Birmingham Newman University Finalist for Sport Birmingham’s Community Celebration Awards 2024

Birmingham Newman University is a finalist for Sport Birmingham’s Community Celebration Awards 2024 in the ‘Innovation and Creativity Award’ category for its SHARP research project. Led by Drs. Emma Powell, Lorayne Woodfield, and Alex Powell, SHARP promotes active, purposeful learning in PE and sport. The project has transformed over 500,000 sessions, benefiting communities in Birmingham and beyond.

Birmingham Newman University has been shortlisted for the prestigious Sport Birmingham’s Community Celebration Awards 2024, acknowledging its impactful contributions to sports education and community engagement. The university has secured a finalist position in the ‘Innovation and Creativity Award’ category, thanks to its groundbreaking SHARP research project.

The SHARP (Sustainable, Healthy, Active, Resilient, and Purposeful) research project has been the cornerstone of this recognition. Developed by Dr Emma Powell, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education; Dr Lorayne Woodfield, Reader in Children’s Physical Activity; and Dr Alex Powell, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching, the initiative presents an innovative evidence-based teaching methodology for physical education, school sport, and community sport.

The SHARP Principles emphasise active, purposeful learning and have demonstrated significant success globally. On average, the approach achieves 75% active learning time, outperforming traditional PE interventions internationally. While the programme has seen national and international adoption, its most significant impact has been within Birmingham and the West Midlands, where the team has tirelessly integrated these principles into schools and community sport programmes.

Impacting communities through innovative pedagogy

Since its inception, the SHARP project has transformed over half a million PE lessons and youth sport sessions, ensuring the delivery of high-quality learning experiences. The project’s emphasis on enhancing active learning has made a substantial difference in the lives of children and young people across the region.

Dr Emma Powell shared her thoughts on the nomination:
“We are thrilled that Birmingham Newman University has been shortlisted for the Innovation and Creativity Award at Sport Birmingham’s Community Celebration Awards 2024. This recognition highlights the transformative impact of the SHARP research project, which has brought innovative, evidence-based practices to physical education and community sport. Through the dedication of our team, these SHARP Principles have enhanced active learning across Birmingham and beyond, creating meaningful change for children and young people.”

Sport Birmingham’s Community Celebration Awards 2024 recognised individuals and organisations that made a significant impact on their communities through sport and physical activity. From hundreds of nominations, 30 finalists were selected, and the winners were announced at the awards evening on 21st November at Edgbaston Stadium.

About Birmingham Newman University

Birmingham Newman University offers a wide range of foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees across disciplines including teaching, education, business management, and criminology. The university’s innovative contributions to sports education, exemplified by the SHARP project, underscore its commitment to creating positive change in communities through research and practice.