County award for Queen Elizabeth’s High School PE Department

Queen Elizabeth’s High School PE department were among the winners at Active Lincolnshire’s 16th Sport and Physical Awards ceremony.
Lockdown hasn't stopped pupils getting active.Lockdown hasn't stopped pupils getting active.
Lockdown hasn't stopped pupils getting active.

The Gainsborough school was presented with the Active School Award following on from the Lincolnshire Sports Department of the Year title they earned in 2019.

The department caught the judges’ eye for the support and motivational activities set for their students during lockdown,

The PE Department provided a wide range of virtual activities and challenges during the lockdown period at the start of the year that engaged almost 90 per cent of its students while at home.

This included daily fitness bingo challenges, online PE lessons and a distance challenge.

Over the course of two weeks staff, students and their parents were challenged to reach a distance of 2,000km while taking part in a physical activity.

The department and school community exceeded this target and achieved a distance of 9,550km.

Head of physical education and sport Josh Burge was delighted to win the award, and proud of the effect the challenges had on the pupils.

He said: “It's great, particularly as it's our second year in a row. We were over the moon."What was great was that it wasn't just the students. We had families, teachers and staff across the school get involved."People across the country were getting involved as well. The students were then going out and doing physical activity with their families as well, which was really good."A lot of them are continuing to do things out of school. It's taught them you don't need all the equipment in the world to do good quality physical education."

Owing to the coronavirus pandemic and the latest restrictions, the event took place virtually via the charity’s YouTube channel, hosted by former Olympian and Commonwealth Games Champion Craig Heap.

This year’s awards were a chance for the county to recognise and celebrate the efforts of groups and individuals who have helped to keep Lincolnshire active, healthy and motivated in a challenging year.

Within 11 categories, 33 finalists were put forward to receive an award for their efforts and contributions to the community.

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