We are delighted to announce that we have achieved the School Games Gold Mark Award for the 2021/22 academic year.

The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward and recognise school’s engagement (provision and uptake) in the School Games against a national benchmark and to celebrate keeping young people active, and we are delighted to have been recognised for our success.

We are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of physical activity and school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our events possible. We are committed to using the School Games to try and engage those young people who haven’t previously been active or represented our school and to try and ensure that all our students have a positive experience and want to try out new activities beyond school too in our community. We believe in the power of physical activity and school sport as a school and give opportunities to those young people that need it most either as a participant, leader, official or volunteer.

As part of our application, we were asked to fulfil criteria in the areas linked to the five School Games outcomes and we are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year.

Gedling School Games Organisor, Terri Elliott, made the following comments about our physical activity and school sport achievements this year: 

"Arno Vale have always been a very proactive school and it is nice to be able to award them a Gold School Games Mark award again this year.

The school has fully embraced the new ethos and approach to competition offered and have made a real effort to ensure all pupils are active and engaged.   Approximately 75% of Yr 6 pupils have been out of school to attend a Gedling School Games event, with team selections being based on who would benefit most from the experience rather than who has the highest level of sporting competence.

The school took advantage of Gedling School Games in-house Xmas themed teambuilding activity sessions designed to support transition and I have been into the school to work with the class ambassadors, helping to develop their pupil voice system and active playtime programme that allows classes to have a say in what intra-school sports activities are offered.  

I had the privilege of attending Arno Vales Sports Day (School Games Day) this summer and was impressed to see a wide range of sports / activities being offered (basketball, boccia, archery, tri-golf to name a few) with something for everyone and an opportunity for every child to take part in a race, competing against runners of similar ability.  The event was a huge success and enjoyed immensely by all involved.  

I am pleased to be able to verify this application.  

Well Done Arno Vale."

A special thanks to:

• All the staff, pupils and families at Arno Vale Junior School
• Terri Elliott, Gedling School Games Organisor
• Arnold Hill Young Leaders
• Next Level Sports
• LTA Nottingham
• Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

We look forward to applying once again in 2023!