I really enjoyed earning the stickers that showed I had used one of my skills well. Every time we achieved…read more →
Active Ambassadors gets ‘5 stars’ at 
Co-op Academy Smithies Moor
Pupil leadership is something that is growing ever more important in primary schools and at Smithies Moor this is no different. “I wanted something that could stretch and challenge our Year 6 pupils whilst bringing them into a leadership role within sports and activity.”Adam Weaving, PE Lead.
We were recently approached by Adam Weaving, PE Lead at COOP Academies Smithies Moor, to deliver our Active Ambassadors programme to the school’s Year 6 pupils. The challenge was to introduce essential leadership skills and behaviours that would empower the children to take on meaningful roles within school life.
Adam shared positive feedback on the initial communication and planning process, commenting:
“All communication was excellent and any questions were answered. Information about the programme was great.”
The school was looking to create more structured, active opportunities during lunchtimes—traditionally the most unstructured part of the day—to support behaviour and prepare for upcoming changes in school space and development.
Speaking about his ambitions for the programme, Adam said: “I wanted something that could stretch and challenge our Year 6 pupils whilst bringing them into a leadership role within sports and activity.”
Our Lead Active Ambassador, Jake, delivered the sessions. He reflected on the experience:
“Delivering the programme into Smithies Moor was brilliant. All children visibly developed in confidence and rose to the challenge of being a leader, endeavouring to display the behaviours and skills needed to earn stickers and complete their learning journey. The children took real ownership in their work and leadership opportunities. Some found the leadership roles challenging, but they really rose to it—and some stood out as some of the best Active Ambassadors I have ever seen!”
Throughout the programme, pupils were introduced to the six key leadership skills, deepening their understanding through a blend of theory-based exploration and practical activities. Engagement was high, and pupils enjoyed celebrating their progress.
Year 6 pupil Hollie shared her thoughts:
“I really enjoyed earning the stickers that showed I had used one of my skills well. Every time we achieved an objective, we were able to fill in the learning journey at the back of our Active Ambassador book.”
Adam also praised Jake’s delivery and rapport with pupils:
“Jake was fantastic. He had a great rapport with the students and delivered the scheme brilliantly. The children loved his fun approach to the sessions.”
Since completing the programme, the Year 6 pupils have fully embraced their new leadership roles. They now lead active opportunities for younger children during lunchtimes with enthusiasm, diligence, and pride.
Adam described the impact on the school:
“Providing the children with this training has given them the opportunity to be real role models in school. They have begun their Ambassadorial roles with pride and courage. Creating more structure during our most unstructured moments has supported the lunchtime supervisors and improved overall behaviour. The children are doing us proud—they have become real ambassadors for activity at Smithies Moor and are extremely excited to get stuck into their new roles.”
Testimonials
Delivering the programme into Smithies Moor was brilliant. All children visibly developed in confidence and rose to the challenge of…read more →
All communication was excellent and any questions were answered. Information about the programme was great.”
Jake was fantastic. He had a great rapport with the students and delivered the scheme brilliantly. The children loved his…read more →
Providing the children with this training has given them the opportunity to be real role models in school. They have…read more →
Providing the opportunity for students to take part in a leadership programme can assist in evidencing the effective use of the PE and School Sport Premium as recommended by Ofsted:
Developing young sports leaders in Key Stage 2 as examples of effective use of PE and Sports Premium.”
