Boxing on the timetable at South Gloscestershire School
Patchway Community College is one of the few schools to have a boxing club recognised by the Amateur Boxing Association of England.
The school has embraced the sport both as an extra-curricular activity for boys and girls and also on the timetable for some students, who are able to progress to achieve a GCSE-equivalent qualification.
Leading the boxing drive are learning mentor Nige Burr and science teacher Lloyd Lewis, who have both qualified as ABA coaches.
Mr Lewis, who is also a head of year, was twice world kick boxing champion.
The club will train junior and senior boxers to enter local and national ABA competitions. The gym also opens at lunchtimes for other students to try the sport.
Public sessions are being held for recreational fitness as well as competitive training.
The gym has been opened with the help of grants including £5,001 from Sport England and £870 from Revive charity of Filton.
Mr Burr said:
"With Britain about to host the Olympics, amateur boxing is one of the primary sports for Great Britain to compete in.
"Throughout 2012 Patchway Community College amateur boxing club will be involved with developing the national sport at a local level."
He said some students who found school challenging had discovered that boxing gave them the chance to excel.
"These young people have gained confidence and ability as they train each week. Their work rate has increased as their general fitness has increased and their self-esteem has done likewise," he said
The students are working on the ASDAN CoPE/Boxing Awards Course.
Photo: Courtesy of Patchway Journal (the copyright holder)
