Oh, what a joy to return to one of my favourite schools! St Mary’s is small – with only 65 pupils but it truly packs a punch: it is one of the happiest schools I have visited and an outstanding school in many Ofsted categories – such a wonderful place to learn! Their success has led to an increase in the number of SEND pupils, which they absorb in a lovely, nurturing way.
The school is split into three multi-year classes. We started with years Reception, and Years 1 and 2 (Acorn class). Watching these very young pupils learn sitting volleyball, kurling and goalball quite so quickly was humbling, but truly remarkable was seeing them include everyone regardless of their issues.
Mrs Fallon, Acorn class teacher, said that following my last visit in 2022, she had added my ‘vision’ (her words) to her class wall, and they refer to it every day:
“I can’t do it …. Yet!”
Years 3 and 4 were full of fun – they truly lived up to our number one rule: to have fun.
With Years 5 and 6, after lunch, we added a fourth game – sitting netball and our new bibs worked a treat.
Mrs Fallon also repeated an exchange she had with a pupil. The pupil had been struggling with homework, so her mum had advised her that
“practice makes perfect”.
The pupil had responded,
“that’s not right, it is Practice makes Progress, because that is what John says.”
The messages clearly also reach home!
I love my visits to this jewel of a school and hope it isn’t three years before they can fund another joyful day. If there are any funders out there who would be willing to assist to ensure we can continue to invest in these precious pupils then please do get in touch!
What are Games2Inspire?
Games2Inspire events are incredible events, most often hosted in schools, with an assembly and sports day which includes activities designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, with disabilities and none, sporty and not. Participants get to meet our inspirational founder, John Willis, and hear all about how John has overcome obstacles in his life. They then get to put that learning to practice by playing adapted games and sports together learning new skills and being encouraged to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, learning to respect other people’s differences. Power2Inspire works with them to challenge their assumptions of what they can and cannot do.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you are interested in hosting a Games2Inspire in your school / college / company / community group then we would love to hear from you.
We are also always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer individually at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. There are SO MANY WAYS we can all help to ensure “no on else is left on the bench!” Click the button here to find out more.
