A LOCAL primary school has been recognised for the second successive year for its commitment to ensuring all pupils take part in competitive sport.

Cornwood C of E Primary was awarded the Sainsbury’s School Games gold mark for its very high rates of participation – an impressive 95 per cent of Key Stage 2 pupils represented their school at a range of events.

Every pupil in the age group takes part in intra-school competitions four times a year, which are organised in mixed teams over a range of sports including gymnastics, tag rugby, Kwik Cricket and handball. The winning two teams then represent the school at Moorsway Federation finals. School teams also take part in the Ivybridge Learning Community events, and a ‘Change4Life’ club encourages children to try new sports. KS1 children took part in their own age appropriate multiskills competitions.

As part of the criteria for the award, the school celebrates their sporting achievements by contributing to a blog on the Sainsbury’s School Games website. Children take turns to act as reporters and post their articles about different events.

Following the school’s Sainsbury’s School Games Day last June, the children in Year 3/4 wrote reports and the best two were added to the school blog. Last month, the school received an email to say that Josie Barnes’ report had won the school £400 to spend on sports equipment.

Josie and the Sports Council discussed what they wanted to buy, and the school recently took delivery of two handball goals, two ‘Crazy Catch’ rebound nets, and other equipment for play leaders to use at lunchtime.