest of their schooling. It is good to see that schools that make high quality provision for physical education also report higher achievement across the school, in other subjects, but also in behaviour, attendance and retention. Physical education in schools is a great investment!”