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IN SUFFOLK

HOW LONDON 2012

Celebrating success and achievement:a snap shot of success stories

inspiredschools

achieving excellence together Suffolk Learning & Improvement Service

Introduction

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Placing children and youngpeople at the heart ofthe education, cultural and

sporting programmes of the 2012Olympic and Paralympic Gameswas central to London’s bid to hostthem. This commitment, reflected inthe motto of the Games – ‘inspirea generation’ – resulted in a majordrive to ensure that all schoolsin the country were prepared for andfully involved in the Games.

The Aim

Get Set, the official education programme of theLondon 2012 Games, sought to engage children,young people and their teachers in relevant learningabout the Games through activities, projects andcompetitions. These brought the Games to lifeand presented opportunities for schools to broaden theirphysical education and sport programmes, includemore Olympic and Paralympic sports, extend the rangeof school links and global learning and enhancelearning across the curriculum.

Value

Get Set also introduced schools to the Olympic andParalympic Values and encouraged them to use theseValues throughout school life. The Olympic Values ofrespect, friendship and excellence, and Paralympic

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Values of courage, determination, inspiration andequality became central to the work undertaken bymany schools.

Schools in Suffolk joined in the activities, events andcompetitions offered by Get Set wholeheartedly.100 per cent of them registered with Get Setand used resources from the website to inspirelearners and prepare them for the Games with manydevoting the entire summer term of 2012 to Olympicinspired activities.

This document tells the stories and celebrates theachievements of a sample of Suffolk schools whichused the inspiration of the London 2012 Olympic andParalympic Games to inspire their pupils and localcommunities to be part of this great summer of sportingand cultural excellence. It also evidences some of thelasting benefits that engagement with the Games hashad for several of these schools.

The Future

The legacy of the Games can and should live on.The Get Set website is now hosted by the British OlympicAssociation and British Paralympic Association and canbe found at www.getset.co.uk. It contains ideas forschools to continue using the Games and thesuccesses of Team GB and ParalympicsGB as focusesfor engagement, learning and achievement. It alsoinvites all schools to hold an annual showcase eventthat features the popular and traditional games ofother countries. Hopefully, as a lasting legacyschools in Suffolk will participate enthusiastically inthis annual event.

With the recent Government announcement regardingtwo years of ring fenced funding for primary schoolPE and sport, it would be marvellous to see schools with5-11year olds investing in high quality annual eventsthat ensure sustainability and a lasting legacy fromLondon 2012.

Combs Ford

Primary School


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A week of Olympic and ParalympicGames inspired learning

We wanted our children tolearn about and embracethe London 2012 Olympic

and Paralympic Games. We alsowanted them to participate inand enjoy a wider range ofsports and activities, includingthose associated with the Olympicand Paralympic Games.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl During the summer term 2012 we spent one lesson

a week researching the Olympic and ParalympicGames, past and present.

l We participated in Olympic and Paralympic typegames and activities during PE lessons, supportedby expert coaches and enthusiasts. Having justtaught the Headteacher to make his first jump,a visiting group of sky-divers taught Year 4competition formations. The children laid on minitrolleys to do theirs!

l We enjoyed a visit from an Olympic Torchbearer.

l We learnt the mascot dance and performed it asa whole school.

l We sold photos of everyone making the Olympicrings and staged an Olympic themed fete andleavers’ party.

By National School Sport Week we were well informedand prepared to participate in the week’s activitiesand events.

l We began with an opening ceremony whichincluded a parade of the flags of the nations werepresented and we ended with a closing ceremony.

l During assemblies children demonstrated theirsporting skills and talents. The sports may nothave been unusual, but some of thedemonstrations certainly were! We saw footballskills, martial arts, gymnastics and golf (using indoorgolf balls) demonstrated.

l We welcomed Brian Aldiss, a Paralympic Athlete, withhis Olympic Torch.

l Throughout the week we continued to learn aboutthe Olympic and Paralympic Games duringgeography, art and design and technology lessonsin particular.

l A highlight of the week was a whole school Olympicthemed sports event.

“I can’t believewe just did that!”

Year 4 boy referring to the ‘sky-diving’ activitythey had just tried out in the hall, with qualified

sky divers and a series of trolleys!

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What now and in the future

We have made a permanent Olympic Games and Diamond Jubilee inspired mural signed by everyone and nowdisplayed in the school hall.

We are hoping to keep in regular contact with the coaches, experts and Paralympic Athletes who helped us during2012 and will be inviting them to work with us in the future.

The ‘wow’ moments

Meeting Brian Aldiss, watching how fast he went in his wheelchair andbeing inspired by his determination

Holding an Olympic Torch

Trying new sports and doing our very best to achieve well

The Olympic rings made by pupils of Combs Ford Primary School

Sandlings Community

Primary School


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A summer experiencing the Olympicand Paralympic Values

We wanted to embed theOlympic Values in teachingand learning across the

school. We also wanted to increaseparticipation in sports and to bringabout a greater sense of community.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl During the summer term 2012 we focused on

a different Value each week and childrenparticipated in activities which developed theirunderstanding of that Value. We then completeda foyer display which showed our learning aboutthe Values and celebrated our children’s andschool’s achievements.

l We made torches and sashes in preparation for theTorch Relay.

l We designed mascots for sports day.

l We took part in World Sport Week during which weheld house Scatterball competitions.

l We held a ‘passport’ day when each classrepresented and learnt about different countries.We made masks, boomerangs, Frisbees andMehendi designs. We also learnt traditional sportsfrom a range of countries including Sepak Takraw or‘Kick Volleyball’, a game native to Southeast Asia.

l We had a focus on healthy eating includingmaking and eating healthy foods like fruit cocktailsand salads.

l We enjoyed undertaking practical scienceinvestigations which focused on some of theimportant skills needed to be a successful athlete.

l We walked to the local heath area and collectedleaves, stones and twigs to make journey sticks. Olderchildren made posters demonstrating theirunderstanding of regeneration and sustainability.

l We made full use of an assault course made for usby our local army regiment.

“A fantasticchance toexperiencea once ina lifetimeopportunity”

Year 2 teacher

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Our children have a better understanding of the roles ofdiet and exercise in helping them stay fit and healthy.We will continue to focus on healthy lifestyles gaininginspiration from our new found sporting heroes of TeamGB, ParalympicsGB and others from countries aroundthe world.

We will continue to value and protect our school andlocal environments through further activities relating toregeneration and sustainability.

We have enjoyed learning different sports from othercountries which we will continue to play at school andwith our friends and families.


Holding a ‘passport day’ which was inspirational for our children whowere inspired to find out about other countries, look at maps and learn

different languages.

Having the confidence to try new things

Watching the Brazilian Gymnastic team training at Pipers ValeGymnastic Club

“I really enjoyedlearning aboutthe Olympicsand seeing theOlympic Torch”

Year 5 pupil

Maidstone Infant School

and Nursery


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Celebrating the London 2012 Olympicand Paralympic Games during anaction packed summer term

We wanted to engage,educate and excite ourchildren about the London

2012 Games and to embed theOlympic and Paralympic Values intothe ethos of the school. We alsowanted to replicate the nation’s focuson sport and give PE a special placeand high profile throughout the school.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl During weekly assemblies we learnt about different

aspects of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

l Weekly homework tasks required children to find outabout an Olympic or Paralympic sport. We alwaysfollowed this by watching a video of the sportbeing played.

l Each week we celebrated one of the Values.During the week we asked children and adults tonote those demonstrating the characteristics of theValues. Their names were recorded on a noticeboard and the following week these childrenreceived a special certificate.

l Our long term PE plan included focusing ona different Olympic or Paralympic sport each halfterm. Some of the sports we learnt were boccia,basketball, gymnastics, athletics and tennis.

l We formed a Games committee which plannedour Olympic and Paralympic themed events forWorld Sport Day and the activities we undertookto celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Torchat Felixstowe.

l We dedicated a website page to the Games atMaidstone Infant School and Nursery. This detailedall our events and activities and celebrated thosechildren awarded certificates for demonstratingthe Values.

l We took 44 children and 6 staff to watch the BrazilianGymnastic team train at Piper’s Vale, our localGymnastics Centre.

l Through the International Primary Curriculum wespent the second half of the Summer Term 2012studying the Games. This covered subjects such asart, history, geography, physical education andscience. To enhance our topic work we used‘Espresso’; – an online teaching resource,(www.espresso.co.uk/)

l We participated in a writing relay with other schools inFelixstowe. The children had to research a countryand write as if they were carrying the Olympic Torchthrough it. They described the torch’s journey throughcountries and their capitals such as Stockholm,Sweden and Paris, France. The children explainedwhat they could see and smell and used some ofthe language of the country too.

l We won pin badges for telling Get Set what wehad done to celebrate the Olympic andParalympic Games.

“The Olympicassemblieswere reallygood withthe filmswe watched.”

Pupil

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We joined in welcoming the world tothe UK on World Sport Dayl Every child wore a t-shirt on which they wrote their

name and drew the Olympic rings, the flag of thecountry they represented and the year, 2012.

l Each class made bunting to decorate the school.The children made clay medals that they sprayedgold, silver and bronze.

l ‘Maidstone School’s Olympic and ParalympicGames’ started with an opening ceremony duringwhich children:

n performed the Mascot Dance

n read inspirational speeches, written by each class

n performed an Olympic Values dance

n sang the National Anthem before the officialopening declaration

l Children experienced 7 different Olympic andParalympic sports: boccia, gymnastics, tennis,handball, athletics, basketball and cycling. There wasalso a physiotherapy room where they could stretchout, massage their muscles and get a drink.

l Classes were awarded points for demonstrating theValues and presented with trophies, certificatesand stickers for their achievements. The overallwinners with the most points received a big trophy,a certificate and stickers.

“The Olympicassemblieswere reallygood with thefilms wewatched.”

Connor


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We also welcomed the Olympic Torchto Felixstowel On the day of arrival we had a fun time making

Olympic Torches, flame hats, flame biscuits,celebration banners and learning about the OlympicTorch Relay. After school, wearing our World Sport Day

-shirts and flame hats, and now with our parents wewatched the flame pass by and ate the biscuitswe had made earlier!

Nursery children enjoying the Maidstone Infant School and Nursery Olympic and Paralympic Games


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The long term plan for PE now includes opportunities for children to learn about and play some of the Olympic andParalympic sports which have captivated them.

Every year we will hold an annual Olympic and Paralympic themed sports event at which we will continue to celebratethose children who demonstrate the Values.

A photo book will be a permanent reminder of how the children at Maidstone Infant School and Nursery celebrated theLondon 2012 Games.


Children enjoying celebrating others’ successes – from applaudingValues certificates, to the half term medal presentations with those

medals worn for days afterwards

The ‘Maidstone Olympic and Paralympic Day’ being enjoyed by all

Olympic assemblies, particularly watching the videos (seeing Wenlockand Mandeville at the end always made them laugh)

Children bringing in Olympic memorabilia including real medalsand trophies

Writing diaries about the Games and discussing TV moments

Beacon Hill Special

School, Ipswich


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From school to the Torch Relay and theParalympic stadium

We wanted to use the power ofthe Paralympic Games toencourage our children and

young people to be the best they canbe. In particular we wanted them toappreciate the determination,expectations and self-belief of theirsporting heroes and to replicate thesepositive attributes in their own lives.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl We continued to encourage our children and young

people to try their best, to believe in themselves andto become involved in physical education and sportregardless of ability or disability.

l We nominated one of our young people to carry theOlympic Torch. We did this because we felt hedemonstrated the positive attributes we look for in ouryoung people. What excitement when our nomineewas selected and went on to carry the flame throughFelixstowe! Our Torchbearer brought his torch intoschool and led our school athletes at the start of oursports day and the School Games. The Torchbearer’sinspiration also encouraged a member of staff tobecome a Games Maker, taking his positiveattributes and applying them to her role at theParalympic stadium.

l We learnt about the Games, designed posters andcreated displays showing the range of sportsincluded in, and athletes taking part at, theParalympic Games.

l We undertook a series of fitness sessions to helpstudents appreciate just how much strength, staminaand flexibility our Olympic and Paralympic Athletesneed to compete in their events.

“How do youkeep so fit,Mrs Nicholls?”“By taking part inas many sportsas I can”.

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Our engagement with the Paralympic Games has shown our children and young people that what matters is ability,determination, high expectations and positive attitudes to achieve their goals and aspirations.

We will continue to encourage our children and young people to join local sports clubs where, under expert guidance,they can follow their dreams and achieve their own personal sporting goals.

We are also delighted that a Year 11 student has applied to be part of Glasgow 2014 because he was so inspired bywhat we had done at the Olympics.

The game of boccia has become a firm favourite amongst our students. Since taking part in the School Games it isplayed regularly at school.


Showing the video of our nominee carrying the flame and our childrenand young people realising that anyone can be chosen to do

something special

The generous support and excitement generated throughout theschool for our Torchbearer

Representing our school at the Suffolk School Games andexperiencing the excitement of being involved

Performing a dance based on the 5 rings, at theSuffolk School Games

Celebrating with a teacher and two former students all proudlywearing Games Maker uniforms

East Bergholt

Primary School


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Embracing this once ina lifetime opportunity

We wanted to use this uniqueopportunity to raise the profileof sport throughout our

school and within the widercommunity. We also wanted to extendthe range of activities offered atschool to include Olympic andParalympic sports.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl Seminars and conferences organised by the Suffolk

Learning and Improvement Service (LIS) helped usplan a whole school topic about London 2012.Teachers also shared resources and websites theyfound to be particularly useful. We gave children thefreedom to direct their learning, allowing them toselect aspects of the Games they found mostinteresting to explore and research. The breadth oflearning covered the whole curriculum: from solvingmaths problem to the history of the games, frommascot and stadium design using a range of mediato poetry and plays about the Values.

l Joining the Get Set network gave us a starting pointfor planning and provided excellent resourceswhich met the needs of children with a range oflearning styles.

l Training provided by our School Sports Partnership inthe Olympic and Paralympic sports of handball andboccia enabled us to introduce these new sportsand extend the range of activities offered at school.

l Visits from local Torchbearers and a Paralympicathlete made the London 2012 experience real,personal and relevant to our children in East Bergholt.

l A range of homework tasks meant that parents andcarers were able to share in the learning. London2012 ‘Wow day’ workshops also involved manyparents and carers.

l Some fantastic displays around the school haveinvited discussion and debate.

l A competition to find the most decorative/innovativetorch in each class was held, and the winning torchfeatured at the opening ceremony of our sports day.

l A competition to win 3 tickets for the Paralympicathletics session encouraged children to think aboutthe Values and how they could live them in their dailyand sporting lives.

l Each class has been able to share their work withother pupils, teachers and parents during assemblies,so that London 2012 has been a shared learningexperience. Displays in classrooms and around theschool reflect the diversity of learning.

l Sports day was a special Olympic-themed eventshared with parents, carers and the Nursery.Classes prepared races for the day.Medals, trophies, sports week bunting and Valuesstickers enhanced the occasion alongside a torchrelay and mascot dance.

l Intra-school competitive activities were organisedbetween classes during National School Sport Week.

l The school has had its most successful year in termsof increasing participation in clubs and successin competitions.

l All sporting successes including photos of teamshave been included in our weekly newsletters andchildren have been encouraged to contribute theirown stories of their out of school sporting successes.

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Visits by Paralympic Powerlifter, Zoe Newson and Torchbearers,Rachel Rudge and Keith Hebblewhite (a granddad of one of ourchildren) who inspired us with stories of their experiences, hopesand dreams. Some children chatted in corridors, saying ‘Zoe is

amazing!’ Others were impressed when Torchbearer Rachael told us‘I’m not special, I just try and do little acts of kindness for my family

and friends’.

During sports day every child received a special commemorativemedal from the Parents and Friends Association in recognition of theOlympic and Paralympic year; we were also able to award Olympic

trophies for the winning House and the runner up and the parentstold us that some of the children carried on wearing their special

medal with pride over the following weeks.

Our own ‘WOW’ day offered children the opportunity to take part inseveral mixed age workshops with their parents, all focused on

London 2012: these included mixed media and sculpture relatingto Olympic symbols, writing and directing Olympic storyboards and

a heart rate monitoring maths workshop; parents said that theyreally enjoyed spending time with their children in school and

sharing activities and they felt that the day helped children developcrucial social skills as they worked in mixed-age environments

and with different adults

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The profile of sport has been raised within the school and wider community of East Bergholt. We want to continue to seegreater enthusiasm for and participation in curriculum PE, extra-curricular and community clubs.

We have raised awareness of the Values and want to see them embedded in the behaviour of our young people inPE and school sport, and in their daily lives.

We have also learnt how to teach and play handball and boccia. These sports will continue to be part of ourPE provision.

Torchbearer (and granddad), Keith Hebblewhite, and Paralympic Athlete, Zoe Newson,share their stories at East Bergholt Primary School.

Grundisburgh

Primary School


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Living the Olympic andParalympic Values

We wanted to embed theValues into our school’ssocial, moral, spiritual and

cultural programme. We also wantedto use the inspiration of the Olympicand Paralympic Games to enhanceour cross curricular creative projectsand to put the spotlight on PEthroughout the school.

Activities inspired by the Games

We chose to have a month long focus on the Olympicand Paralympic Games. We introduced the Values,ensured everyone understood them and regularlyreturned to them. The activities included:

l making clay and wire mesh figures based on thework of Swiss sculptor, Alberto Giacometti,demonstrating some of the Olympic sports,

l making collage flags, and figures in the style ofFrench artist Henri Matisse,

l daily aerobics,

l investigating pulse rates,

l checking out how fast we run compared withUsain Bolt,

l clapping/skipping games linked to the Values,

l writing letters of support to our athletes,

l drawing up bids for the 2016 Games,

l making a huge monopoly board showingthe important venues of the Olympic andParalympic Games,

l designing and making Olympic medalsand mascots,

l creating new playground games and pitching themat an ‘Apprentice’ style showdown,

l welcoming a visiting gymnast

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Finding out about Olympic and Paralympic athletes led childrento realise just what it meant to be determined

The children being really engaged, wanting to glean as muchas they could from the Olympic project and there was a real ‘buzz’

about the school

The opportunity to try out sports which had never been heard ofsuch as boccia

Having one of the Torchbearers come into school to talk about hisexperiences and being able to see and touch a Torch

Children truly celebrating each other’s successes

What now and in the futureWe will continue to embed the Values and use them in all aspects of school life.

We want to continue to use the excitement surrounding 2012 to expand the provision for PE and sport at our school andin the local community so that more of our children can enjoy participating in their chosen sports and activities.

We are continuing to make references to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and we are delighted that a real legacyof the Games for us has been observing our children continuing to praise and recognise the Values in others

Grundisburgh Primary School children interpreting the motto, faster, higher, stronger.

Alde Valley School


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Getting the community involved:2012 hours in 2012

2012hours ofvolunteeringduring 2012

within the Alde Valley SchoolCommunity was the goal we set toencourage more students andteachers to become volunteersand increase the range of activitiesoffered in the community.


We began by increasing the involvement of our sportsleaders and PE students who encouraged fellowstudents to take up more sporting activities.Sports leaders also visited primary schools andorganised Olympic themed events. These events wereseen as offering social as well as sporting opportunities.

Students signed up and became Sports Makers(www.sportmakers.co.uk/). This provided plenty ofideas and inspiration to help them make sport happenin Leiston.

Students also undertook a Level 1 Football coachingcourse and thanks to SKY Living for Sport(http://livingforsport.skysports.com/) were inspired byHannah Beharry, a member of Team GB Boxing.

Inspired by older students, younger pupils becameinvolved and contributed to the overall total number ofvoluntary hours undertaken by the school community.Hours were logged via a website created by theschool’s ICT department. Each student and member ofstaff had an individual login. Students and staffvolunteered in a number of activities ranging from dartsto dance. We were delighted that we achieved ourtarget of 2012 hours volunteering in 2012.

Press Release

Alde Valley School OlympicGames Legacy Project

Alde Valley School in Leiston hasreached a significant target in itsquest to leave a London 2012Olympic Games legacy.

The sixth form sports leaders cameup with the idea of contributing2012 hours of community sportvolunteering in the calendar yearof 2012. This daunting task waspresented to the whole school andits staff back in March and justrecently that 2012 total has beenreached. Once the project was upand running an electronic counterwas set up that recorded anyvolunteering hours that students orstaff had completed beyond theschool day. Many of the sportsleaders clocked up 50 plus hourseach when taking into accountthe festivals for primary schoolsand helping out at localcommunity clubs. A significantsum of hours was contributed byPE Teacher Mr Laws and examsofficer Mr Douglas (pictured inuniform) who were both membersof the much talked about ‘GamesMakers’ during London 2012.

The School is very proud ofthis unique and highlysuccessful project.

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Our sports leader courses have been undertaken by a record number of students. We continue to offer our studentsvolunteering opportunities within school and at feeder primary schools.

We want to continue to provide more opportunities for social gatherings and sporting events across our community.


The school trip to the Paralympic Games

Visits from sporting idols Hannah Beharry and John Regis

Two members of staff being Games Makers at London 2012

Volunteers and Games Makers from Alde Valley School.

Gipping Valley and

Thurston Sports Partnership


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Inspired by the Olympic andParalympic Games

We wanted all schools withinthe Gipping Valley andThurston Sports Partnership to

embrace the Olympic and ParalympicGames through intra and inter schoolcompetitions, leadership programmesand partnership activities. We alsowanted to place the Values at theheart of our Olympic and Paralympicwork and encourage all our schoolsto sign up to Get Set. In doing so wealso wanted to further developrelations between all schools acrossboth partnerships.


As a Sports Partnership we were successful in receivingfunding for our Olympic and Paralympic activities. Weengaged all 17 primary and special schools in a host ofactivities which included:

l cross curricular projects using materials from Get Set,

l ideas and activities from Get Set Goes Global whereeach school selected a country, made bannersand flags and represented it at partnershipsporting events,

l leadership training for teachers,

l inviting students to apply to become sports leaders.Those selected took part in a programme ofleadership training.

l supporting schools to provide opportunitiesfor children to practise events prior topartnership festivals,

l World Sport Day during which schools organised theirown sports events and took part in a partnership torchrelay challenge,

l writing Olympic pledges and creating andperforming at opening and closing ceremonies,

l visits by local Paralympic athlete, Brian Aldiss,

“What afantasticprogramme forour pupils toexperience.Our aim now ishave an annualfestival toensure we havean Olympicand Paralympiclegacy forour pupils.” Karen Rees, Headteacher, Rougham Primary School

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l the staging of a mini Olympic event for over 250children. The event began with a procession of theathletes led by Abi Whitefield, an OlympicTorchbearer. Sports Leaders led the sprinting, middledistance running, throwing and jumping activities.Gold, silver and bronze medals were presented byGippy, the mascot of the Gipping Valley and ThurstonSchool Sport Partnership.

l Olympic and Paralympic inspired intra and interschool competitions during which demonstrating theValues was crucial to the awarding of gold, silver andbronze medals.


Children trying new sports at the KS1 and KS2 festival daysand winning gold medals

Meeting Gippy the Mascot and Paralympic visitors, Chris Holmesand Brian Aldiss

Reading about our activities in the local press


We have set up a legacy fund to which schools can apply to receive funding to support future sports festivals,tournaments and competitions.

We intend to continue offering leadership programmes, sports camps and sports clubs across the partnership.

We are continuing to use the Values through our leadership programmes, Paralympic sport taster sessions, duringenrichment days and partnership competitions with prizes going to schools that demonstrate them.

Team GB, ready for action at a partnership Mini Olympic event, July 2012

Otley Primary School


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Gold nuggets for golden children

We wanted to embrace thisonce in a lifetime opportunityto embed the Values

throughout school life and to use theGames to encourage greaterengagement in PE and sport.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl We created a new reward scheme through which

children demonstrating one or more of the Valuesearned ‘gold nuggets’. Classes competed to earnthe most gold nuggets during a week.

l We took part in a variety of Olympic and Paralympicsports. These included volleyball, boccia, blindfootball, goalball, water polo and archery.The children also took part in an Olympic inspiredsports day with an opening ceremony andpresentation podium. The event managed toachieve a double page spread in the local paper.During all these events we challenged children toshow the characteristics of the Values therebyincreasing their haul of ‘gold nuggets’.

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The children asked us to keep the ‘gold nugget’ reward scheme. It is now firmly embedded and used throughoutthe school.

We will continue to include opportunities to play and experience Olympic and Paralympic sports during the school dayand at after school clubs.

We also intend keeping the structure of our 2012 sports day. This involves children completing a decathlon and anumber of races.


During sports day everyone took part in exciting events and receiveda medal

The younger children really enjoyed designing their ownOlympic inspired games

Children’s engagement with and commitment to the ‘gold nugget’reward scheme – which was amazing

Just like their sporting heroes, children at Otley PrimarySchool can be seen trying their very best to win the race.

l Younger children enjoyed the story book,‘The Fairyland Olympics’ by Meg Clibbon. They readthe book then designed and played their owngames. The games created included:

n ‘Troll wrestling in the muddy swamp’,

n ‘Cloud bouncing races by good fairies’,

n ‘Pixie Pentathlon at the silver ring’,

n ‘Toadstool hopping in the magical forest’.

l During the summer holiday children were challengedto become Olympic and Paralympic journalists.They selected a variety of events and wrote an articletelling us about the athletes involved, the excitingmoments and the score or the winning athlete.A highlight for us was receiving an article from a childfor whom English is an additional language. She wroteabout watching her own country – Japan – and howshe made an appearance on Japanese television,seen by her family and friends in Japan. (Article onnext page)

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – OTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL

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OlympicsOn Wednesday, July 25 I went to watch a women's football match. The teams were Japan andCanada. Japan played in blue and Canada played in white. I supported Japan, of course.

While we were walking around the stadium, before the match started, a film crew from Japan's FujiTelevision filmed us and interviewed us. Perhaps they chose us because we were wearing handmade'Nadeshiko Japan' T-shirts. My mum had 'Na' on her shirt, Emma had 'de' on her shirt, I had 'shi' on myshirt and my dad had 'ko' on his. Hannah had 'JPN' on her little t-shirt. Also we were covered in facepaint. Pictures of cherry blossom, Mt. Fuji and the olympic rings - plus the flags of Japan and GreatBritain were all over our faces. It was all kind of exciting. When I went into the stadium I was soexcited about which country would win the game.

When the game started first Japan got the ball and they passed and kicked the ball well. After about30 minutes they scored a great goal from the left. All the Japan fans cheered loudly. Then Canada'sgoalkeeper missed the ball and a Japanese player scored Japan's second goal by heading the ballin. Yippee! Yahoo! In the second half, Canada's goalkeeper kicked the ball hard and a Canadianwinger broke through Japan's defence to cross for a goal for Canada. Oh dear!

Finally, Japan won the game 2-1 so I felt happy. The Japanese players waved to the supporters tothank them for cheering during the game. My mum got a great photo of this moment. I reallyenjoyed my day at the Olympics and would like to go again. It would be great to see someswimming, diving or gymnastics. Female pupil

St Pancras Catholic

Primary School


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Inspiring a generation

We wanted to inspire ageneration of children tohave lasting memories of

2012 and to have been so inspiredthat they would want to continuebeing involved in sport and physicalactivity for years to come. We alsowanted to enhance the competitiveopportunities available to our childrenduring curriculum time and to enableour children to learn about theOlympic and Paralympic Games tohelp them be informed spectators.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl Our Olympic journey took place during the summer

term 2012. Children began by applying to becomeSports Crew members. They had to completeapplication forms explaining why they would besuitable for the job. The Sports Crew compriseda very strong team of 12 children from Years 3-6 whohelped to plan the sports events which were to takeplace during the term. They also helped to choosecompetition winners.

l Children designed our own St Pancras Sports Logoand Motto.

l The Sports Crew also delivered some exciting gamesduring the lunch hour for the children and deliveredclass assemblies about the Olympic and ParalympicValues. Each class created displays of the Values onwhich were shown details of those children observeddemonstrating them. Points were awarded to thesechildren and the highest scorer from Key Stage 1 andKey Stage 2 became St Pancras’ Torchbearers.

l We held our own Olympic inspired fortnight,St Pancras 2012. During this fortnight:

n children were divided into 7 teams representing7 countries. Leading up to the fortnight each teammade giant flags, headbands and mini flags.We held an opening ceremony during which thechildren, in their country teams, walked aroundthe local streets and they really did get their vocalchords warmed up! A group of dancers from theschool performed the opening dance andthe whole school performed the mascot dance.

n we all walked to Whitton Sports Centre for a wholeschool sports morning. The children competed in4 activities and for every jump, run and throw thechildren were awarded points for their country.The winning team collected over 1700 points!

n teachers set up class based challengesconverting points into the award of bronze, silverand gold medals. The points were added to thecountries totals and a new total was displayed inthe hall each day. The children become verycompetitive and enjoyed being awarded pointsfor these challenges.

“It waswonderful tosee the wholeschoolcompeting in asports daytogether insteadof separate keystages”

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – ST PANCRAS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

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n each class enjoyed Olympic related sports tastersessions. Rainbows had a visit from Crazee,a mascot from Ipswich Town Football Club (ITFC);year 1 enjoyed a session at Pipers ValeGymnastics Centre. Year 2 watched the Braziliangymnasts in action. Years 3 and 4 had a fantasticmorning at ITFC taking part in 5 differentParalympic themed sports and were also lucky tohave a tour of the club. Years 5 and 6 were visitedby two former pupils who used their sports,running and karate, to explain and show theValues in action.

l Cross curricular topic work related to the Olympicand Paralympic Games enriched learning during thesecond half of the summer term 2012:

n Using examples from the 1948 Olympic Games,Year 4 children made giant posters advertisingLondon 2012.

n Year 2 children made Olympic Torches withworking circuits,

n Mascots were designed and created by Year 1children


Eenjoying St Pancras sports fortnight – full of enthusiasm, team workand excitement

Singing so loudly in the opening ceremony that people were lookingout of their windows and coming out into their front gardens to join

in the celebration!

Being amazed when 220 pupils completed the mascot dancetogether after practising for 6 weeks

Savouring the excitement of the closing ceremony of the fortnightduring which a representative from each country revealed their totalpoints score: there were 220 children with crossed fingers just hopingthey had won GOLD... and overall Portugal won the gold medals withover 8000 points! They wore their medals with pride for the rest of the

day and probably went to bed with them still around their necks

“The children looked like they reallyenjoyed walking up to Whitton SportsCentre, I could hardly hear myselfthink with the children chanting theirteam names!”

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – ST PANCRAS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS

31


We believe our children have become more informed spectators. When they watch their sporting heroes we know theyhave a much greater understanding of what the athletes go through as they strive to achieve GOLD. We are also sureour pupils will remember our St Pancras fortnight for years to come.

We will continue to elect a new Sports Crew each year which will help the PE leader make decisions about PE and sportwithin school. We are also hoping to continue organising a whole school sports day. The Values too will continue to bereinforced, recognised and rewarded throughout the school.

Children and staff have come to realise the true value of team work. We want to build on this and provide morecompetitive opportunities for individuals and teams.

St Pancras Catholic Primary Schools’ Olympic logo designed by a Year 5 pupil.

Horringer Court

Middle School


33

A rich variety of Olympic andParalympic inspired events

We wanted to develop apositive learning environmentcentred around the Olympic

and Paralympic Values and enhanceteaching and learning by cascadingLondon 2012 inspired themes acrossthe school curriculum.We also wanted to enhance inclusion and cohesionthroughout the school through the introduction of a newhouse system and the provision of unique opportunitiesfor all our students.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl We began our Olympic and Paralympic journey by

signing up to Get Set, accessing quality teachingresources, and planning London 2012 projectswhich would engage and include all students,provide rich learning opportunities inspired by London2012 and include global themes offeringopportunities for international and cultural awareness.The Values underpinned all our Olympic andParalympic activities.

l During National Sport Week students were given theopportunity to participate in an Olympic themedsports competition. Pupils competed in competitive5 aside football, unihoc, hockey, handball,basketball, and volleyball.

l On World Sport Day we staged an Olympic inspiredday. Students experienced a plethora of activitiesand events including art, geography, languages, theOlympic sports of handball, tennis and archery andan awards ceremony. Paralympic legend Dan Westvisited for the day to help out with the activities andshowcase his achievements. Dan offered words ofwisdom and handed out awards at our awardsceremony. Our local School Sport Partnership

funded an expert to facilitate the sport of archery.Outcomes for the day surpassed expectationsas pupils:

n designed fantastic Horringer Court mascots,banners and medals for sports day,

n composed musical pieces interpreting theancient and modern Olympics,

n created world maps showing thecompeting countries,

n wrote newspaper articles reporting on ourOlympic day

n took photographs and created captions indifferent languages

l We held a very successful ‘Go Ride’ event. BritishCycling spent 6 weeks facilitating track cycle racing.Students learnt about the dynamics, rules andperformance of track racing by taking part in skillssessions and competitive individual and team races.

l We also participated in a once in a lifetime interschool hockey festival. Students were given theopportunity of receiving first class mentoring andquality coaching from Team GB goalkeeperAbi Walker.

l The geography department organized a 6 weekproject titled, ‘Sustainable 2012’. Students learntabout the economic impact, local environment,sustainability and benefits of the Games to Londonand the UK.

l Curriculum Fridays featured cross curricular activitiesenriched by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

n In science and design and technology studentslearnt about the design of velodromes, forcedynamics, model making and helmet design,

n English and history lessons considered the originsof the ancient and modern Olympics, significantmoments through the ages and the creation ofnew Olympic and Paralympic sports,

n Maths and ICT used Olympic and ParalympicGames data to create a national demographichistory. Students also created graphs whichshowed performance records.

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – HORRINGER COURT MIDDLE SCHOOL

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n During creative art activities students made films,designed t-shirts and composed Olympic themedmusic.

l A Paralympic day focused on the origins of theParalympic Games, Paralympic Athletes andcompeting in Paralympic competitions.

l Globally we welcomed students from a school inChina. 20 Chinese Sports Leaders spent theafternoon teaching pupils’ how to count to 10 inChinese, problem solve, work as a team, overcomebarriers and lead activities. Our students alsoexperienced authentic music and martial arts

performances. Both groups of students workedwonderfully well together and the results wereoutstanding.

l We also established an international link with a girls’school in the Nyamasheke region of Rwanda.Collaboration began with the hosting of twoRwandan Head teachers. House captains andschool councilors guided the teachers around theschool and offered snap-shots of our learningenvironment and culture; teachers discussedcollaborative projects and have agreed to undertakea joint National Identity project.


The inspirational visits by Dan West, Paralympic Athlete and Abi Walker,Hockey Goalkeeper for Team GB

Students competing against each other in a track cycling team sprint

The creative and thoughtful way in which students made claysculptures and designed Olympic velodromes

Our students interacting with Chinese Sports Leaders and beinginspired by collaborating and learning from and about others’ cultures

and ways of life


We will continue to broaden our involvement withschools abroad through school linking and e-twinning.We are also looking forward to working more closely withour contacts in Rwanda.

The sports clubs and competitive events, introducedduring 2012 will continue, providing regular opportunitiesfor students to participate in Olympic and ParalympicGames.

Students at Horringer Court Middle School enjoying theOlympic Sport of Archery.

Kesgrave High School


35

Running for pleasure

We wanted to set up a lastinglegacy of physical activityand fundraising at Kesgrave

High School for all staff and students.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl Taking inspiration from ‘inspire a generation’, the

motto of London 2012, a group of staff begana running club. Some of them committed to runningthe Reading Half Marathon and/or Brighton Marathonon behalf of Cancer Research,

l Following the success of staff at these eventsassemblies introduced students to the notions ofcommitment, goal setting, aspiration and the

inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.It has been a powerful message for students toobserve staff genuinely being nervous about publiclyannouncing their aim of running in major events andtheir intended targets.

l A new running club was formed at school for studentsand staff. Membership has increased with the full agerange and ability represented at the club. There arethose new to running, those for whom this is their firstafter school club, those who enjoy running for its ownsake and elite runners training for national events.We welcomed a former student, Olympic Triathlete,Abbie Thorrington, who inspired us with herencouragement, praise and success stories.

l Years 7 and 8 students also took part in the SportRelief mile alongside several members of IpswichTown Football Club.

To date the running activities have realised £1500.00for charities

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – KESGRAVE HIGH SCHOOL

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Parents telling us that they have been asked by their childrento go for a run with them

Surprising stories of the wider benefits the focus on running is having:one student told us that he was supporting his dad in his attempt

to stop smoking by running together at the weekends

Hearing pupils talk proudly of the fact they can now run furtherand for longer


We intend to continue the running club with the focus on mass participation and fundraising. As it develops we hope toinclude winter training and activities such as trail running and cross country running.

Members of Kesgrave High School running club for staff and students.

Wetheringsett VC

Primary School


37

Embracing the Olympic andParalympic Games

We wanted to centre ourOlympic and ParalympicGames around the Values

so that their characteristics could beseen in the daily lives of our children.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl During National School Sport Week we offered

children opportunities to try new sports like badmintonand golf. Children were awarded certificates fordemonstrating one or more of the Values.

l During swimming lessons we took part in Aquasplashfestivals involving races and games of water polo.

l We held a sports event after school during whichchildren became local Olympians. Like their sportingheroes, they represented countries, waved flags asthey paraded to national anthems and made

pledges before participating in different racesand events.

l We made Olympic Torches and a mosaic ofOlympic Games pictures.

l Children found out about the history of the Gamesand in particular about William Penny Brookes andPierre de Coubertin. They created their ownpresentations, videos and stories.

l Each year group joined other local schools for a miniOlympic sports event organised by and held atDebenham High School.

“I never thoughtI’d be able tohold an actualOlympic Torch!”

Leah Year 5 pupil


Seeing an Olympic Torch up close and hearing from a Torchbearer

Watching the torch on the whiteboard as it passed throughIpswich and Norwich

Making pledges at Sports Night

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – WETHERINGSETT VC PRIMARY SCHOOL

438


The Olympic Games mosaic will remain on display at school as a permanent reminder of the fun and excitement weenjoyed during 2012.

We want to learn more Paralympic sports and to appreciate the determination and courage shown by theseamazing athletes.

Wetheringsett CEV Primary School’s Headteacher Mrs Vicky Doherty with Torchbearer, Dave Baines-Robertson.

Wood Ley Community

Primary School


39

Celebrating the London 2012 Olympicand Paralympic Games

We wanted our children tounderstand and use theValues in daily life. We also

wanted to use the excitement andenergy of the Olympic and ParalympicGames to encourage more childrento become involved in PE and sport.2012, the year the Games came toEngland, is a year we want childrento remember for the rest of their lives.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl An Activities Week for everyone, involved children

participating in different sports and activities centredon the Values. Key Stage 2 Young Sport Leadershelped plan the week’s events. They also organisedand ran some of the activities. This enhanced theirleadership and communication skills. Groups ofchildren drawn from different year groupsexperienced working in teams. This has reallyhelped the school to become a more friendly andenjoyable place.

l We took the children to Pipers Vale GymnasticCentre, where they experienced and used theapparatus which professional gymnasts use. We knewthe Brazilian Gymnastic Team would be using thefacility in preparation for their involvement inthe Games. In view of this we taught the childrenabout the country of Brazil and dressed in the coloursof the Brazilian flag during our trip, which added tothe excitement of the day!

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HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – WOOD LEY COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

440


Winning ‘Wood Ley Champion’ medals: lots of these went to childrenwho do not usually enjoy sport, and yet they showed great enthusiasm

and determination to succeed, in particular, during our trip to theGymnastic Centre

Visiting Pipers Vale Gymnastic Centre during which time the childrenhad opportunities to use apparatus that many of them had not used

or even seen before. It was lovely to see these children enjoyingactivities which they themselves didn’t think they would enjoy!

Our Opening Ceremony during which the staff performeda cheerleading routine to the children, inspiring them to have

a go at new things

What now and in the futureWe will continue to embed the Values and encourage children to demonstrate them in daily life.

We plan to continue giving the children experience of working within teams and with other children from other yeargroups in order to develop their relationships and communication skills.

We will also be organising intra school competitions more frequently in order to encourage the children to be moreenthusiastic about competitive sports.

Thurston Community

College


41

Celebrating London 2012 together

We wanted to develop furtherpartnership working between17 primary schools, 3 middle

schools, and 1 high school througha year-long, cross-phase project.We wanted to encourage as manychildren and young people fromacross the partnership as possible toembrace the true meaning of theOlympics and Paralympic Games andto understand the deeper meaning ofthe Values.

We also wanted to extend the number of leadershipopportunities available to both middle and upperschool students.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl 60 Sports Leaders supported the planning,

organisation and delivery of a sports festival for over400 children from across the partnership. Prior to theevent preparatory work took place at every school inthe partnership. Each school also benefitted fromparticipating in mini festivals in addition to the finalshowcase event.

l Brian Aldiss and Chris Holmes, current and formerParalympic sporting heroes inspired everyone withtheir stories of determination, courage andexcellence


The full involvement, excitement, genuine appreciation and respectshown by all participants from all schools throughout the sports festival

It was a joy to see the maturity of the children, thrilled to win andgracious in defeat. Every participant, regardless of their position wasaccorded the same level of appreciation, recognition and praise.

It was wonderful to witness.

A Sports Ambassador, nominated to carry the Olympic Torch

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – THURSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

442


Since our sports festival a number of primary schools have contacted Thurston Community College to ascertainhow further support can be provided to them for future events. Local primary schools are also keen to invite SportsLeaders and Sports Ambassadors to support their work, allowing them to develop and improve leadership andcommunication skills.

For our partnership of schools, the lasting legacy of the Games will be the recognition that sport has a powerful role toplay in developing, supporting and cementing relationships across a large number of schools made up of childrenand young people of all ages.

Chris Holmes, former Paralympic Athlete with Sports Leaders from Thurston Community College andRougham Primary School children

Stoke High School


43

Inspiration and involvement

We wanted to developstudents’ self-confidence,social and leadership skills

and celebrate their successes. We alsowanted students to experience newsports and activities that they mightconsider pursing in the future.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl 18 year old Eddie Graver, British Junior Pistol

champion, from Worlingham in Suffolk visited andshared his experiences of the hard work, graftand commitment needed to achieve on thenational stage.

l Students were introduced to the Values andencouraged to demonstrate them in daily life andduring sporting activities.

l Sports day, a whole school event, was an opportunityfor every student to participate in at least one activity.Track events and six field events were offered.Each form represented a country and taken togetherthe countries chosen reflected the ethnic diversity ofour school population. Students made flags andduring sports day adorned themselves in the coloursof their country. During tutorial time they wereencouraged to research their country. With podiumplaces up for grabs the competition was intensethroughout the day. With their national anthemsplaying, winners received gold medals fromEddie Graver.

l Through the Sky Sports, Living for Sport Project wewelcomed our Olympic mentor, Mike Mullen, formerBMX Half Pipe champion to school. Aimed atimproving self-confidence, self-esteem, leadershipskills and engagement of pupils with poor behaviourrecords, he inspired students with his tales of heroicsand sheer determination to become a professional

BMX biker without any parental support, coaches ora team behind him. During a practical workshopstudents engaged in competitive races andwatched in amazement at his creativedemonstration of bike stunts and tricks. Drawinginspiration from his visit, students agreed to organiseand host events for younger children which focusedon Paralympic sports. They learnt how to play, refereeand umpire the games of seated volleyball, goalballand boccia and used these skills to set up sportsfestivals for local primary and special schools.

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – STOKE HIGH SCHOOL

444


The thrill of winning and receiving a medal on a podium with theNational Anthem playing and flag flying high

Observing increased levels of participation

Meeting Mike Mullen: phenomenally inspirational


We have re-registered with Sky Sports, Living for Sport Project. We will continue to use our current targeted students todeliver more activities and events to primary and special school children and will use these pupils to train our nextgeneration of young leaders.

We will continue to introduce more Paralympic activities to the curriculum and extra-curricular programme.

Sky Sport for Living BMX biking event held at Stoke High School.

Eyke Primary School


45

Celebrating the London 2012 Olympicand Paralympic Games

We wanted our children toexperience the excitement ofthe Olympic and Paralympic

Games by introducing them to a widerange of sports through which theycould be successful, experiencedefeat and understand what it meansto work as teams. We used NationalSchool Sport Week to do this,promoting the Olympic andParalympic Values too. We wanted thefun and excitement of these activitiesto help children remember this uniqueyear of national sporting celebrationand achievement.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl During National School Sport Week our children

experienced a wide range of new and knowncompetitive and non-competitive activities:orienteering, swimming, gymnastics activities,parachute games, activities with blindfolds, cupstacking, fencing, handball, street dancing,cheerleading and circus skills and everyone ran asmany laps of our 100m track as they could tocomplete as many whole school marathons aspossible. We also had a visit from a wheelchairbasketball player. Throughout the week stickers andbands were given to children demonstrating one ormore of the Olympic and Paralympic Values.

l Older children found out about ‘the Groovy Greeks’including learning about the staging of their ancientOlympic Games.

l Our learning, practising and celebrations culminatedin an Olympic themed sports day with an excitingmorning of potted sports activities including standingbroad jump, vertical jump, hurdles, turbo throw, pushthrow and speed bounce. Track events followed withflat sprints and relays for all year groups. Olympic stylemedals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places were presentedafter each race. The sports day was opened andclosed by two children, the youngest and oldest,parading an Olympic Torch“My favourite bit

of the day wasthe marathonbecause it wastiring but fun aswell. (I did 36laps of thetrack.)”

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – EYKE PRIMARY SCHOOL

446


Standing proudly on a podium and receiving a medal on sports day

Receiving a band in recognition of effort and for demonstrating oneor more of the Values

Everyone doing their best to run as many laps of the track as possibleto complete the school marathons


Every two years we will have a sport themed focus for our work to raise awareness of opportunities and promoteactive lifestyles.

In every Olympic year our sports day will include a podium and Olympic style medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions.

Our reward scheme, a three tiered system of bronze, silver and gold awards, will continue to recognise and celebrateachievement, effort and demonstration of the Values.

We will continue using the Get Set website accessing teaching resources to engage and motivate our children to learnand achieve.

The Values will continue to be revisited and reinforced through assemblies and other areas of the curriculum.

Above all we want to hear that our children have taken up new sports and hobbies which will help them to lead activeand healthy lives. We also want to know that they can set goals for themselves, understand how to reach them andhave the desire to work hard to achieve them.

St Mary’s Catholic Primary

School, Ipswich


47

Sharing the moment with the world

NOT wanting to miss this once ina lifetime opportunity, weembraced it fully, immersing

ourselves in every aspect. In particularwe used the involvement of Team GBand Paralympics GB in the London2012 Games to enthuse our youngpeople and increase their involvementin competitive sport. We also wanted our children to be prepared forthe Olympic and Paralympic Games and to beinformed spectators


Through Olympic and Paralympic inspired workour children:

l learnt all about the Games,

l made Olympic Torches, countdown watchesand trophies,

l created pictures of Olympic firework displays,

l used paper mache to create figures of people fromaround the world, all celebrating and supporting theirOlympic and Paralympic Athletes,

l made and used flags of different countries atsporting events,

l welcomed a visitor who talked to us about theTorch Relay.

Our learning and practising culminated in a combinedKS1 and KS2 Olympic themed event at Northgate HighSchool. The children, from Years 1-6, were spilt into6 countries. We began the event with a parade of thecountries. We held high large flags and waved miniflags whilst walking to the six national anthems.Everyone took part in one track and one field eventthrough which they accumulated points for theircountry. Gold, silver and bronze medals were handedout by the Mayoress of Ipswich who joined us for theafternoon.Team Australia was the victor and wonthe trophy!

We represented the same countries at Rounderscompetitions too. During National School Sport Week weheld heats with the two finalists battling it out at the endof the week. This time the victors were Team Russia.

“The children have been reallyinspired by the Olympic Values andthey have learned that success isthe result of hard work, determinationand perseverance.”

HOW LONDON 2012 INSPIRED SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK – ST MARY’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

448


Children feeling really special when they stood on the podiumto collect their medals

Holding an Olympic Torch

The parade and opening ceremony of our sports day

What now and in the futureChildren are very knowledgeable about the Games and the Values. They have very positive attitudes to sport andPE and approach these activities with confidence and enthusiasm. They have really learnt about being part of,and supporting, teams and countries.

The Values will continue to be a feature of PE lessons and sporting competitions, tournaments and festivals.

Castle Hill Junior School,

Ipswich


49

Striving for Success

We wanted to embed theValues across the school,enhance the PE provision

and, importantly, we wanted toembrace the moment and celebratethe London 2012 Games with the restof the country.


We decided to concentrate our Olympic themedactivities into a period of 10 days. During this time:

l we found out about the Olympic Torch Relay andmade sure we were ready for its arrival and journeythrough Ipswich,

l we learnt about the Values,

l we used cross curricular activities to immerse ourchildren in learning about the Games,

l we held an annual sports day that had a strongfocus on the Olympic and Paralympic Games andenjoyed an activity day during which childrenexperienced 18 different activities from cricketbowling to blind bean bag throwing. Prizes wereawarded to those children who demonstrated theOlympic and Paralympic Values. During these eventssome children also enjoyed acting as reportersand photographers,

l we enjoyed painting t-shirts and making OlympicTorches with an artist in residence.

What now and in the futureWe will continue to hold an annual activities day.


Listening to an Olympic Torchbearer and seeing anOlympic Torch up close

Edgar Sewter Community

Primary School


51

Inspired by the Games

We wanted to use theexcitement and profile of theOlympic and Paralympic

Games to increase the amount ofcompetitive sport offered to all ourchildren. We also wanted to useinterest in the Games to improvechildren’s specific skills and inparticular their geographicunderstanding and awareness.

Activities inspired by the Gamesl We held half-termly competitions in a variety of sports

including a blindfold challenge, performinggymnastic sequences, standing long jump and asport relief run.

l Key Stage 2 children found out about the Gamesthrough history. Their learning culminated in anOlympic inspired play which told the story ofthe Olympic Games from their beginning to themodern day.

l A whole school Olympic inspired sports dayincluded activities chosen by the School Council.The Paralympic sports of seated volleyball andboccia were also included. During the openingceremony everyone was involved in makingLONDON 2012 and the 5 Olympic rings. Olympicpledges were also read. Events werecompetitive with children scoring points for theirteams. The event concluded with medalpresentations and a closing ceremony.

l During World Sport Day each child made a flag ofa different country. With 200 children we had a flagfor almost every country represented at the Games.These were used during the opening ceremony ofour sports day.

l The School Council held a competition to design anOlympic Torch; these were carried proudly when thechildren joined in celebrating the arrival of theOlympic Torch in Reydon, during the openingceremony of sports day and in the school play.

l Throughout the summer term 2012 Year 5 childrenand their parents participated in an on-goingOlympic challenge to research an athlete anddesign an Olympic mascot for school.

l The children learnt about the impact of the Games,both positive and negative, on the homeowners andbusinesses of the Stratford area of London.

“Sports day was great I enjoyedtaking part in all the sports activitiesbut most of all I enjoyed the flagparade that we did as the openingto our sports day.”

Pupil

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The engagement, enthusiasm and enjoyment of our childrenduring our Olympic inspired sports day and when performing their

Olympic inspired play

Children’s increased interest in other countries of the worldand in particular the designs and meanings of their flags

Being part of the carnival atmosphere which accompanied thearrival of the Olympic Torch at Reydon

Reading about our sports day on a double page spread in thelocal paper


Learning about the countries involved in the Games has increased our children’s interest in global issues. We willcontinue to build opportunities for global learning, school linking and e-twinning into our curriculum planning.

We will continue to include more competitive sporting opportunities for all year groups and all abilities.

The children have a thorough understanding of the Olympic and Paralympic movements and their Values. We arecontinuing to devote time to the Values during assemblies. Our children are also more aware of the dedication andcommitment needed to be Olympic and Paralympic Athletes.

With Eco green flag status we intend to continue to enhance our children’s understanding of sustainability andgreen issues.

Podium winners:Edgar Sewter Primary School children

receiving medals and the winner’s trophy

Elmsett Community

Primary School


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Elmsett’s Olympic inspired Sports Day

We wanted our children toenter fully into the excitementand spirit of the Olympic and

Paralympic Games hosting our ownOlympic inspired event on World SportDay (25th June 2012).


The weather was kind and Elmsett School was able tohave the most amazing World Sport Day. The field wasdecorated with bunting and flags and as well as thetrack, there were 4 sections for team games.

The afternoon opened with a procession led by themascot and then the Royal Hospital School Band fromHolbrook really got us all in the mood.

The ceremony continued with the reading of theOlympic Oath by the team captains and then thegames began! Each zone was divided up into acontinent and variations of basketball, table tennis,hockey and relay races were played in each as teamgames. Traditional track races were also held during theafternoon.

In the end it was very close. The whole school relay wasthe decider. The points were counted and Red Teambecame our overall winners for another year and BlueTeam winners of the team games.

Olympic Oath“In the name of allcompetitors, I promise that weshall take part in theseOlympic Games, respectingand abiding by the ruleswhich govern them, in thetrue spirit of sportsmanship,for the glory of sport and thehonour of our teams.”

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Every child in the school taking part with great enthusiasm and a smileon their face

Every child wearing their own decorated unique number onto whichthey proudly attached stickers as they completed a race

The amazing procession –the children were so excited by the mascot!


We will use the influence of the Olympic Games in all our intra school competitions which we hold during the last halfof each term. Each competition will have an opening ceremony, flags and bunting, certificates for all and medals forthe winners.

We will continue to encourage and nurture sporting activity in the children and introduce them to a varied range ofsports activities for them to participate in and enjoy.

Enjoyment is the key – we will harness the inspiration that the Olympic and Paralympic Games provided and continue tomaintain children’s motivation and involvement in various sports and competitions both within and beyond school.

More fantastic events – watch this space!

Hillside Community

Primary School, Ipswich


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The Values, encouraging positiveattitudes to PE and sport

We wanted our children tolearn about the ancient andmodern Olympic and

Paralympic Games. Enhancing our PEprovision we introduced children to theValues and used them to encouragepositive attitudes towards PE and sport.


During the summer term 2012 our children learnt aboutthe Olympic and Paralympic Games from their

beginning to the present day. They learnt about theimportance of the Games to London and Great Britainand were inspired through following the journeys andachievements of their sporting heroes during London2012.

At the same time we purchased extra sports equipment,set up more clubs and invited specialist coaches andexperts to teach our children a wider range of sportsand activities. Children also visited local sports venuesto experience different sports, use more challengingequipment, e.g. trampolines, and take part intournaments, festivals and special events.

We kept a strong focus on the 7 Olympic andParalympic Values. We talked about them duringlessons and assemblies and created displays featuringthem around school. They have been linked to thebehaviour expected of our children and included in ourschool behaviour policy.


Children enjoyed participating in events taken from the ancientOlympic Games during our jubilee celebrations

Hearing the athletes’ stories and being inspired by them

Our London 2012 themed sports event


To continue to embrace the Values and use them to demonstrate positive attitudes and encouragepositive behaviours.

With grateful thanks


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With 100% of Suffolk schools registering on the Get Set website and almost 90% of schools becoming membersof the Get Set Network, 2012 was an incredibly exciting year for all of the children and young people in Suffolk.The majority will have very powerful images of the events that took place in London over the summer but for

many the highlights and lasting memories will be those that they experienced themselves in their school eventsand activities.

The success stories that are contained in this publication demonstrate a wide range of ideas and innovative practice.It goes without saying that the hard work and dedication of the teachers and other adults supporting learning along withsupport staff, governors and local communities certainly has ‘inspired a generation’. Let’s hope the momentumcontinues and the excitement of Olympic and Paralympic themes continues and is extended beyond the once inevery four years! Purposeful and engaging activity certainly excites, inspires and motivates, thus improving learning andexperiences that go beyond sport. The summer of 2012 proved that!

Sincere and grateful thanks to those schools that went the extra mile and put together and submitted their successstories. I do hope that this record celebrates those successes and inspires others to keep the flame alive.

Thank you again.

Mike Crichton | (Learning and Improvement Adviser)Learning and Improvement Service | Suffolk County Council | Children and Young People’s Services

[email protected]

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