Joining together in celebration of London 2012
Why Get Set?
Joining the Get Set Network meant exciting opportunities for students and staff at George Abbot School (Surrey, South East) to share in the build up to London 2012. In addition to following the progress of former students competing at the Games, there was excitement at the news of road cycling coming through the borough, international teams coming to train at the Surrey Sports Park and the Olympic torch coming to Guildford as its final stage before London.
The Journey So Far
Olympic themed competitions are being incorporated into inter-house activities, house sports, activities week and the school’s annual Sports day. Year 7 students take part in creative and expressive arts that celebrate multi-cultural diversity.
Keen to promote an international dimension to learning and as a school with links across the globe, George Abbot has supported some of its family of schools in a “Chinese Olympics” event involving 850 primary school children!
An official world record attempt has been hosted at the school! As the finale to the Surrey School Games and a celebration of 400 days to go until London 2012, a massive human Olympic logo was formed.
Students are being trained in sports leadership through the Junior Sports Leader Award and Community Sports Leader Award. Members of staff have been interviewed and are looking forward to the opportunity to be Games Maker volunteers at London 2012.
Visually impaired students have recently taken part in Sailability, VI cricket at Lords and the Surrey Para Games. A programme of visits is being planned as enrichment for gifted and talented sports students.
Positive Values
The Olympic and Paralympic Values are those which are reinforced in school already and which are rewarded by an honours tie system. Whole school house competitions along with healthy lifestyle promotion and PSE programmes support the Values.
Students have been particularly inspired by the determination of the athletes and by people coming together from across the world.
And the highlights for students?
- “The athletes’ determination inspires me in the Olympic and Paralympic Games”
- “It brings people together; people from all over the country, countries all over the world, all coming together to watch and support the same thing”
- “Watching the up and coming people become much better in their sporting fields encourages me not to give up”
- “Athletes at the games portray sheer courage and strive for success despite perhaps a physical disability or an under-privileged background.”
Towards 2012
An ultimate measure of success would be to inspire students to work hard for something that is important to them and to give students a chance to experience a new sport.
George Abbot School is determined to make the best of the London 2012 Olympic opportunity to leave a legacy for the school and the community. The school’s big project is to raise funds for an all-weather training pitch.
