Blackburn with Darwen Sports Council Primary School of the Year Award

On Friday 26^th September, we were honoured to attend the Blackburn with Darwen Sport’s Council Awards Evening at Ewood Park where we were awarded Blackburn with Darwen Sport’s Council Primary School of the Year Award.

This was a very special evening and it was wonderful to meet other members of the Blackburn with Darwen Community who are united by a shared vision of helping others through sport.

The Primary School of the Year award recognises St Cuthbert's many successes over the last year; particularly with regards to girl’s sport. This has resulted in girls representing St Cuthbert’s at higher levels within sport and an increasing number of pupils wanting to participate in a range of extra-curricular clubs.

A key focus in the boy’s football this year has been sportsmanship and at the end of the year we received the sportsmanship award which demonstrates the impact of the strategies implemented. Throughout the year, we have observed improved confidence, teamwork and emotional wellbeing. No matter the ability of the children at St Cuthbert's they enjoy physical activity and our main goal is that all children are engaged and happy. PE and school sport positively impact on pupil’s behaviour and attendance and helps them to focus on the school day. As a school, we aim to offer a wide range of sports clubs to interest all children including Football, Netball, Cricket, Rounders, Archery, Fencing, Tennis, Cross Country and Gymnastics.

Over the past year, we have celebrated a number of achievements including becoming the girls’ football league champions in the Darwen league for the second time, the Darwen netball league champions, BwD tennis winners, BwD Y3/4 girls gymnastics winners and second place for the girls Y5/6 cross country team. We have also achieved Gold school games mark for the 3rd year running and aim to apply for the Platinum award next year.

At St Cuthbert's, we believe that participation is key and as such, have focused on inclusivity and participation making sure everyone gets a chance to access sports and extra-curricular activities. An example of this is ensuring that we offer places to pupils in receipt of PPG and have arranged for PPG free places when working with external providers.

It was an honour to receive this award and is testament to the passion and dedication of Mr Ellison and all school staff in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle through developing a love of sport.