WELTON Primary School has formed an exciting new partnership with the Bath Rugby Foundation, aimed at developing resilience and perseverance among its pupils through physical activity and collaborative teamwork. This collaboration supports the school’s key priority of building strong foundations in the heart of the community and creating opportunities for children to grow both mentally and physically through the sport of rugby.

The partnership is set to offer a series of sports-based activities led by Bath Rugby Foundation coaches, designed to help students develop valuable life skills, such as resilience, determination, and teamwork. The Foundation’s involvement will not only encourage physical fitness but also inspire students to adopt positive attitudes towards overcoming challenges, both on and off the field.

“We believe it’s essential for our pupils to have a solid foundation, not just in academics, but also in their personal development,” said Phil Lyle, Head of School at Welton Primary. “By collaborating with Bath Rugby Foundation, we are giving our children the opportunity to build these important life skills in a fun, engaging way that’s rooted in physical activity and teamwork.”

The initiative will see students working together in teams, participating in rugby-inspired games that promote resilience, cooperation, and problem-solving. Coaches from the Bath Rugby Foundation have led sessions that blend sports with valuable character-building lessons, helping pupils to understand the importance of perseverance when faced with challenges, whether on the pitch or in life.

"It’s all about teaching them how to bounce back from setbacks, and how to collaborate with others to achieve their goals,” said Alex Randall, community manager from the Bath Rugby Foundation. “We use rugby as a vehicle to instill key values such as resilience and perseverance, and we’re excited to see how this partnership with Welton Primary School will help the children grow in these areas.”

Pupils at Welton Primary School are already seeing the benefits of the partnership. “I’ve never played rugby before, but it’s amazing,” said Vinnie, a Year 6 student. “It’s not just about winning, it’s about trying your best and working as a team, even if things don’t go right the first time. I feel like I’m getting better at not giving up.”

Another pupil, Roree, said: “I really like when we all have to talk and figure out how to play together. It helps me be more confident in trying new things.”

The collaboration is part of a wider initiative by Welton Primary School to not only build educational excellence but to also strengthen its role within the local community. By engaging with organisations like the Bath Rugby Foundation, the school is offering students opportunities that go beyond the classroom and create a lasting impact on their lives.