The Physical Education Department at The Friary School an Arts & Sports College recently had a two day subject inspection by Ofsted. Evidence used to form the judgement of “Outstanding” included the impact of the specialist school sport status, interviews with staff and learners, scrutiny of relevant documentation, analysis of students work and examination results along with the observation of seven lessons. Ofsted found “the trend” in results in GCSE PE has been upwards and was above the National average. In 2008 sixty students taking the BTEC course for the first time achieved excellent results. Results at AS and A level are above average. Achievement is excellent. Very effective teaching and the commitment by a high percentage of students to participate in an extensive range of extra curricular activities contribute to the high standards seen. There is a culture of mutual respect between staff and students which creates the industrious atmosphere that permeates the department. As one student said “the teachers are great, they are very enthusiastic.” Extra curricular provision is outstanding, inter school and inter form fixtures and non competition experiences are provided for all ages in a very broad range of activities. Off site trips and expeditions abroad are especially appreciated.  Mr Broad, Director of Sport commented on the report – ‘obviously all involved in the provision and delivery of Physical Education and Sport at the Friary are delighted by the outstanding judgements made. We have lots of smashing children who enjoy sport and exercise. We are very proud of their achievements.The staff in the department work extremely hard to provide high quality teaching and the opportunities for pupils to succeed in examinations and sport – well done to all who have helped in any way.  

Success stories so far this year: -

• Sam Spence, Michael Castle and Shaun Smith – have all represented Staffordshire Schools U18 Rugby this season, Richard Burton also in the squad but unfortunately injured. Michael has also played for Lichfield Rugby Club 1stXV this season.
• Jamie O’Sullivan and Harry O’Connor - U16 Staffordshire County Rugby players.
• Peter Newton and Beth Merrick - Following recent trials both have been selected for the Staffordshire U13 Hockey Squads.
• Sarah Bates and Liz Allen – Successful in Hockey too and have been chosen to represent Staffordshire U15’s in a series of matches against other Midlands Counties.
• Katie Wilkinson – an outstanding prospect, was recently selected for an England U14 Soccer Camp. She captained the Friary girls’ football team who won the National Minute Maid Schools Cup last year and has also had successful England Rounders trials.
• Louis Dawson and Alice Cattell - The County Cross Country Championships took place at Rowley Park, Stafford on 15th November 2008. Alice came 2nd out of 50 runners with atime of 10.08 minutes with the winner running 10.03 minutes. Louis Dawson was 10th out of 58 runners. Both Friary students will now represent Staffordshire.
• Brother and sister Robbie and Lori Gleeson are outstanding talents in the sport of Hockey – both are Midland players and Lori has recently, over half term, played in the Regional festival where the Midland team play the other regional sides. Both are very good at other sports too and represent the Friary in these.

• Tae Kwon Do – Two Friary pupils in Year 9 have recently achieved amazing success with a sport followed out of school. Shona Murphy and Alex Liddiard are both Champions in the sport of Tae Kwon Do. Shona is European Champion and Alex is British Champion in their belt and weight category. Alex recently competed in the Nottingham Arena and took part in the World Championships last year at the NIA.
• Sarah Nicholas is a member of the Staffordshire + West Midlands U15 Girls Rugby teams, she is also a member of Lichfield Rugby Club and a goalkeeper at Aston Villa. She was the goalkeeper of the successful Friary National Cup winning team last season.

      Latest News: - Girls Football

• Minute Maid Cup Competition - U13 Girls football team won their semi final match on Tuesday 16th December 2008 and now go on to play either St Peters' School, Solihull or Redhill School, Nottinghamshire in the final sometime next term.
• ESFA - U15 Girls football team have progressed to round six after their match against Great Barr School, Birmingham.
• ESFA - U16 Girls football team have entered the competition for the first time this year and start their challenge on Thursday 15th January 2009 when they play Thomas Telford.