Inspiring students through international links
Why Get Set?
Through the International Inspiration Programme, a successful working partnership with a school in India had already been established. Looking beyond more traditional correspondence type links, students from both schools had been given the amazing opportunity of visiting one another’s countries in person!
Joining Get Set meant the chance to share this international story as it continued to develop, gain inspiration to further develop other curriculum areas and introduce even more sports and activities. Christ College (Gloucestershire, South West) wanted students to experience as many Olympic and Paralympic activities as possible, through taster sessions and lead up events before, during and after the Games.
The Journey So Far
Christ College students have been given opportunities to take part in a range of activities including an Indian themed Top Link programme, multi-cultural themed days and assemblies.
Children from feeder primary schools have been part of the action with over 600 primary age children having been introduced to Kabaddi, Kho Kho and Rangoli. Across the globe their counterparts in Indian village schools around the main link school have been introduced to Tag Rugby and Rounders.
Student leadership has featured strongly with students leading assemblies showing what effect their involvement has had on their own thoughts and feelings about the world.
Positive Values
Christ College students have embraced the Olympic and Paralympic Values and shown more respect and tolerance towards one another, and there has been a very positive impact on behaviour in and around the school. Both in lessons and beyond, students have approached obstacles with courage and determination, attempting tasks with positivity and a desire to go beyond their personal best.
Engagement in leadership opportunities has been evident with all students in year 10 completing a leadership award; this led to the creation of learning, participation and competitive opportunities for primary and special school children.
And the highlights for students?
Students have been inspired by the magnitude of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the effect they have on the lives of so many and the way in which sport brings people from the far corners of the globe together.
- “The Olympic and Paralympic Values remind us of how we should play and what sport is all about.”
- “We can see and learn about sports that we do not have the chance to do, like high diving.”
- “Bringing people together for sport, shows us that it is such an important part of life.”
Towards 2012
Of huge importance to Christ College is developing in students a true understanding of what impact the Olympic and Paralympic Games will have on young people throughout the world.
Their ultimate aim is to repeat and build on what has already been achieved, enabling a second group of young leaders to experience a visit to India and to reciprocate by receiving students from the partner school once again.
“Instilling the desire with our students to do this through the Get Set programme will be a true measure of success.”
