Hayley Healey, Pupil Premium Lead and Teacher of Science at Sir Graham Balfour School, Stafford, submitted her bid to fund an extracurricular club targeting learners who have previously found it difficult to engage in sports and/or after school opportunities. The CrossFit course runs in 8-week blocks throughout the year and the funding applied for was for up to 50 learners to participate in the course over the academic year. .
It provides learners with access to professional equipment and trainers for their physical training and fitness. In addition, the course does not just help with physical fitness but incorporates elements of mentoring, teamwork and personal growth. By participating, learners will develop important life skills such as resilience, perseverance and self-confidence.
The bid impressed trustees because it was clear to see that this opportunity for an off-site after school club would have potential to engage learners who had not been able to participate in clubs offered at school. In addition, trustees agree that the physical activity combined with teamwork was likely to impact positively on academic engagement and eventually outcomes.
