As part of the Year 7 Specialist Schools programme our Year 7 Games Leaders have been leading sporting activities for primary school students. We were fortunate to have Year 4 pupils from Balfour Primary School visit us and enjoy an afternoon in the sun whilst being put through their paces by our aspiring leaders.

Our Year 7 students have been practicing all year ready to lead activities for primary school students. For the last 6 weeks they have been split into mini groups, each with a specific role: to deliver a game of 'Capture the Flag' to the primary students as well as run an 'End Ball' tournament.

It was obvious to see that everyone was enjoying the experience, the Games Leaders were clearly passionate about what they were doing. They were patient and understanding of the younger children and were explaining the game rules to them clearly and listening and responding to any questions.

Speaking to some of the Varndean students I found that they were all enjoying what they were doing. 

I want to be a PE teacher

I was told by one of our students, who also told me how much fun it was to do and that the Balfour students seemed to be really enjoying it.

Another of our students explained how they wanted to gain leadership skills and had a love of sports and games so this was a great opportunity for them. They told me how they had a passion for ‘getting children into physical education.’

The students from Balfour were having a lot of fun, 'Capture the Flag is a really fun game’ and

It doesn’t matter if we win or lose as it is still fun playing the game: although we are losing I don’t mind.

They told me that they understood the rules that were explained and it wasn’t too competitive so they could enjoy it and just relax and have fun.

The specialist schools at Varndean School are such a wonderful opportunity for our Year 7 students, it is a valuable opportunity to recognise the talents and abilities of Year 7 students and to really nurture and encourage them to develop. It was clear watching these Year 7 students today just how much confidence they have gained in their abilities as young leaders and as always it’s a pleasure to see them doing so well.

Ms Sprigg

More about the Specialist Schools programme.