Andy Price (Paignton Community and Sports College).
I have been a PE teacher for seven years and Assistant PDM and Primary Liaison for Paignton Community & Sports College, (PCSC), for the past 18 months. After completing my Bachelor of Education degree in Physical Education and ICT in July 2001 at ‘Marjon’, Plymouth - I have taught in schools in Devon, the London Borough of Havering and Gloucestershire. Although, this is the second Specialist Sports College I have worked in, my position now, is different from my previous role as the Head of Boys PE.
I enjoy being a part of the Torbay Sport Partnership as it constantly offers fresh challenges. It’s varied nature means I must communicate and build up strong relationships across the PCSC PE department, key partners and feeder primary schools alike. I have a lead role around developing high quality Physical Education and recently organised and delivered a conference for all key stage 2 teachers in Torbay. I have also just gained accreditation as a qualified street surfing instructor and I am using this opportunity to engage as many pupils as possible within this new challenging activity. This can help school’s achieve their target offer of 3 hours high qualityschoolsport.
My sporting background centres on Rugby, Basketball and Athletics. From a young age, I have been a keen athlete competing for the Cheltenham Harriers at 100m and Long jump in county events. I recently met one of my sporting hero’s, Linford Christie as part of the ‘Sport Relief’ campaign - needless to say, he wasn’t impressed with my ‘P.B’ of 11.37secs!
Growing up in Gloucester meant Rugby was always going to be a big part of my life. At under 16 level I played flanker for Gloucester ‘Spartans’ and the team went onto win many trophies, including the county cup. Playing for Gloucester colts gave me the opportunity at a young age, to play at some great rugby grounds – it also made me realise how important it was to look after your body after matches and recover correctly. Since playing with a successful university side and my newly promoted home side, Chosen HillFP, I sustained a number of injuries. I am currently involved with coaching the Devon side at under 16’s level and help coach our college sixth form team.
Over time, my desire to travel has complemented perfectly for my love of snowboarding and surfing. I travelled around the world during a two year period, enjoying the best mountains and surf breaks, whilst experiencing different cultures. Living back in the West Country has always been my aim - and I now have a young family growing up near the coast and the moors - a beautiful environment, in which to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
In the future, it is my aim to help provide more opportunities for our young people to be involved in more water based activities and sports. I plan to link with Surfing, Sailing, Kayak, Swimming and Lifesaving clubs, to offer structured, competitive beach based events. So, keep updated and logg on to www.torbaysport.com !
