PESSCL

PE, School Sport and Club Links strategy

The Government is investing £978m between 2003/04 and 2007/08 to delivery the PE, School Sport and Club Links (PESSCL) strategy.

The government target is to increase the take up of sporting opportunities by 5 to 16 year olds so that 85% of children by 2008 experience a minimum of two hours high quality PE and school sport within and beyond the curriculum each week.

And by 2010 the aims is to offer all children at least 4 hours of sport every week, comprised of at least 2 hours high quality PE and sport at school and the opportunity for at least a further 2-3 hours beyond the school day (delivered by a range of school, community and club providers).

What is the PESSCL strategy?

The Physical Education School Sport Club Links strategy incorporates eight different strands, supported by central government.

  1. Specialist Sports Colleges
    A school that specialises in physical education and school sport as a vehicle for continued whole school improvement.
  2. School Sport Partnerships
    A cluster of schools' (primary and secondary) that centre around a hub-site (usually a sports college) to share PE expertise, facilities, coaching and professional development. In essence sport partnerships enhance sports opportunities for all.
  3. Professional Development
    This programme will ensure that teachers and those working in a school setting have the tools and expertise they need to deliver high quality physical education and school sport.
    Modules follow a number of different themes and are delivered by local tutors for free. 
  4. Step into Sport
    Step into sport encourages involvement in sports leadership and volunteering.
  5. School / Club links
    Provides the link between high quality physical education and sporting opportunities in the local community.
  6. Gifted and Talented
    This programme aims to improve the range and quality of teaching, coaching and learning for talented sports people.
  7. Swimming
    Raising the profile of swimming in the PE curriculum via a new swimming charter.
  8. QCA PE and Sport investigation
    The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is working closely with schools and partnerships across England to investigate high quality PE and school sport. Visit their website at www.qca.org.uk/pess/.

Further information is available at the TeacherNet website at www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachingandlearning/subjects/pe/.

For more information on PESSCL and School Sport, Please contact Vanessa Forster, Development Manager (PE and School Sport) at 01228 226799 or email vanessa.foster@cumbriacc.gov.uk.