Special schools have always valued and developed links with wider agencies to improve pupil attainment and achievement through bringing PE and sport to life, accessing additional expertise, and supporting whole school development. As with all partnerships these links have also had a positive impact on the agencies involved, be that disability awareness training or expertise in developing more inclusive approaches.
Over the next few years, as more applied learning and vocational learning opportunities such as the Sport and Leisure diploma are developed, so the role of businesses (sports clubs through to national companies) will become even more important. To celebrate the role of businesses linking with special schools, Skills Active is delighted to support the 2008 Special Schools Innovation Award.
First prize - 50 free skills passports (active passports) for the winning school worth £500, plus a day's support to set learners up with their passports, and £1000.
Second prize - 25 free skills passports worth £250, plus support to set them up, and £500
The UK skills passport for the active leisure and learning sector is a unique, web-based facility for recording all the skills, qualifications and achievements of your staff. More information can be found at http://www.skillsactive.com/resources/skills-passport.
Schools wishing to apply should submit no more than 2000 words on their links with one or more businesses and how this has impacted on PE and school sport and pupil learning outcomes. The submission should cover aspects such as the rationale for the developments, what work was undertaken, and the impact on the school and pupils, as well as the business. Wider evidence such as pupil stories and photographs can be used to highlight the information provided.
Entries should be sent to: frances.brown@youthsportrust.org entitled ‘special schools innovation award 2008 – school name’
Closing date for the competition is 14 November 2008 and winners will be announced at the Special Schools Conference on 2 December.
