Great Yarmouth Charter Academy boosts student participation with exciting sports programmes
Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, a Norfolk secondary school with 943 students, has embarked on an exciting initiative to enhance student engagement and physical activity. Through a series of sporting programmes, the academy aims to create a positive impact both within the school and the local community.
The funding that enabled this initiative comes from the Opening Schools Facilities Fund. Last year, GYCA was one of four schools in Great Yarmouth to receive a combined total of £43,000. Find out more.
“Great Yarmouth Charter Academy (GYCA) has distinguished itself by effectively utilising an ‘Enrichment Coordinator’ to understand the needs of the school community. Already offering a fulfilling after-school activity timetable, GYCA has taken the time to identify the wants and needs of less active students.
Consequently, the uptake on their provision has been high, and the outlook for next year’s offerings is promising.”
Andy Oakley, GY Locality Officer, Active Norfolk
Getting started: Setting up the project
The initiative began by actively seeking student input. Regular student voice questionnaires and conversations revealed what clubs’ students wanted, the barriers preventing their participation, and areas for improvement in existing programmes.
The School Council facilitated discussions with students and presented it to Foundation Governor members and the Headteacher. Additionally, community and parental opinions were gathered through letters and parent-teacher meetings.
Boosting participation
The academy’s primary goal was to boost student participation in physical activities during and after curricular hours. By providing a space for all students, including those who might be considered anti-social, the project aimed to enrich their school experience.
Research has found strong evidence of a link between extra-curricular activities and educational outcomes as well as other positive outcomes, such as soft (especially social) skills. However, there are also barriers to taking part in extra-curricular activities for those from low-income households include their high cost, a lack of confidence, and difficulties in access.
Great Yarmouth Charter Academy sought to develop participants’ skills, encouraging them to continue their activities beyond the school setting and join local clubs.
“Great Yarmouth Charter Academy recognises the value of its facilities. As part of this project, we aimed to open these excellent resources to the wider community, fostering collaboration and promoting physical well-being.
The project specifically targets groups including Ethnically Diverse Communities, Women and Girls, Long-Term Health, Conditions, Free School Meals (FSM) Recipients and Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).”
Dean Rosembert, Principle, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy
Community Collaboration
By partnering with organisations rooted in the community, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy enhanced their ability to reach and empower more diverse groups. Two key collaborators included:
- Little Riders: This organisation specialises in delivering “Learn2Ride” cycling sessions across Norfolk for young children and young adults. In the project, Little Riders provides after-school cycling lessons to Key Stage 3 pupils. These sessions focus on teaching safe and proper bike riding techniques.
- Future Football Elite: As a professional football academy and Nike partner club based in Norwich, Future Football Elites plays a crucial role. Originally starting as a girls’ session, they consistently attracted over 30 participants per session, including high numbers of Free School Meals (FSM) recipients, SEND students, and ethnically diverse participants. The program has now expanded to the entire local community through free trial sessions.
What were the results?
Great Yarmouth Charter Academy has achieved promising results. Over the course of 31 sessions, they engaged 242 students and 280 community members. Notably, there was a significant increase in participation from targeted groups, including 110 free school meal children, 110 girls, and 46 children with SEND.
For more information and to participate, visit Great Yarmouth Charter Academy’s website.
“This funding has provided so many high-quality sporting opportunities to students and the local community, it has helped students find ‘their’ sport.”
Enrichment Coordinator, GYCA
“Those who attended clubs have increased confidence in PE lessons and show more enjoyment”
PE Teacher, GYCA
Find out more about the work we’ve done with local providers and get in touch
Great Yarmouth Charter Academy were able to apply for funding through the Opening Schools Facilities fund. Our Localities Team are always looking for opportunities to improve the physical activity offering in their district.
To find out about opportunities near you, click the link below to find and get in touch with your locality officer.