School Physical Activity Initiatives

The PE and School Sport (PESS) Project

This was set up in 2000 as a result of a task force report outlining the key actions required to improve standards of PE.
The project aims to raise standards in physical education by making sure that all schools meet a number of set targets to improve standards of physical education. Certain areas of the curriculum have been identified as requiring concentrated support to develop national resources and/or approaches. These have developed into national specialist projects.

The PESS project is managed by Sport Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government. For more information, and to view the set targets, please visit the PESS pages at the Sport Wales Website.

ActiveMarc Cymru

This is awarded to schools that can demonstrate a commitment to developing high quality PE and School Sport. When a school commits to applying for an ActiveMarc Cymru award, it engages in a process of self evaluation whereby strengths and areas for development are identified. For more information and to apply for ActiveMarc Cymru please visit the ActiveMarc Cymru page on the Sport Wales website.

Dragon Sport

Dragon Sport is a Sport Wales initiative funded by the National Lottery, designed to offer 7-11 year olds fun and enjoyable sporting opportunities. The scheme opens up sports for children who may not have the opportunities to take part outside of their school P.E. lessons, using versions of the adult games adapted for different skills and abilities. For more information please visit Sport Wales.

Young Ambassadors

The Young Ambassador Movement aims to empower and inspire young people to become role models and leaders through sport, by developing their confidence and skills in order to increase physical activity participation in others. This approach will empower young people to make their own decisions through consultation, leadership and ownership.

5 x 60 a Sport Wales campaign, aimed at helping reach the Welsh Governments target of 90% secondary school age children achieving 60 minutes of exercise, 5 days per week. 5x 60 is aimed at secondary school aged children. The ethos of the 5X60 is that the main target is for pupils to have fun while taking part. If this happens and the pupils really enjoy the opportunities, then they are more likely to continue to participate in activity throughout their lives.

Bike It

Sustrans’ Bike It project overcomes barriers to cycling by building school capacity and working with parents and pupils to develop skills, encouraging a life-long love of walking and cycling.

The project currently operates in 5 regions across Wales Ynys Mon, Pembrokeshire, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Cardiff involving 65 primary schools and 4 secondary schools.

The Big Pedal

Taking place every year The Big Pedal is a national bike-to-school campaign. It is open to all schools in the UK. Every trip made to school contributes towards a ‘virtual’ race around the UK, no matter the size of school or number of students as it is weighted to ensure fairness.