Black Arrow’s Coach; Amardeep Panesar, was recently announced as the Active School Hero, Islington winner. All 33 London Borough winners were invited to the Anniversary Games at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium on Saturday 20th July 2019, when the overall winner was announced.
Please read below Amardeep’s nomination: https://youtu.be/VLDR7YDEAoE
https://activeschoolhero.com/london-borough-winners/
Amardeep has been actively involved in sport from primary school, through secondary, college and university, where she was actively involved in representative sport, playing Netball, Badminton, Athletics and more. Badminton was her main sport which she started playing at he age of 11 and still does at club and competition level. As a junior player she represented Essex county. Such was her passion for sport that she studied Sports Science at Brunel University and was a valuable member of the Badminton team.
Her passion for helping children, wanting to give them the same opportunities she experienced at school saw her pursue a career in Primary education as a Teacher 17 years ago, working primarily in Newham, Waltham Forest, Hackney Kent and currently in Islington. As a Teacher she was involved in introducing large numbers of pupils to her favourite sports of Badminton, Gymnastics and Dance, for which she is a qualified coach in all 3 plus a number of other sports.
Amardeep has been a qualified coach from the age of 18, and has used her experience as a coach to encourage and introduce a wide range of sports at all the schools she has worked at, from after school clubs, part of the PE curriculum, activities for staff and parents and the wider school community.
As a Head Teacher in Islington at Copenhagen Primary school, her passion for sport has not diminished. In her personal life she attends “Box Fit” at least 4 times a week, coaches junior Badminton at weekends, as well as playing league matches and tournaments. Her passion and enthusiasm for sport, and the values and disciplines that sport can offer to primary pupils in their development through their school years is evident at her school. Where she has implemented a programme of after school clubs delivered by Teachers and Community clubs, providing pupils the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities.
In fact one of the most popular clubs attended is Gymnastics, which is usually over-subscribed, which she delivers. She believes in leading by example, and as a result of this “Can Do” attitude both Teachers and pupils alike are actively involved in sport at school and outside of school. She has introduced Table Tennis and Badminton as part of the PE curriculum for years 1-6, as well as links with community clubs where pupils can continue playing outside school. One such partnership is with Arsenal Football Club, Football in the Community who uses the school facilities to run after school clubs as well as holiday coaching programmes.
Amardeep can often be seen leading the “Daily Mile” at school, or on the start line in the Teachers race on sports days, or doing the annual Islington 5K run with fellow teachers. She is a true sporting inspiration to all at school and in the wider local community, and would be a very deserving recipient of this award as an unsung hero.
Amardeep Panesar
Active Hero Borough Winners
Amardeep Panesar – (Islington Winner)