Background
In June 2001, the NAFW published the ‘PE and School Sport Plan’ which promotes a common vision for the improved standards in PE and School Sport. (Click here for a full report.)
Following a successful pilot phase, the Welsh Assembly Government reinforced their commitment to the PESS initiative by further investing £5 million between 2003 and 2006. By September 2003, a PESS coordinator had been appointed in each local authority to co-ordinate the initiative locally.
Purpose
The purpose of the PESS initiative is to raise standards in PE and School Sport by focusing on areas of identified need, testing new resources, practice, then sharing the results and experiences. Furthermore, to ensure progression from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4.
Structure
Within each authority, PESS Development Centres (DC’s) have been formed. Each DC comprises of a secondary school and its associate primary schools. Other partners may also be included, e.g. sport development unit, local leisure centre, special school or FE college. Click here for more about DC's.
Roles and Responsibilities
The PESS Coordinator will work closely with the Development Centre Manager and be responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, monitoring and reviewing progress.
The Development Centre Manager, a primary or secondary PE specialist, will work closely with the cluster of schools in the development centre to implement the agreed priority areas.
The PE coordinator will be responsible for the dissemination of information and lead developments in their school.
Priorities of a Development Centre
Raise standards in PE and School Sport
Improve links between the key stages (transition)
Move towards 2 hours a week of quality curriculum PE across each key stage
Create additional opportunities for school sport beyond the school day
Promote healthy and active lifestyles
Interested in becoming a Development Centre?
If you are interested in knowing more about the PESS initative and what becoming a development centre means click onto Informtion on the PESS project and DC Commitment Form.
Development Centres in Rhondda Cynon Taff
Within Rhondda Cynon Taf, 3 PESS Development Centres are currently operational: Tonyrefail School, Porth County Community School and Tonypandy Community College. In addition a further 3 clusters of schools have received PESS/LEA funding to develop various PE initiatives, namely Treorci, Bryncelynnog and Cardinal Newman.
Tonyrefail Development Centre
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Operational: January ‘04
Associate Schools: Abecerdin Primary, Cwmlai Primary, Hendreforgan Primary, Tonyrefail Primary, Tref y rhyg Primary and Williamstown Primary
Other Partners: Rhondda Cynon Taff Community Arts, Dragon Sport |
Porth County Development Centre
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Operational: September ‘04
Associate Schools: Aberllechau Primary, Alaw Primary, Cymmer Infants and Juniors, Hafod Primary, Llwyncelyn Infants, Pontygwaith Primary, Porth Infants and Juniors, Rhiw Garn Infants, Trealaw Primary and Ynyshir Infants and Juniors
Other Partners: Rhondda Rebels, Dragon Sport, Welsh Netball Association |
Tonypandy Development Centre
Operational: April ‘05
Associate Schools: Bodringallt Primary, Cwm Clydach Primary, Llwynypia Primary, Penygraig Juniors, Pontrhondda Primary and Tonypandy Primary
Other Partners: Dragon Sport, Sporting Marvels, Cambrian Village Trust
Newsletters
You can download the latest PESS newsletters here.
