Olympic flame resource

Author:
Helen Mulley
Main Subject:
CPD
Subject:
Cross Curricular
Date Posted:
14 February 2012

We spoke to James Ross, of St Breock primary school, Cornwall, to discover how his school is setting the county alight with...

Teach Primary: What is your role at St Breock?

James Ross: I’m the sports coach – I work with pupils in all year groups, introducing them to the widest possible range of physical activities and encouraging them to get engaged in sports that suit them.

TP: When did St Breock start to get involved with the Games?

JR: It was probably around May 2010 when the headteacher first asked me to look into ways we could get involved. I was already excited about the event, so when a letter came in September 2010 about the Get Set network, it made sense to sign up straight away. We were the second school in Cornwall to become members.

TP: What’s the Get Set network?

JR: It’s the official London 2012 education programme. Schools have to demonstrate a commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values (respect, friendship, equality, excellence, inspiration, courage and determination), and be using the Games to inspire learners of all ages and abilities to get involved in Values-based projects and activities.

TP: Do you feel at a disadvantage, being so far from London?

JR: I do think it’s a bit of a shame that a lot of our children won’t see the actual stadiums. But you can make the Olympics come to your school, wherever you are – that’s what we’re doing. We’ve had Olympians and ex-Olympians visit us; we’ve been to the national finals of two major competitions (designing local mascots, and creating a meal for an athlete – Rick Stein is adding our entry to the menu of his restaurant during the Games); we’ve held a red carpet event in the school to let the community know about our plans and get them involved; and in the summer, we’ll have a complete term of topic work around the Olympics and Paralympics.

TP: You were recently made an ‘advocate school’ for London 2012 – how are you getting the message out there about Olympic involvement?

JR: Our Y6 pupils have designed and had made ‘The Cornwall Primary Schools’ Flame’ (we’re not allowed to call it a ‘torch’!). On 14th October we went with our Olympic ambassadors (pupils from across the year groups, with a special interest in or enthusiasm for the Games) to the furthest north school in Cornwall, St Mark’s Morwenstow, and handed the Flame to them. It’s going to be passed to every primary school in Cornwall, and we’re asking each school to email us photos and words about their Olympic plans as it travels. We’ll put together a PowerPoint presentation, and also a book that schools can purchase – we’re talking to the Eden Project, too, about leaving it there as our Olympic legacy.

TP: Why is it so important for schools to take the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on board, do you think?

JR: It’s not just about sport, it’s about the Olympic values, which can inspire people to do all kinds of things, and are so important throughout life. Back in ancient times things like art and poetry used to be part of the competition, so in a way, a cross-curricular approach is going back to the original aims!

Denise Gladwell is headteacher at st breock

“Thanks to our involvement with the Olympics, I’m fortunate to be part of a very inspired group of adults, and this has naturally had a major influence on the children. Now we’ve taken it a step beyond our immediate environment, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from colleague headteachers across the county. It’s been beyond my wildest dreams and has brought so many things together. There’s a buzz here, and throughout Cornwall. It’s our Games, it’s there for everyone, and it’s a real reason to celebrate!”