The legacy list from London 2012 is likely to be one of the most impressive from any modern Olympic Games. New world class facilities and transport links grace the capital and the boost to the economy will be very welcome. But what of the legacy in education? There is much to learn from hosting a major world event but can a nation harness the potential in education to develop skills and aspirations as a result of hosting The Games?
Get Set is the education programme at the heart of London 2012. It connects schools across the UK to the endorsed educational resources and event ticket information. One such resource which aims to maximise the opportunities for learning from The Games is the Inspire-Aspire Awards Programme. By taking part, pupils explore the values behind the Olympic movement. According to Gemma Clark, the programme co-ordinator, “young people across the UK can create their own personal connection with London 2012 and schools can make the most of the educational opportunity to engage pupils with a wide range of interests”.
The programme reaches further than you might expect. One school which is committed to exploring the values behind the Olympic movement is Glasgow Gaelic School. Pupils in fourth year (Y10) have participated in Inspire-Aspire as part of their Values for Heroes project. Pupil feedback is impressive with one comment suggesting that participation in the programme had “changed my life”. Gemma explains that “the programme explores the values demonstrated by inspirational figures around the world to show how their values have shaped the way they live their lives and contribute to their success. The pupils who have taken part in this project have gained an insight into how displaying the Olympic values of excellence, respect, friendship, as well as the Paralympic values of inspiration, courage, determination and equality, in their own lives can help them achieve their own personal goals and aspirations.”
More information
Visit http://www.inspire-aspire.org.uk to register online to get your school started or contact the awards hotline on 01334 844900.
Schools involved in Inspire-Aspire can apply for Get Set network status and become an official school of London 2012. They must show their commitment by incorporating the values of the Olympics and Paralympics into their daily curriculum.
A local School contact may be available for regional press. Please call Gemma on 01334 844900.
For more information see http://getset.london2012.com
