Raising the profile of school sport
Why Get Set?
Sturry (Kent, South East) planned to involve the whole school in projects surrounding the Games and having access to quality resources would be a great boost to that work. Already having a strong sporting tradition, Sturry felt that the opportunity of involving all children in a whole school project would make PE and sport high profile for a long period of time.
The Journey So Far
Children have researched possible locations for the 2020 Games and made decisions about criteria they should use when selecting a host city. Research work has also included looking at previous Olympic Games and finding out about developments in sports wear over the years, looking at how records have improved since 1896. A mini Olympic Games has been organised with the results used as the basis for ICT work and children have made Olympic torches, mascots and logos.
Other exciting activities across the curriculum have included building mini luge runs, designing rowing boats using paddles, learning about heart rates using bleep tests and taking part in gym and dance routines designed by the children and judged by local club members.
All children are to be issued with an Olympic Monopoly game board; they will then collect stickers of Olympic heroes to put on their board. To earn stickers children must show evidence of personal excellence, respect, friendship, determination, courage, inspiration and equality.
The year leading up to the Games will be split into four parts:
- Informed spectator – getting to know about the Games;
- Creative explorer – being inspired by a sporting hero and another from a different walk of life;
- Personal excellence – children creating their own events and designing scoring tables; and
- Legacy – recording using various mediums the work that has been carried out.
Positive Values
The Olympic and Paralympic Values have been incorporated into Churry Primary’s PSHE scheme of work. Through involvement with topic work relating to the Games there has been a marked improvement in pupil engagement, particularly regarding boys; a variety of subjects such as design technology, art, science and PE have all been incorporated into children’s learning as part of the overall theme of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
And the highlights for students?
- “We are the host country and London is near to us”
- “It helps people to believe in themselves”
- “All the inspirational stories of winning through difficulties.”
Towards 2012
As London 2012 approaches Sturry is keen to continue finding ways of keeping everyone involved and inspired. Achievements will be shared and celebrated, and sparkling displays will feature prominently around school.
Sturry aims to promote increased participation in sport throughout the school and to encourage a real enjoyment of sport. It would like every child to be involved in a sport that they haven’t previously experienced and to develop understanding of how sport and the Games can unite the whole world.
