Grange Park reach the gold standard

Grange Park Primary School in Stirchley has been awarded the prestigious Sainsbury's Kitemark gold award for the first time.

Headteacher Richard Thorpe said he was delighted with the national accolade, which recognised the school's commitment to offering Key Stage 2 pupils exciting PE sessions and additional sporting activities.

After scooping a bronze award last year, Grange Park put together a plan, which has now been rewarded with gold status.

Thorpe said: "It's a fantastic achievement for everybody at Grange Park. PE and sport have always had a high profile at the school, but we've ramped it up a level over the past 12 months.

"We really try and focus on team work and participation together with health and fitness – and they've all helped to engage the children. We've got strength in depth with our PE team.

"We've worked alongside Crossbar Coaching Education in Sport for some time, and this year we've employed an additional member of staff, Lee James.

"He works in partnership with Gail Rance, our PE co-ordinator, and Mark Green, who helps coach a lot of our teams."

Thorpe said Grange Park pupils regularly compete against other local schools.

"We enter lots of competitions across Telford & Wrekin," he said. "There's a real variety of sports, from gymnastics to boccia – which is one of the paralympic sports – through to the traditional sports.

"Children have the chance to take part at all levels. We also do lots of inter-school events where classes enjoy competing against each other in sports like tag rugby."

Thorpe added Grange Park, which has 430 pupils, has also introduced the Daily Mile, which encourages staff and pupils to walk a mile during the school day.