KS 1 TOPLINK FESTIVAL A wonderful day of athletic activities were delivered by 14 Year 10 students from SNHS who are studying Sports Leaders Level 1. During 'National Schools Sports Week' 160 pupils from 6 local Primary Schools and Yewstock School were invited to take part in a morning and afternoon of fun, skills and games. Despite a morning of rain, the festival was re-located to the sports hall and after a little organisation was ready to begin. A large scale warm-up involving all 160 pupils running at once kicked off the event. The station activities that the sports leaders had organised involved the Olympic disciplines of running, throwing and jumping. They simplified the 3 areas into practicing rolling, hurdles, speed, agility, quicknes, a range of jumping techniques, where each station had clear objectives. The leaders were on hand to offer encouragement and coaching tips in order to improve the performance of the year 1 and 2 pupils. Ben Fincham and Matt Salisbury, 2 Year 12 Young Ambassadors at SNHS were on hand to talk to the pupils about the Olympic ideals, London 2012 and healthy lifestyles during their rest periods. After lunch and with clearer sunnier skies, the leaders led the pupils to play ‘run around rounders’. This game involves hitting a stationary ball and running around a 4 base pitch. The fielders retrieve the ball and throw it, roll it or run with it to the bowler. Once the bowler has the ball the batter stops at the next base. Teams played 4 games v others schools and enjoyed the opportunity to play competitively, running around in the fresh air and scoring a rounder for their team. The schools came together at the end of the afternoon along with their Olympic flags to receive certificates of achievement. The Year 10 leaders kept focussed throughout the day and showed excellent communication skills with the 5,6 and 7 year olds. A BIG thank you to the Year 10’s for their hard work and also to Emily Lees, a Year 10 work experience student from Gillingham School for her contributions to the event. A day of smiles and energy made the day a huge success. With thanks to OJ Head of dept for the use of the sports hall, which without we would have got soaked and smiles would have been frowns and tears! Kay Evans SSCo |
