Rishi has heralded the work of a North Yorkshire primary school in helping its pupils be active.
Michael Syddall Church of England Primary School has been recognised nationally for its efforts to encourage pupils to be physically active to promote wellbeing.
During his visit to the Catterick Village school, Rishi joined in a Dodgeball session with members of the school team which was national school finalists this year – the third year in a row.
Dodgeball is a team sport in which players try to throw balls and hit opponents while avoiding being hit themselves.
This year the school was declared the British Dodgeball Primary School of the Year. In 2023 it received an award from the Youth Sport Trust for outstanding primary practice in PE, sport and activity and for girls’ team of the year from the English Schools’ Football Association.
Rishi also took part in a Q&A session with pupils from across the school age groups answering questions about his work as local MP and his former role as Prime Minister.
He was also shown the plans for the rebuilding of the school. The rebuild was announced under the previous Government’s Schools Rebuilding Programme.
He said: “It is very encouraging to see physical activity being embedded into the school day and that what the school has been doing has been recognised nationally for its excellence.”
Headteacher Alison McHarg said PE, sport and general activity was used to create happy, healthy and resilient pupils. A whole school approach went beyond traditional PE lessons and included active breaks every 20/30 minutes during lessons.
“We have a focus on children being physically and mentally strong and able to deal with the demands of school,” she added “The awards we have recently won recognise our commitment, belief and passion for using physical activity to improve young people’s fitness, mental health and all round wellbeing.”
