Inspired to tell the world about it
Why Get Set?
Hackney Community College (Hackney, London) wanted to embrace the Olympic and Paralympic Values, maximise opportunities presented by the Games and inspire everyone to get involved. Located in one of the five east London Host Boroughs, the college is ideally placed to encourage people to make the most of the benefits the Games will bring.
The college was already working in partnership with other further education colleges and with Hackney Council’s 2012 Unit.
Get Set meant recognition for achievements and more extensive opportunities for students to be at the heart of the action.
The journey so far
The college’s aim is for all curriculum areas to be involved in the journey to 2012. An Olympic Week encompassed a wide range of events including glitzy student awards, fitness activities for the under-fives, a basketball challenge and serving foods from around the world.
Students have met hugely inspirational people including ex-Hackney student and Paralympic swimmer Dervis Konuralp and Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson. Student youth ambassadors for Hackney even got to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu when he launched the London 2012 Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.
Hospitality students visited Vancouver 2010 to experience the buzz of the Winter Games and worked alongside Vancouver Community College students. ‘The atmosphere was amazing!’ one commented. ‘We want to serve in London in 2012!’
Regular Get Set blogs give a great insight into what’s been happening. Examples include:
- Getting involved in building the Park
- ‘1000 days to 2012’ charity gym event
- An Association of Colleges event focusing on London 2012
Positive Values
A themed approach across the college is giving a strong message of expectations for all. The Values are used in the code of conduct, student induction, on a series of posters and in events such as the annual student awards. Students are inspired by having the chance to meet people involved in the Games.
Awareness of opportunities beyond the sport itself has been a key message, with students gaining knowledge of the scale and scope of possible employment in areas such as hospitality, construction and security. Staff have been impressed at how students engaged in debates about the legacy.
The highlights for students?
- ‘I hope to be involved in the 2012 London Olympics – if not in a basketball capacity, maybe an event steward or other role.’
- ‘It is fulfilling to know that I am helping prepare for such a great event.’
- ‘I knew nothing about the legacy of 2012 until our event. We need to tell everyone about it!’
Towards 2012
By 2012 the college aims to have inspired students, staff and members of the local community to be involved in some way in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This could mean:
- working directly or indirectly for the Games;
- acquiring new skills, knowledge or sporting enthusiasm;
- getting involved in the legacy of east London; and
- making new friends in London and internationally.
It could even be the simple action of going out and watching the Marathon or another free event.
‘We want more people to get involved and tell the world about it!’
