As a Cheshire primary school with a strong reputation for sporting excellence, we are delighted to announce that Upton Heath has achieved the Silver School Games Mark for outstanding commitment to PE and sports over the 2018/19 academic year.

Upton Heath picked up the Silver School Games Mark following a year packed with a wide range of sporting opportunities for pupils during regular lesson time, in after school sports clubs and competitions, and through lunch time sporting activities. Upton Heath have also participated in sporting events organised by the Chester School Sports Partnership.

The School Games Mark is a government led awards scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community.

PE co-ordinator and year 3 teacher at Upton Heath C of E, Miss Briony Hodge said: “Our pupils have two lessons of PE each week and we want them to really enjoy and look forward to them. Providing the opportunity to try lots of different sports helps children to find a sport they love. This year we’ve had some brilliant sports organisations in school including Cheshire Phoenix Basketball, Warrington Wolves Rugby, Chester FC, Hoole Tennis Club, All Star Cricket and House of Dance.”

We’ve also enjoyed much sporting success at Upton Heath in 2019 with our KS1 mixed football team winning the Everton Mini Kickers Final, and our dance team going through to the June finals of The Great Big Dance Off. Upton Heath have also had success in tournaments for football, netball, tag rugby, cricket, hockey, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and water polo.

Miss Hodge added: “Through sport, we help children to see not only the physical benefits but the emotional, social, moral and intellectual benefits too. Sport teaches children about playing fairly, treating others equally and helps pupils to be more alert to learn. Our sports coaches provide a timetable of activities during lunch times, so there is always a sport to play for a wellbeing boost.”