School set to supply next generation of sport stars

Jan 23 2010 by Dave Black, The Journal

STUDENTS in a former pit town famed for its sporting heroes are getting a head start in their efforts to become the next generation of star performers.

A report by a watchdog has praised the quality of physical education at a school in Ashington – the breeding ground of soccer legends Bobby and Jack Charlton and Jackie Milburn, cricket ace Steve Harmison and top golfer Kenneth Ferrie.

Ashington High, which is a 1,100-student specialist sports college, has been given an “outstanding” rating by Ofsted for the overall effectiveness and achievement of its PE department.

Inspectors say talented and gifted students are part of an excellent development programme which hones their skills and sets them on the right path in their chosen sports.

Under tough new Ofsted criteria an outstanding rating for PE is difficult to attain, and the accolade has delighted staff at the school which gained sports college status in 2001.

The report says learning and progress overall in PE is outstanding – as is the quality of PE teaching, the curriculum and extra-curricular programme, leadership and management and the school’s capacity for further improvement.

It says students are highly committed to PE and sport, concentrate hard, are determined to improve and have a strong commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Levels of performance and decision-making skills are above average, participation rates are high and behaviour is very good.

Inspector Gillian Salter-Smith said: “Students use their leadership skills exceptionally well to lead and manage daily active lunchtimes that include a wide range of sporting activities such as dodge ball and fitness games.

“The substantial number of students identified as gifted and talented follow a very good programme that develops their attributes more fully and supports them in their chosen sports.”

Yesterday Ashington High headteacher Rob Kitching, who used to be director of sport at the school, said: “This is high praise, not just for the staff but also for the students who are fully behind the sports college ethos. With new Ofsted criteria, to get an outstanding rating for PE is rare, and we believe this is a hell of an achievement. The bar has been raised and we plan to keep it going.”