Pembrokeshire Schools are first past the survey post!
Greenhill Secondary School, Brynconin Primary and Solva Community School have become the first schools in Pembrokeshire to complete the national School Sport Survey 2013.
With thousands of pupils at primary and secondary schools across Wales already completing the survey, the schools are the first in the area to qualify for a full report of their pupils’ participation in sport at school and in the local community.
Information to provide new structure
Schools and local authorities that get enough pupils filling in the survey will receive a detailed picture of the sporting opinions of their young people.
It’s hoped the information will help them make decisions and improvements to their sporting structure and get more young people playing sport.
Vital information
The data will also be used by Sport Wales and the Welsh Government to inform decisions on policy and investment.
The Sport Wales School Sport Survey is being completed during the summer term by schools throughout the country. When last carried out in 2011 it was the biggest ever survey of children, young people and sport.
Ben’s backing the survey
Ben Field, Manger of Sport Pembrokeshire - Pembrokeshire County Council’s Sport Development service - said data from the survey would provide valuable information about pupils’ well-being and attitudes to keeping healthy.
“It will also tell us much about levels of participation, enjoyment in learning and community involvement and decision making,” he said.
Hoping for high participation levels
The 2011 survey found that the level of club participation for primary school pupils was at its highest recorded level (85%) since 2000, while the gender gap between boys and girls taking part in sport was found to increase through secondary school years.
All pupils in school years three to 11 are being asked to complete the survey by the end of term.
Prof Laura leads the way
Sport Wales Chair, Professor Laura McAllister said:
“It is my view that a school with sport at its heart is a good quality school and I’m delighted that Greenhill, Brynconin and Solva are showing a commitment to improve the opportunities they provide for their pupils.
“The level of data collected through the School Sport Survey in 2013 will allow us to make considerable headway in understanding what is happening ‘on the ground’ and understanding attitudes towards sport and physical recreation.
“It will also inform decisions we make on planning, which is why it is so important for our partners – particularly in local authorities – as we look to build on the major events in London in 2012 and Glasgow 2014.”