Batley school scoops top award from Yorkshire Sport Foundation

Staff and pupils at Warwick Road Primary School in Batley Carr were jumping for joy after winning an award for PE.

The school is one of the West Yorkshire winners in the Yorkshire Primary PE Awards 2020, organised by the Yorkshire Sport Foundation.

Physical education is just as important as brain power for Warwick Road’s 360 children.

Head teacher Mrs Shamsha Qureshi said: “The school is thrilled to win this award.

“We have introduced sport into as many aspects of school life as we can, even maths lessons and lunchtime where we had half-an-hour of sports coaching.

“We have after-school clubs and we also have links to Batley Cricket Club. Our sports day at Batley Cricket Club was a whole day event where we invited parents along.

“It’s all about mental health and well-being. If children are physically healthy, they will be mentally healthy as well.”

The school’s Sports Premium funding was invested in a project developed by PE lead Miss Emily Buckley, who has since moved on. Her role has now been taken by Miss Asima Gokalia.

Mrs Qureshi added: “The aim at Warwick Road is to educate minds, develop healthy bodies and promote positive attitudes towards a lifetime of physical activity, fitness and sports skills.”

To that end the school challenged youngsters to complete the “three peaks.”

The bronze level was a walk to Batley Park; silver to Ingleton Waterfalls; and gold to Ingleborough and Malham Cove.

The hikes were called off when schools closed but it is hoped to resume them later this year along with swimming lessons.

Olympic swimmer James Kirton will announce the overall Yorkshire award winners live on YouTube on October 13.