St Martin’s Primary pupils are having a Workout Week and implementing other initiatives so they can achieve National Healthy Schools Status. (Pictures by Peter Frankland, 0557821)
ST MARTIN’S Primary School is offering 40 different sports to students throughout the week.
The Workout Week initiative was organised as part of the school’s attempt to renew its National Healthy School Status.
‘We wanted to give the children a taster of the sports, to sow the seeds for the future,’ said head teacher Kate Mason.
‘The main motivation is to provide the children with sports and activities and most of the students are doing at least one of the sports during the week.’
A mix of staff, sports development officers and sports professionals, including athletics star Lee Merrien, are teaching classes throughout the week.
PE coordinator Steve Hutchison said the week gives students the opportunity to try activities they wouldn’t normally.
Pupils have been able to take part in a number of activities for Workout Week, including netball. (0557826)
‘In the last week of term it’s nice to do something less formal and academic,’ he said.
‘The teachers have been enthusiastic and encouraged the children to try something new.’
Sports throughout the week include dance, golf, yoga, table tennis, cricket, bowls, synchronised swimming, dodgeball and Gaelic football.
All year groups have been invited to sign up and each sport class is structured for particular age groups.
The Education Department’s lifelong learning manager, Alun Williams, said he thought it was an excellent idea for the school to provide so many different activities in one week.
On the first day of Workout Week, Mr Williams held an assembly to teach the students about different sports they can do, show them what the players of each would wear and where playing sports could take them.
‘One strength Guernsey has is that people can take up a variety of sports and find their strengths and what they enjoy,’ he said.
Year 5 student Katie Bisson chose to do synchronised swimming, lifesaving and netball.
Some students have chosen more unusual activities, such as synchronised swimming. (0557822)
‘I love swimming so that’s why I chose synchronised swimming and lifesaving because they are both in the water,’ said the 10-year-old.
‘The Workout Week lets us keep fit because some people don’t do exercise but if you do and you enjoy it, then you can do it again.’
Year 6 pupil Pascal Dumont decided to do water polo and Danish longball as they are two of his favourite sports.
‘I thought it would be nice to try something different and I don’t get to play these two a lot,’ said the 10-year-old.
‘Water polo is great fun and the whole Workout Week is very good as it helps children to exercise more, especially those who don’t get a chance to exercise.
‘It is important to eat healthily as well as exercise as there is no point in one without the other.’
After-school activities and healthy eating initiatives help the school to monitor the health and well-being of all pupils.
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