Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Hugh Robertson MP, Shadow Minister for Sport and the Olympics, visited Southfields Community College in south west London and was given a tour of the facilities by Headteacher, Jacqueline Valin.
Hugh’s trip was arranged by the Youth Sport Trust to showcase how Sport Colleges are using their curriculum specialism to drive whole school standards and achievement. Hugh was joined by former Sports Minister and current member of the London Assembly, Richard Tracey.
Jacqueline outlined the journey the school has taken from serious weaknesses to outstanding performance and her plans to make the school world class. Her strategy focuses on using high quality PE across all curriculum areas to drive standards and ensure that every student achieves their full potential.
Commenting on the visit to Southfields Community College, Hugh Robertson said, “It was striking to see first hand how sport has driven an increase in academic results and other achievement across the full range of school activity. The key to unlocking this is the quality and commitment of the headteacher and her staff who, by their own example and use of sport, have turned this school around”.