Embedding the Values across the curriculum
Why Get Set?
King Alfred’s wanted all students to access the Games in some way and be inspired by the excitement of hosting the London 2012 Games.
As a specialist sports college King Alfred’s has a thriving sports programme for all. It has a huge number of extra-curricular clubs including a fundamentals club. It has already organised an Olympic day where the Olympic and Paralympic Values are taught through a range of cross-curricular practical and theoretical activities.
Joining Get Set meant the chance to use the Values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to enhance teaching and learning. This would impact across a range of subjects, develop cross-curricular links and allow ideas to be shared with other schools around the country.
The Journey So Far
Tutor groups have delivered Values assemblies in the form of videos, plays, stories and interactive presentations. At a gifted and talented summer school the PE department delivered a variety of Values based leadership sessions and Values certificates were awarded at a Primary Swimming Gala.
At Activ8 a club for those with physical and learning disabilities, students have been wearing pedometers and are aiming to ‘walk’ to the Olympic Park!
Other activities with a sports and PE focus have included:
- A Health and Exercise unit focusing on preparing athletes for specific events
- An Olympic inspired dance themed around the opening ceremony
- A ‘chin up’ challenge inspired by gymnasts performing on the rings
- Meeting and racing against international swimmer Craig Gibbons.
In addition, a series of speaking and listening opportunities have been planned by the English department to coincide with a Sports Media topic. Students have given presentations on Olympic Sports, debated the merits of different cities hosting the Games and ‘interviewed’ athletes.
Positive Values
Understanding of the Values has been enhanced by the tutor groups’ assemblies. A Get Set student group has been set up to further promote the Values. Work has started on ‘Be The Best You Can Be’, a project thinking about aspirations for the future.
Students at the summer school identified why the Values are important within sport and how they could adopt these in lessons and in teams back at their own schools and clubs.
The Olympic and Paralympic Values have become an integral part of King Alfreds and fit with the idea of developing life long learners who will enhance the community they live in.
And the highlights for students?
‘The Olympic Games is an inspirational event that motivates and challenges us to get involved and enjoy sport. We are doing lots at school to make sure everyone can make the most of this fantastic opportunity- the certificates in PE have worked really well’ (Yr 10 Student)
‘The best thing we have done at school is to get everyone involved with London 2012 in all aspects of college life’ (Yr 9 Student)
Towards 2012
King Alfred’s wants to continue embedding the Values, build more cross curricular links and give opportunities for all students to experience the excitement of the Games. King Alfred’s is aiming to incorporate the Values into the college culture, curriculum and environment.
An ultimate aim would be to create a lasting legacy leading up to and beyond London 2012 and for students to demonstrate the Values in all walks of life.
