Leaders meet over sport curriculum

Wednesday 8th February 2012

Leading figures from the world of education and sport are gathering in Telford as the Youth Sport Trust's 2012 national conference gets under way.

The two-day conference allows school leaders the opportunity to share ideas and innovations on how sport can be used across the curriculum to improve attainment and achievement.

Headteachers, directors of specialism, PE teachers and school sport practitioners, including those from Youth Sport Trust Member and partner schools, will hear from high-profile speakers over the two days.

They include keynote addresses from Olympic gold medallist Jason Gardener; Steve Munby, chief executive of the National College for School Leadership; and Baroness Sue Campbell, chairman of the Youth Sport Trust.

Youth Sport Trust chief executive officer John Steele, said: "Our 2012 conference aims to provide inspiration and support to those involved in the delivery of school sport and demonstrate how sport can be used right across the curriculum to improve the performance of young people.

"With the Olympic and Paralympic Games on home soil this year, it is crucial that schools maximise the opportunity to motivate and inspire their pupils through PE and sport. If we can capitalise on this special moment in time we can put in place a platform that will lead to young people living healthier and more active lives."

A conference highlight will be discussions around the success of the Change4life sports clubs initiative, funded by the Department of Health. Designed to increase the number of school-based sports clubs the latest research shows the initiative has led more than 10,800 "non sporty" young people now choosing to take up sport.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "We have invested £8.4 million into Change4Life School Sports Clubs and the evaluation shows this has led to a 166% increase in non-sporty children choosing to play sport every week.

"In the next four years we will extend Change4Life School Sports Clubs and support School Games Organisers to take these benefits further and faster. This is great news and will help us achieve a real legacy for school sport and help make physical activity part of everyday life."

The conference is sponsored by TechnoGym and supported by PGL.

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