THE physical education department at Fearns High School is committed to providing all pupils with the best possible movement education.

This ethos is reflected in the range and quality of teaching within the normal school timetable.

After school this is continued through the many different competitive and non-competitive activities that are offered to pupils of all sexes and abilities.

The last 18 months have seen success for Fearns' teams and pupils in school competitions not only across Rossendale but also at wider levels.

The girls' under 14s and 16s football teams have won the Whitworth five-a-side tournament for the last two years and will be aiming to complete the 'treble' in September.

Several of the girls team have represented Bury Academy side in recent competitions with Joanne Jackson picking up a player of the tournament award.

The year 10 boys team reached the quarter final of the Lancashire Schools Cup last season and seven members of the team Lee Kershaw, Jimmy Foster, Gareth Wademan, Billy Carrington, Chris Livesey, Kristian Evans and Jamie Hunton have all played for the Rossendale Town Team, with Billy and Jimmy being selected for the Lancashire squad.

Lee and Gareth are currently at Burnley and Oldham centres of excellence.

We have had Rossendale representatives at a younger level also with Danny Hart, Karl Tighe and Michael Hayhurst all playing for the under 14s team. In athletics, Chrissie Lee Murray, James Owen and Cathy Jackson recently represented Rossendale at the Lancashire Schools athletic championships. Michael Farry won several of the races in the year nine age group at this year's cross country meetings.

Matthew White and Danny Hartley have represented Rossendale at cricket.

However, it is not only the elite pupils who are encouraged to attend after school clubs. Fearns High School provides opportunities for all pupils of all abilities to participate in activities throughout the year.

And it is not only within school sports that our pupils succeed.

Many have gained considerable success at their own chosen sports when representing local clubs.

Adam Brierley is a second dan black belt at karate while Scott Love and Sarah Lennon are the first and second British kickboxing champions and are currently preparing for the World Championships in Malta.

Alex Cohen has already represented Britain in a Judo competition in Holland.

Away from martial arts, Jenny Innes has won the vault, beam, bars and floor competitions at Trafford Gymnastics Club while Lee Kershaw, John Thompson and Karl Tighe raised £200 for the British Heart Foundation in a schools' golf tournament.

Riccardo Ferdenzi, David Brown, Lee Mitchell and Lee Burdis have all played for the Rossendale Rugby Union Club's under 16 team.

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