As we head into Whitsun half term, Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation’s Raising Aspirations programme has been going from strength-to-strength at Pencoedtre High School.
The programme assists Year Nine pupils, preparing them for life in Year 10 and in particularly their exam period. With 75 pupils taking part in the initiative, the sessions has already seen pupils’ confidence growing, with visible improvements from week to week.
Pencoedtre High School services some of the most deprived areas of Barry, and now has its first rugby team up and running thanks to the Raising Aspirations programme.
The boys’ team have already taken part in fixtures against local schools while training sessions have been launched for girls, with the aim of participating in fixtures in the future.
Amongst those championing the sport engagement programme is Mike Baker, who was acknowledged for his work at Pencoedtre with the School Recognition Award at the reason End of Season Awards evening at Depot.
Mr Baker was celebrated for his passion for rugby and dedication to pupils, which has resulted in the resurrection of rugby throughout the school.
The Raising Aspiration and Tackle programmes also offers pupils essential and life skills workshops in an alternative curriculum experience, learning key rugby values such as teamwork, respect, discipline and passion.