Detailed Study Notes on Active Schools and Sport Development

Overview

  • Course Title: SPSU8FD - Foundations of Sport Development and Coaching (2025/6)
  • Institution: University of Stirling
  • Lecturer: Craig McIntyre, Lecturer in Sport Management
  • Event: International Events Symposium – 29th Oct 2026

Session Structure

  • 4:05-4:30pm: Introductory Task
  • 4:30-5:30pm: Alistair Gardner, Active Schools Coordinator and Further Education Lead (North Lanarkshire Council)
  • 5:30-6:00pm: Craig McIntyre Active Schools Overview

Course Information

  • Content Location: Students are advised to review the content provided on the SPSU8FD canvas page for upcoming seminars.
    • Assessment Guidance: Review the assessment guidance relevant to the module.

Module Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the module, students will:

  • Gain knowledge and understanding of the origins of modern sport and sport development.
  • Have an appreciation for the aims and objectives of sport development.
  • Be aware of the concepts, frameworks, and theories underpinning sport development.
  • Understand the critical issues and challenges faced by stakeholders in managing and delivering sport.
  • Recognize diverse perspectives from which sport coaching has been conceptualized.

Active Schools Overview

Key Objectives of Active Schools

  • High-Quality Opportunities: Provide high-quality opportunities for all young people to engage in sport and physical activity before school, at lunchtime, and after school.
  • Pathways Development: Develop, lead, and support effective pathways connecting schools, clubs, and communities.
  • Inclusive Opportunities: Facilitate inclusive opportunities by employing targeted approaches to eliminate barriers to participation.
  • Volunteer Network: Establish a network of volunteers to deliver activity sessions and offer leadership opportunities for young people.
Celebrating 20 Years of Active Schools
  • Emphasis on promoting sport for life through community engagement and development initiatives.

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD)

Overview

  • The SIMD provides a detailed analysis of deprived areas across Scotland using key measures such as:
    • Health
    • Employment
    • Income
    • Housing
    • Education
    • Crime
    • Access to Basic Services
  • Areas are assigned ratings for each measure, ranked from 1 (most deprived) to 10 (least deprived).
Task for Students
  • Students are encouraged to review their local area's SIMD status and its implications on sport participation.

Context and Challenges

Active Schools Role in Clackmannanshire

  • Investment in Physical Education: Investment targeting three full-time Active Schools Coordinators to improve educational outcomes and close the attainment gap per the Scottish Attainment Challenge.
Inquiry for Students
  • Consider how to address the attainment gap in specified secondary school roles.

The Scottish Attainment Challenge

  • Focus on achieving equity in educational outcomes, particularly concerning closing the poverty-related attainment gap.
  • Emphasis on improving literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing within schools under the Curriculum for Excellence framework.

Participation and Engagement Strategies

Local Context Assessment

  • Assess local context, take action, measure outcomes, and use these measurements as a driver for future engagement.
  • Recruit, support, and retain young leaders, and inspire participation in activity sessions.
Example Initiative Outcomes
  • Increase in participation numbers in sporting activities.
  • Employment opportunities for students through community events and partnerships.
  • Establishment of partnerships with local clubs and departments, fostering collaboration.
  • Cultural shifts around participation in sport initiatives, enhancing recognition and support for sports events.

School Sport Award

Importance and Application

  • What is it? A recognition framework for schools that demonstrates excellence in school sport.
  • Application Process: Criteria for application and support for schools in pursuit of the award are discussed.

Active Schools Coordinator Profile

Alistair Gardner

  • Qualifications: MSc in Sport Management and BA Hons in Sport Studies from the University of Stirling.
  • Career Path: Overview of roles from children's party host to personal trainer and lecturer, illustrating progression in the sports sector.

Development and Leadership Programs

Courses and Qualifications Offered

  • SCQF Level Programs: Different levels of sport leadership qualifications from SCQF Level 4 to SCQF Level 6.
  • Practical Evidence Record: Document practical experiences and evidence through hosting events and coaching.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Schedules and Opportunities at Bellshill Academy

  • Introduction of a new lunch-time sports timetable based on student feedback.
  • Regular club activities scheduled for various sports (e.g., rugby, dance, badminton).
Cluster Primary Schools Engagement
  • Collaboration with primary schools to enhance opportunities and share resources effectively.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Training Programs

  • Various CPD training sessions offered to teachers, staff, and volunteers to enhance sport provision within schools.
  • Upcoming training sessions include topics like dance, handball, netball, and inclusion strategies.

Community Engagement Opportunities

  • Volunteering: Importance of volunteering in the community to enhance experience and involvement in sport.
  • Job Opportunities: Overview of current and upcoming job roles in sports development and community engagement.

Effective Strategies for Career Development

Aligning Education with Practical Experience

  • Importance of gaining real-life experience alongside educational qualifications.
  • Recommendations for seeking relevant entry-level jobs and aligning with career opportunities in sport management.

Job Descriptions for Relevant Roles

Active Campus Coordinator and Community Sport Hub Officer Positions

  • Detailed responsibilities include engaging communities, developing sport and activity provision, supporting pathways, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in sports.

Conclusion

  • Call to Action: Encouragement for students to engage with the materials provided, consider career pathways, and actively participate in community sport initiatives.

Resources

  • Active Schools Volunteering Opportunities: “How to volunteer” and “Get involved with our programmes.”

Questions for Reflection

  • Consider career aspirations in sport management and how current involvement can aid future employment prospects.