Swanshurst School opens new sports hall to mark its 70th year

Swanshurst School in Billesley has started celebrating its 70th birthday by opening a new sports hall, with an Olympian and a Paralympian there to cut the ribbon.

Students, staff, governors and former pupils were joined by Olympic bronze medallist Katharine Merry and Paralympic bronze medallist Ndidikama "Didi" Okoh for the opening.

The athletes

Katharine Merry, a former sprinter, won bronze in the 400 metres at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and was the fastest woman in the world over 400 metres in 2001. Didi Okoh won bronze in the T63 100 metres at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and spoke to students about inclusion in sport and the difference physical activity can make to young people's lives.

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, students showed off the new facility with sporting activities and demonstrations, before the guests heard from student leaders and from both athletes about their sporting journeys and the obstacles they had overcome.

"It was inspiring"

Year 9 pupils Cianne and Johanna said: "I liked hearing about the stories from the external visitors, about how they got into sport and what they had to overcome; it was inspiring."

"It was nice to be part of the opening and playing the matches, as it was good to get the practice with different year groups involved too."

More space for sport

The new hall adds to the school's existing sports hall, gym, dance studio and outdoor courts, giving more space for lessons and clubs.

Its PE curriculum includes team games such as netball, football, rounders, cricket, tag rugby and basketball, alongside athletics, fitness, swimming, dance, badminton, short tennis and trampolining. Students also take part in outdoor adventure activities and leadership roles.

Mike Dunn, executive headteacher and chief executive of the academy trust the school belongs to, said: "It was a real privilege to welcome Katharine to Swanshurst. Her story is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through determination and a passion for your sport, and it was brilliant to see her inspiring our students."

"Our new sports hall is a fantastic addition to the school and gives even more of our students the opportunity to enjoy sport, develop their skills and discover activities they may go on to love."

"As we celebrate 70 years of the school, it was particularly fitting to bring together our past, present and future and celebrate everything that makes Swanshurst such a special part of the Birmingham community."

A year of celebrations

Several former pupils with sporting backgrounds were also invited back to mark the occasion. The opening launched a year of events for the school's anniversary, including a "Swanshurst through the years" exhibition.

Katharine Merry grew up in the Midlands and has spent much of her career since retiring from athletics as a broadcaster and commentator, while Didi Okoh is one of a new generation of British Paralympic sprinters.

Schools across the city have been investing in sport and physical activity, which research links not only with better health but with improved concentration and wellbeing in the classroom.