School Games Mark 2019/20 – CHANGES due to Covid-19
The 2019 academic year saw the School Games Mark Award reach over 10,000 Schools, an achievement you should all be hugely proud of. With the 2020 School Games Mark window due to open in less than two weeks, the team at the Youth Sport Trust working closely with Sport England, has worked hard to consult with a range of stakeholders on the approach to take in light of COVID-19, school closures and social distancing measures.
The consultation has included SGOs, Development Coaches and importantly a sample of schools that in 2019 achieved Bronze, Silver and Gold School Games Mark. While there were, of course, a number of schools that felt they had the relevant information to report on two terms worth of work, the overriding feedback from the Head Teachers we spoke to was that the priority for staff during the summer term was to cater for the immediate needs of students while also preparing for school returning to a new normal.
With all of this information in mind, the decision has been made to pause the 2020 School Games Mark; as a result schools will retain their 2019 School Games Mark Award.
To provide some reassurances;
What next?
We would once again like to thank you all for your ongoing commitment during these difficult times and look forward to continuing to support the network over this period. School Games Team |
School Games Mark 2019/20 (information provided in September 2019 prior to Covid-19)
The School Games Mark is now in its 9th year and continues to reward schools for their commitment to and development of competition, school sport, physical education and physical activity.
In 2018-19 there were 10,683 schools that applied Nationally and 79 successful Manchester School awards. Well done to all.
The following criteria will help all institutions assess themselves across bronze, silver and gold levels of the award and, for those schools that can demonstrate a sustained high level of delivery, the Platinum award.
School Games Mark is directly linked to a schools engagement in the School Games.
This needs to reflect a broad and balanced offer that actively encourages those young people that aren’t currently engaged or who are engaged less often. This isn’t about provision for a small cohort of young people but needs to consider ALL the school’s population.
The School Games Mark 2019/20 documents below will give you all the information you need to apply:
School Games Mark Guidance – Special Schools
The online application window for 2019/20 opens on 6th May and closes on 8th August 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the School Games Mark?
The School Games Mark is owned and created by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and is implemented and developed by the Youth Sport Trust and Sport England.
The Mark rewards school for their commitment to and the development of competition, school sport and physical education and was first launched in June 2012 via the School Games website.
All schools in England who are registered on www.yourschoolgames.com can apply for a School Games Mark via their school dashboard.
When and where can I apply for the Mark?
The online application window for 2018/19 opens on 6th May and closes on 8th August 2020.
All School Games registered schools can make one application via their School Games dashboard.
What if my school has achieved a previous Mark?
The Mark is an annual award and must be reapplied for each year. The schools previous award will be archived on both the school dashboard and the SGO dashboard.
What do I receive when I achieve a gold, silver or bronze award?
If your school achieves the School Games Mark you will be able to download the official logo and your certificate as a printable PRD. You will also be able to view your application via your school dashboard. Your official School Games Mark plaque (Gold level only) will be sent to your School Games Organiser.
What is verification and what is validation?
The verification process ensures that the data submitted in your Mark application reflects the provision of PE, school sport and competition in your school. At all levels of the award verification takes place via the schools head teacher and the SGO, who will read through the application and confirm the award.
Some applications will be selected as part of a formal, external validation exercise by the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC). This will involve a visit to the school to audit the application. If your application is chosen for validation you will receive automatic confirmation within seven days of the application being submitted. You can find more information on validation by clicking here.
Further questions? Email info@yourschoolgames.com
