St Edward's CE Academy, Cheddleton in Staffordshire has been awarded the Association for Physical Education (afPE) Quality Mark. This is a prestigious award that evidences the strength and quality of Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA) in schools.

Over the years, the Academy has put a lot of effort into developing its Physical Education curriculum. Staff have implemented activities into classes and break times to support the pupils in improving their health and wellbeing.

Jason Carter, Physical Education Subject Lead at St Edward's CE Academy, Cheddleton said: "Without regular breaks, pupils can experience aching hands and waning concentration.

"Therefore, I've developed 'Active 15' which encourages all classes to introduce intermissions throughout the day to get the children up and moving.

"Activities include practising breathing techniques, star jump exercises and short dance sequences."

In a letter, notifying the school of their achievement, Sue Wilkinson MBE, the afPE Chief Executive Officer wrote: "The school has a comprehensive curriculum in place that offers pupils a broad and balanced experience.

"There's a strong assessment system in place which is utilised well across the school to ensure pupils are making good progress.

"Over the last few years, the school has trained staff members through various CPD opportunities and continues to monitor and develop through further courses and in-house coaching opportunities.

"They use education, physical activity and outdoor learning as a tool for whole school improvements. This includes academic engagement and achievement, improved behaviour and attendance as well as to enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum."

Jason said: "Achieving the prestigious afPE Quality mark, with distinction, is a fantastic achievement for St Edward's CE Academy, Cheddleton.

"Completing the application has showcased the vast opportunities for the children to develop physically, emotionally and socially. Everyone at the school, from Governors, staff and the pupils, have worked hard to implement and embed a range of different initiatives and it's brilliant to see this recognised."

St Edward's CE Academy, Cheddleton strongly supports CPD for its staff, the teachers have received training through a Forestry School and Orienteering course which supports the Academy's cross-curricular outdoor lessons.

Anne Hordern, Assistant Principal at St Edward's CE Academy, Cheddleton commented: "We're extremely lucky to have extensive wooded grounds for the children to explore.

"We've developed the area using the Academy's Sports Premium grant which now provides a fantastic range of opportunities for the children to enjoy, including ninja ropes, willow dens, hanging chairs, archery equipment and orienteering routes."

Pupils at St Edward's CE Academy, Cheddleton are split into groups and allocated different areas to spend their breaktimes, fully utilising the abundance of green space.

Anne continued: "The developments mean we've seen improvements in the children's abilities to disagree, compromise and solve with less adult intervention as they're happier and healthier.

"The Academy is now truly a better place for all children and staff because of the changes."

Sue wrote: "The Academy's lunchtime developments see pupils accessing a wide range of activities to develop their skills.

"It's evident from the visit how much pupils enjoyed these. Improving their physical activity levels and developing key skills such as teamwork through playing playground games co-operatively."

The Academy's award is valid for three years, with an engraved plaque to commemorate the achievement. St Edward's CE Academy, Cheddleton will also be listed on the afPE Quality Mark webpage.