“Six months on, schools are losing the Olympic legacy”. - The Observer
“Government accused of turning its back on school sport”. - BBC News
Tough reading for the Education Secretary Michael Gove in recent days as commentators and politicians write their half-year report on whether or not London 2012 succeeded in inspiring a generation - and, more to the point, whether those who were inspired have been able to access a more sporty lifestyle through their schools.
The verdict seems to be: Could do better. Could do much better.
Two years ago, with the London Games still a distant prospect, 5 live Sport visited South Bromsgrove High School to hear how the previous Government’s School Sport Partnerships had benefitted not only the pupils at the school itself, but also the wider community.
But the fear, back then in January 2011, was that the proposed removal of ring-fenced funding for the SSP’s by the Coalition Government would have a devastating effect.
This week, 5 live Sport will be at the Youth Sport Trust’s National School Sport conference in Telford, where around 700 teachers will be debating the challenges that lie ahead - including how to make sure that every pupil, from the most talented to the least co-ordinated, has the chance to improve their lives through sport.
And we’ll be examining how important school is in giving young people the best chance to develop a lifelong exercise habit.
Passionate about sport
Is it all about representing your school in football, rugby, hockey or netball - or trying your hand at less traditional pursuits, such as rock-climbing, canoeing, or even Indian Dancing?
How do we make sure that girls, who tend to drop out of PE in their early teens, keep active until the end of their school days and beyond?
And how do schools meet the sporting challenge in such difficult economic times?
Joining us will be the Chairman of UK Sport and the Youth Sport Trust, Baroness Sue Campbell, who knows the sporting landscape from the elite level to the grass roots.
Olympian Gail Emms and Paralympian Hannah Cockcroft will be sharing their experiences and telling us why they’re so passionate about school sport.
We’ll hear from teaching professionals from Primary and Secondary schools, from the State and Independent sectors, and from young people who’ve taken on leadership roles while still in full-time education.
And we’d like to hear from you - whether you’re a teacher, a parent or a pupil.
Has sport and PE in your school seen a boost or a decline since London 2012?
How far are schools responsible for getting our young people fitter and more active - or is it the responsibility of parents?
And, with a Government announcement on their future plans for school sports due in the next few weeks, what would you like to hear from Michael Gove?
The Future of School Sport is on 5 live at 8pm on Thursday 7 February. The programme can be listened to after broadcast here and downloaded here.
