Find out how Calderglen High School is creating a culture of participation for all
Why Get Set?
Calderglen High School (South Lanarkshire, Scotland) recognised Get Set as a chance to inspire through sport; develop new approaches to health and wellbeing; and to encourage students to regularly participate in sport and physical activities.
Calderglen’s motto ‘Excellence through Unity’ reflects their community ethos and existing links with Sanderson High School, a specialist school for children with additional support needs.
Community opportunities would be to:
- exchange ideas with other schools;
- contribute to networks; and
- work on inclusive practices.
‘We are embarking on a journey within our school which will use physical education, physical activity and sport as a vehicle for developing a culture of participation and excellence.’
The journey so far
Students have been getting active. Among other new activities a Zumba dance club aimed particularly at girls has been established, and students have experienced a residential sports training camp. A Sports Hub is being set up forming links between the school and community sports clubs. A community basketball club has been established this year which involves current and former pupils.
Assemblies have been themed around the Olympic and Paralympic Values and have built on the excitement of Vancouver 2010 through use of film clips of live action to inspire students to achieve their own goals.
A cross-curricular Enterprise week based on the Games helped focus students’ learning as they worked on a range of activities using a thematic and active approach to their learning.
Students will also take part in Bank of Scotland National School Sports Week and the Calderglen Games – more ways of helping them find sports they enjoy! The Calderglen Games is being planned in conjunction with an event organised by partner South African School, Mount View High. Students from both schools are involved in a joint leadership development programme supported by the International Inspiration programme.
Positive Values
Discussions on what students should be striving to achieve within the school are helping to encourage a positive culture. In some cases a more positive outlook has been observed in students because of their participation in an extra-curricular club
Students have shown particular enthusiasm for the sports and athletes of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the size and spectacular nature of the Games, media coverage and the fact that it is reasonably close to home!
The highlights for students?
- ‘We are excited that great sporting stars are coming to our country’
- ‘The Olympics can inspire us to be the best.’
- ‘Holding the Games means we can get also get the chance to take part in lots of sporting opportunities.’
- ‘Something interesting is finally happening here!
Towards 2012
Calderglen is committed to making sure that their students:
- have increased opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity;
- understand the significance of the Games; and
- know how to access local sport as participants, leaders and future coaches.
A lasting legacy would be that students find sports and physical activities they can really engage in and will stay with them throughout their lives.
‘We are trying to extend the horizons for our pupils by providing a focus which helps them see the potential of participation in sport and physical activity and how it can be a positive influence in their life.’
