On Wednesday 22nd January Christine Sprowell, The Tennis Foundation's Further Education Manager, visited Writhlington School to meet with Steve Cantrell, Head of 6th form and Mandy Stonier Head of Tennis, to discuss the ongoing development of the 6th form workforce development programme.
"Writhlington is a great example of a school using tennis to engage learners across the curriculum. The staff from the school and Writhlington Sports and Leisure Centre have developed a comprehensive programme which allows young people across the school to both enjoy tennis and to learn through the sport.
"I would certainly encourage other schools and colleges to look at their successful model. I am particularly impressed with the post-16 offer and how they are utilising members of the sixth form to broaden their skills by taking on the role of Tennis Ambassadors to promote and drive tennis participation with their peers aged 16-18 years. Marianne Veater and Tom Hunt are the nominated ambassadors and are real assets to the tennis programme at Writhlington and will be such good roles models across the school.”
Currently there are 20-25 6th formers playing tennis in a lunchtime club plus some cardio and formal coaching going on, the termly spongeball tournaments are proving very popular with 60 entrants last time, the next tournament is be be run by the students as a fundraising event for Sport Relief & a school trip planned for this summer to Tanzania. Said Alison, Blofeld Support & Guidance Manager, for the 6th form ‘this is an excellent way for the students to plan and organise an event and such a fun way to raise money for our trip!’