Local children visit the secondary school to benefit from its Primary Sports Offer

Pupils from six local primary schools have taken part in a tag rugby festival at West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, thanks to the school’s Primary Sports Offer. 

The primary schools taking advantage of West Exe’s Primary Sports Offer are Alphington, Exwick Heights, Ide, Bowhill, St Gabriel’s and St Thomas.  Each school is invited to participate in six festivals across the school year, these involve a wide range of sports from cross country and multi skills to tag rugby.

Each school also takes part in a Year 6 Competitive sporting league in football and netball, with the Cowick Cats Netball Club delivering a free coaching session for all primary students involved.  All events are assisted by West Exe Sports Leaders who help plan , organise, and deliver each event.

On Monday 29th January West Exe held their last week of the Year 6 Netball league.  They had teams from Alphington, Bowhill, Exwick Heights, St Gabriel’s and St Thomas, each school played each other over the course of 4 weeks and the league consisted of Year 6 students playing in a seven a side format.

Aside from the clear physical and mental benefits of taking part in sports, it is hoped that allowing the primary children to experience the surroundings and atmosphere of a secondary school will make the transition when leaving primary school easier. 

The Primary Sports Offer means that there is an opportunity for each primary student to visit West Exe for a sporting activity in each year of the primary education from Year 1-6, meaning they develop strong links and familiarity to the school, which is especially helpful for those joining them for their secondary education journey.

On Tuesday 30th January, West Exe held a Gymnastics Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshop at Bowhill.  Teachers from Bowhill and St Thomas took part in the session which was delivered by Lianne Johnson who is a gym specialist with extensive knowledge and expertise in gymnastics.  A West Exe student assisted with the session to very ably demonstrate the skills and supports needed.

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said: “I am so proud of our Primary Sports Offer here at West Exe, not only does it encourage children to try out new sports and form a positive relationship with exercise, it also helps them become comfortable in a secondary school environment.  

“Forging strong links with the other schools and teachers in our local community is very important to me and it’s brilliant to be able to offer them training sessions from some of our expert sports leaders.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said: “I am delighted that West Exe provides such a strong Primary Sports Offer, part of the Ted Wragg Trust mission is to make sure we benefit and strengthen our local communities, and this is an excellent example of that.”