NO fewer than 31 of the district’s schools received a School Games mark at the end of the summer term, it has been revealed.

The award comes in four categories, bronze, silver, gold and platinum, with schools assessed on physical activity across their curriculum, not just in PE.

Participation figures in clubs, festivals and competitions are also measured and schools have to show evidence that they can make a difference to the activity levels of their least active pupils. Schools must also take part in a minimum of two School Games competitions, and run regular intra-school competitions throughout the year. 

Helen Robson, School Games organiser for the Tynedale area, said: “Getting one of the awards really is a mark of good and excellent PE, sport and physical activity in a school. Our schools should be very proud of their achievements.”

This year’s awards.

Bronze: Prudhoe Castle First School; Whitfield C of E Primary; Ovingham C of E First School; Prudhoe’s Highfield Middle School; Wylam First School; Bellingham Middle School; Haltwhistle First School.

Silver: Hexham Middle School; Hexham First School; Hexham St Mary’s RC First School and St Joseph’s Middle School; Haltwhistle Middle School; Newbrough C of E First School; Humshaugh C of E First School; West Woodburn First School.

Gold: Chollerton C of E First School; Beaufront First School; Bellingham Primary School; Mickley First School; Wark C of E Primary School; Kielder Community Primary School; Prudhoe's Adderlane Academy; Greenhaugh Primary School; Otterburn Primary; Prudhoe St Matthews RC Primary; Greenhead Primary, Henshaw Primary; Hexham’s Sele First School; Slaley First School.

Platinum: Ovingham Middle School won the platinum award for a second successive year.