It was a packed day, all in their spacious sports hall, starting with an assembly for Years 3 and 4.  Then these two year-groups, with 40 in each year, played Goalball, New Age Kurling, Sitting Netball and, consistently the most popular through the day, Sitting Volleyball.  With sessions lasting about 70 minutes we were able to explain each game, have each pupil get a good go, and have time for a wrap up.

After an excellent lunch in a rather quaint wooden dining hall, we were back to it with an assembly to Years 5 and 6, and then the same games with them.

I was impressed with the enthusiasm of all the teachers and support staff, most choosing to get on their bottoms and play!  Some, and here I am pointing my paw at Mr Dawes(!), were really quite competitive, but they did so with grace and an understanding of our ethos, which is to get everyone involved.

Scott Brand, the Independent Schools Association National Sports Officer, came to see the games at first hand and was so impressed he videoed me explaining to Keith Dawes how it all works and why other independent schools should have one.

A big thank you to Kathy Uttley, the Head, as she was having to juggle an inspection and a Nursery Open Day while we were causing mayhem to her curriculum.  She was pleased enough to bring the prospective nursery parents around to see the fun the pupils were having – and the decibel level would easily confirm they were learning through fun.

Mr Dawes and I are hatching plans for further activities, which we hope to include a multi-school event playing these adapted games with special needs children.  I can’t wait!