Active Young People  Active Young People (AYP) in Merthyr Tydfil covers both the Dragon Sport and 5x60 programmes. AYP officers also support the current PE & School Sport (PESS) initiatives running in schools. These programmes aim to increase levels of participation in extra curricular sport & physical activity in all primary and secondary schools across the borough. 3 AYP Officers have each been allocated a cluster to work within, these have been split according to the secondary schools (Cyfarthfa, Afon Taf, Bishop Hedley/Pen y Dre). Every primary school and community club in each cluster who run Dragon Sport clubs will receive support and guidance from their AYP Officer.
AYP officers will work closely with school staff and community club coaches to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to raising standards and increasing opportunities for all young people. It is our aim to provide the best opportunities for extra curricular sport & physical activity in the borough
Raising Standards - Extending Opportunities
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The National Assembly and Sports Council for Wales are working in partnership to improve and develop the quality of curriculum PE and sport in schools across Wales. ‘PE and School Sport’ is one of three programs developing youngsters into Active Young People. Its sister programs develop out of hours clubs in primary schools (Dragon Sport) and in secondary schools (5 x 60).
Schools in Merthyr Tydfil work within their clusters (PESS Partnerships) to develop new and innovative ways to deliver the PE curriculum. This cluster based approach helps to forge links across schools and between phases of learning.
The aims of PE and School Sport (PESS) partnerships are to;
- raise standards in PE by ensuring that all schools have effective teaching and learning in PE
- ensure PE is managed effectively within the whole school by providing 2 hours per week of high quality PE for each child
- develop young peoples knowledge, understanding and physical skills
- improve children’s’ understanding of the importance of health and fitness;
- establish accredited training programs for all teachers
- support schools in Wales to extend opportunities for school sport beyond the school day
Specialist projects have created resources and guidance for teachers. Projects include;
- Gymnastics
- Dance
- Health, Fitness and Well-Being
- Inclusion
- Adventurous Activities
- In the Zone (playground management)
- ICT in PE
The project is monitored nationally by ESTYN and locally by the schools advisory service ESIS.
ESTYN progress report 2008
ESIS review and development report - Afon Taff PESS Partnership pdf (96k)
ESIS review and development report - Bishop Hedley PESS Partnership pdf (91k)
ESIS review and development report - Cyfarthfa PESS Partnership pdf (96k)
ESIS review and development report - Pen y dre PESS Partnership pdf (126k)
Each local authority has a PESS Coordinator who is responsible for developing the project within their area. If you require any further information about this exciting project in Merthyr Tydfil, please contact:
PESS Co-coordinator
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Dragon Sport is a Sports Council for Wales initiative designed to offer 7 – 11 year olds fun and enjoyable sporting opportunities.
Dragon Sport introduces children to coaching, skill development and appropriate competition using versions of the adult game, modified to meet their needs and skill levels.
A portfolio of eight modified sports is used in the scheme. The eight Dragon Sports are rugby, athletics, cricket, football, hockey, netball, tennis and golf.
Whilst the primary focus of Dragon Sport is improving sports provision for 7 11 year olds across Wales, Dragon Sport also focuses on recruiting parents and other volunteers as helpers to support the development of after school and community sports clubs.
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The 5x60 programme intends to make significant inroads into the Welsh Assembly’s target of 90% of secondary school pupils achieving 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week by 2020. Based on the success of initial pilots, the Welsh Assembly Government plans to invest some £7.6 million over the next 3 years and aims for every secondary school in Wales to be involved in the programme by 2009.
5x60 officers will be based in secondary schools and it will be their role to consult with the pupils, listen to their needs and the barriers which prevent them from participating in activity. They will timetable a programme of activities that suit the pupils’ needs. These activities can take place before school during lunch after school and at weekends. The activities will mainly target individuals that do not currently participate in any activity or who are in danger of losing interest.
5x60 also aims to engage older students in assisting with 5x60 activities, offering leadership awards and coaching qualifications
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Integrated Children’s Services
Merthyr Tydfil CBC
Riverside Court
Avenue De Clichy
Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 8XD
Tel: 07894 598352
Fax: 01685 721965
The Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre Sports Development Team can be contacted on 01685 725408
sports.development@merthyr.gov.uk
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