Southwark school achieve’s taekwondo record success  St Anthony’s Roman Catholic School in East Dulwich has achieved a record by getting more than 100 children through a taekwondo grading examination in one go. In fact, the examiners were so impressed with the high skill levels achieved by the children that it awarded the school an examination award at the same time.
The children qualified for their second grade in Taekwondo, following an initiative by Southwark’s (PSHE) healthy schools team to offer schools in the borough a fully funded package of expert tuition in a range of activities that promote healthy lifestyles.
The children at St Anthony’s, and other schools in the borough who chose this sport, are tutored weekly by Irish Olympic hopeful and world and European champion participant Sinead Joyce.
Thoughts on the scheme
Councillor Lewis Robinson, executive member for culture, leisure and sport at Southwark Council, who awarded certificates to the children today following their grading exam, said:
“This scheme, funded by Southwark Council, is a real success story. To see over 100 pupils participating in taekwondo at the same time is wonderful. It brings it home just what an inclusive sport this is and what enormous benefits it brings to the school curriculum and the children alike. Taekwondo places an emphasis on respect for personal space, self control and focus. Since the children took up the sport teachers have noticed improved concentration levels, confidence and self esteem.”
St Antony’s pupil Lara Kennedy, aged seven, summed up why she liked the sport with the following: “I feel happy when I do the moves and I feel more confident.”
Clare Smith, Southwark Council’s PSHE and healthy schools advisor, said:
“This is an innovative way to get schools to commission these types of services based on the needs of their children. It is also a proactive way for Southwark to hit its own targets for things we want to achieve for our children and what children have said they want. It helps tackle childhood obesity, and gives young people the skills, attitudes and values around looking after their personal safety and that of others.”
Find out more about the healthy schools initiative.
Contact us
For further information, including information on how to become a Southwark healthy school, please contact:
Clare Smith
Tel: 020 7525 5312
clare.smith2@southwark.gov.uk
John Smith House
144 to 152 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JL
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