Lewisham teacher receives national award from top athletes for helping kids to be active

A teacher has received a national award from two top British athletes after helping his pupils to be more active.

Edward Pinks, from St Mary Magdalen Catholic Primary School in Lewisham, has been recognised as a Gold Active Teacher, as part of the Active Kids Do Better AKDB scheme.

He was presented with the award by Paralympian Aled Davies and sprinter Bianca Williams, who made a special visit to his school on Tuesday.

The athletes led an assembly at the Howson Road, Brockley school where they shared stories of competing for Great Britain.

They also took part in lessons and spent time meeting with pupils and teachers. Edwards’ award recognises his involvement with AKDB, a Nike and Discovery Education programme, to increase kids’ movement and play throughout the school day.

The initiative has helped children at St Mary Magdalen to be more active by incorporating fun movement into their daily routine.

The AKDB programme offers free resources, games and activities to primary schools. Edward is one of five teachers to receive a Gold Active Teacher Award, after using the resources with his pupils every day.

He said: “I’m really proud to be given a Gold Active Teacher Award.

Our whole school has benefitted from being part of the Active Kids Do Better Programme.

“Now that we’ve brought play and movement into daily school life, the children are happier, and we’ve seen a real impact on attainment, behaviour and even school attendance.

The children were really excited to meet Aled Davies and Bianca Williams today.

It was an experience that they won’t forget.” Aled is a Paralympic gold medallist and current para double world champion in the F42 shot put and discus.

Bianca is a 200m sprinter, Commonwealth Games gold and European gold medallist this year in the 4x100m relay.

For more information AKDB go to www.activekidsdobetter.co.uk.