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Active Card distribution piloted at three schools

This news article was published more than a year ago. Some of the information may no longer be accurate.

Published: 23/04/2013


‘Active schools’ is an innovative new partnership between South Gloucestershire Council and Circadian Trust, the charitable organisation that operates leisure centres on behalf of the council. The pilot scheme is funded by Arts Council England, and will allow 3,000 secondary school students the opportunity to access libraries and state-of-the-art sport facilities across the district.

Marlwood Secondary School, Brimsham Green Secondary School and Yate International Academy are all taking part in the scheme. The project was launched at Yate Library on Monday 22 April where students from Yate International Academy were handed an oversized version of the Active Card by Councillor Janet Biggin, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council.

Active is the partnership brand between South Gloucestershire’s leisure centres and libraries. Students involved in this pilot will receive membership to all libraries in South Gloucestershire and membership to ‘Pay to Play’ at all Active leisure centres in the district. Other benefits include a regular newsletter featuring tailored local information and special offers, information on local sports and activities taking place in South Gloucestershire and the surrounding area, plus suggestions of things to do and how to get the most out of the membership.

If this pilot proves successful the scheme will be extended to all secondary schools in South Gloucestershire.

Cllr Claire Young, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s Communities Committee, said: “This is an exciting initiative. Schools, library and leisure services are working together to provide access to a range of sports and cultural services, which are essential for the development of young people. Active members can borrow books or gain internet access at libraries, go for a swim or use the gym at their local leisure centre, all with one convenient card.”

Mark Crutchley, Chief Executive of Circadian Trust, said: “We are always trying to develop new ways to inspire active lifestyles, especially amongst the younger generation. Our centres are at the heart of the local community and we are proud to be a part of such a unique project which allows so many children the opportunity to access sport and leisure facilities locally. We hope to roll this programme out across the district over the coming years.”

Jon Bell, Deputy Head at Brimsham Green School, said: “Brimsham Green School is passionate about promoting literacy across the entire school with all students, so it is natural that we would want to be part of an exciting project such as the Active Card.”

He added: “We believe that developing the whole student is incredibly important, and wanted to participate in the Active Card scheme because it provides all our students with opportunities to access sport and leisure across South Gloucestershire.”

Keith Geary, Head teacher at Marlwood School, said: “We are thrilled to be taking part in this pilot scheme. Our students have been given a key to gain access to a wide range of library, sports and leisure facilities. We hope they will use their Active Cards to unlock a variety of leisure time activities to build a healthy mind and body. It is well documented that students who read for pleasure achieve higher academic success than those of similar ability who do not read.”

Anyone who is not a student at one of the schools involved in this pilot can still become an Active Card member and enjoy these benefits. Membership is free, visit http://www.activecentres.org to sign up today or contact your local library or leisure centre.


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