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Wright Robinson scoops national award for research
Wright Robinson College in East Manchester has won the Times Educational Supplement Award for its research investigating links between sport, academic performance and student self esteem.
The research project launched in 1998 and was carried out in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. It was designed to support the college’s aim of raising academic standards and increasing whole school participation in sport.
Findings of the research made positive links between physical activity and performance, showing 62 per cent of physically active pupils achieve five or more A*- C GCSE grades including Maths and English.
The Times Education Supplement has awarded Wright Robinson College its ‘Outstanding Sporting Initiative’ accolade in a closely fought final against five other schools from across the country.
The research project has earned recognition from the Government and was used in its Gameplan Report (2002). The findings have also been submitted as evidence towards the NICE obesity guidelines.
The ten year research programme has included intervention projects focusing on students with low self-esteem. The Girls Active Project was an initiative which encouraged more female participation in sport to build confidence in pupils and culminated in a residential outward bounds weekend.
The research has also secured the school £2.8 million funding from the National College for School Leadership to enhance the sporting facilities in its building for both pupils and members of the local community.
Gerard Kelly, Editor, Times Educational Supplement, said: “A truly impressive performance from Wright Robinson. The research demonstrating the link between physical activity and academic achievement is particularly illuminating.”
Commenting on the achievement, headteacher Neville Beischer, said: “We are thrilled with the award as it is testament to the hard work invested into the research over the past decade.
“Our commitment to thought leadership in education has earned the school a great reputation as a pioneer of new ways of working. We have used the findings of our research to inform the curriculum, establish excellent teaching practice and ensure our pupils receive the best learning opportunities.”