January 30, 2003

Described as "a beacon of community sports development" in March 2002's OFSTED report, Sunderland's Biddick School Sports College has once again proven its commitment to setting new standards in school sport by opening a high quality Teacher and Coach Education Resource Centre for Biddick School, staff and visitors.

To realise this new venture, Biddick School Sports College has formed an alliance with leading sport and physical education publisher Human Kinetics. The Leeds-based company has become an increasingly prominent player in the UK Physical Education market in recent years, with new titles including GCSE Physical Education: A Revision Guide and A-Level PE: The Reflective Performer and the TTA-approved Warming Up and Cooling Down, written by leading authorities Jo Harris and Jill Elbourn.

Human Kinetics' Managing Director, Sara Cooper spoke of the parties involved being "perfectly aligned, thanks to our shared objective of trying to raise the bar for community sport standards in the UK." Gordon Fraser, Director of Sport for Biddick School Sports College adds "This is an important step in driving forward the strategy for Physical Education and School Sport within the City of Sunderland - our partnership with Human Kinetics will ensure that everyone engaged or interested in PE and sport has the opportunity to access high quality materials and support."

The involvement of the Youth Sport Trust and funding from Sport England's Active Sports Programme provides this venture with another unique seal of approval. Indeed, the Youth Sport Trust has reviewed the book list held at the resource centre, ensuring quality, integrity and pertinence to physical education in the UK. More details of the books that Biddick School will be making available to the City of Sunderland, can be found at www.ukpe.humankinetics.com, or via the link at www.youthsporttrust.org.

For more information please contact the Human Kinetics Publicity Department, by e-mail at philc@hkeurope.com, by telephone on 0113 255 5665 or fax to 0113 255 5885.