The Birkenhead Park School is delighted to share that we have been awarded the School Games Platinum Award.
This incredible achievement follows four consecutive years of receiving the Gold Award and recognises our continued commitment to PE, school sport and physical activity.
Platinum is the highest level of the School Games Mark and can only be achieved by schools that have consistently demonstrated excellence over a number of years. The award reflects the dedication of our staff and students in creating a culture where sport and physical activity are valued and celebrated.
Physical activity is a key part of school life. Through our PE curriculum, students develop a wide range of skills, build confidence and learn the importance of leading healthy, active lifestyles. Outside of school, students can also access a broad programme of extracurricular activities, including football, basketball, netball, fitness club, volleyball, dance, rugby, cricket, badminton, and more.
One of the highlights of our school calendar is our annual Sports Day, which brings students together to compete in a range of track and field events, including sprints, standing jump, discus, relays, and more. The event always creates a fantastic atmosphere, with students having fun, supporting one another, and celebrating sporting success throughout the day.
Our young people also have opportunities to take part in action-packed trips, including residential visits like PGL’s Boreatton Park. Experiences like this allow students to try new activities they may not encounter in everyday life, while developing teamwork, resilience and confidence through outdoor adventure.
Another key factor in achieving Platinum status is our commitment to providing leadership opportunities to our students. As a School Games host site, we have a large and active Sports Leadership team, with more than 55 Sports Leaders from Years 7 to 11. These leaders help to run more than 25 festivals and competitions each year for primary schools across our local cluster and the wider Wirral area.
To enhance their skillset, leaders receive training in a range of areas, including sports delivery and officiating, while those in Year 9 and above have the opportunity to complete accredited leadership courses.
Mrs Barnes, School Games Officer at The Birkenhead Park School, plays a key role in coordinating sporting events and opportunities across 51 Wirral primary, secondary and special schools. Working closely with our Sports Leaders, she helps to ensure that young people can access a wide range of inclusive and engaging sporting experiences.
Furthermore, staff across the PE department participate in regular sports-specific continuing professional development (CPD), ensuring that lessons, clubs and enrichment activities remain engaging, inclusive and reflective of current best practice.
Mrs Barnes said: “Achieving Platinum status is a fantastic recognition of the hard work shown by our dedicated PE department, supported by our excellent Sports Leadership team. We are passionate about providing exciting opportunities for students to enjoy being active and develop new skills, and this award reflects the positive sporting culture we have built at The Birkenhead Park School.”
As a school, we are incredibly proud of this achievement and look forward to expanding opportunities for young people to participate, compete and thrive through sport in the years ahead.