FIVE students from Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre were recently invited to attend the prestigious Sports Leadership Camp event at Gloucestershire University, on the Oxstalls Campus.

The day started with an introduction to the event from Josh who outlined the programme. This was followed by a presentation which was given by retired Paralympic Swimmer, Kate Grey, who talked about her story and how she was inspired to become a swimmer competing for Great Britain, despite her disability.

A spokesman said: “Two of Newent's outstanding students Marcus Hopkins and Tom Cleverley gave a presentation, as Young Role Models, about their experiences and the opportunities since taking part in this course last year.

“All Schools attending the event went into the Sports Hall to deliver engaging activities using inclusive sporting formats. They were initially split into groups and did some team work to solve problems. The day culminated in the students working in team to practice, and later compete, in three different events - New Age Kurling, Boccia and inclusive sitting Volleyball. These skills will now be put to good use in school during our lunchtime All Inclusive Sports Club.”

The spokesman added: “Special congratulations must go to to Tom and Marcus for their involvement as Young Role Models as well as to Chelsea Stevens who was identified as an exceptional leader with good communication skills and great leadership techniques.

Newent Community School is also recognised by the Government as a Healthy School, having achieved the Healthy Living and Learning Award. The school recently became the first in the county to achieve the Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning Mental Health Champions Award.