A COUNTRY primary has successfully gone for gold and achieved the top award in the government-led School Games Mark scheme.

Diptford Primary School won the gold award for its performance in PE and sports, which saw pupils take part in more than 40 sporting activities covering 15 different sports last year.

The School Games Mark was launched in 2012 to reward schools for their outstanding commitment to the development of competitive sport. 

The school said 100 per cent of the 54 children in Years 3 - 6 had the opportunity to compete in tournaments and festivals.

Some of its greatest achievements were winning the Totnes Learning Community basketball competition, and later in the year winning a table tennis tournament. Diptford also made the finals in the area High 5 netball and gymnastic competitions.

The school’s PE and sports coordinator Ben Nute said: ’We always ensure that the events attended by Diptford pupils are fully inclusive for all children - this is also one of the criteria for achieving this award.

’Our pupils really enjoy the competition and the simple enjoyment of playing sport, they have had some great successes and learnt to work well in teams. It is a real pleasure seeing them develop and, who knows, there could be future Olympians in the group.’  

Ben added gaining the award came down to a number of factors including the dedication of teachers and parents, having determined and enthusiastic children who are willing to give everything a go, and being part of a strong schools sports partnership based out of KEVICC and South Dartmoor.