Sports College

In September 2002, Farringdon Community School was designated a Sports College by the DfES. This recognised the high standards the school has achieved in Physical Education and in sport over many years. More
importantly it presented great challenges and opportunities too. Not only is it helping to raise standards further in P.E. and sport for all of the students
across the ability range, but it is also enabling the school to become a focal point for excellence in the region, the benefits of which our partner primary and secondary schools are sharing. Community sport also shares in the
resources, facilities and partnerships which the Sports College has brought.

The construction of floodlit tennis courts and a pavilion with dance studio and IT suite is the most tangible effect of Sports College status.

The most important change however, is undoubtedly being felt throughout the whole school, as the focus of Sports College designation is to improve teaching and learning opportunities across the curriculum. This is key to our school improvement initiative and central to the drive towards higher standards.

Current sports provision

Farringdon Community Sports College prides itself on the breadth, depth and success of its sporting provision.
With a sports hall, a gymnasium, swimming pool, fitness suite and two dance studios, indoor provision is good. A shortage of outdoor space is supplemented by the use of facilities at Silksworth Recreation Centre, Silksworth
Cricket Club and Cocken Lodge Golf Range. Physical Education is timetabled for two hours each week for all
students. The curriculum includes netball, football, rugby, cricket, athletics, hockey, swimming, table tennis,
gymnastics, trampolining, dance, aerobics, golf and skiing.

There are teams and clubs for all major sports which meet and play regularly in the appropriate seasons.
Farringdon teams have enjoyed success in national, regional and local cup and league competitions. PE is
supported by a Swimming Instructor and a Learning Mentor. A substantial number of other staff provide
valuable support in extra-curricular games or sports.

The school benefits from the support of Silksworth CC, Sundale Netball Club, Sunderland Harriers, Sunderland
RUFC, Sunderland Swimming Club, Sunderland AFC and many parents.

We are twinned with a school in Krakow Poland to promote the Dreams and Teams Initiative,
which raises individual student expectation, and provides them with a wider cultural experience.

Regular reports on teams and clubs are made to parents in the school newsletter and an annual Sports Report is
published.