Category Archives: Glasgow 2014

Inchlair youngsters lead the way

Isobel Edmond, Head Teacher of Inchlair Nursery School shares how youngsters have embraced the context of the Commonwealth Games and how this has had a tangible impact on learning.

The Game On Challenge has given our pupils the skills to try out new Sports. We are purchasing new equipment to ensure that the children can continue to develop their new skills in our wonderful outdoor play space. When the coaches are not available children can very ably organise equipment and ensure that their peers wait and take their turn. They could be the Sports coaches of the future.

There is a real noticeable increase in the confidence of children to apply learning to new situations. The Story of the birth of CLYDE, “Captain Bristle’s Thistles” really caught their imagination. From this they have had countless role play experiences using uniforms, telescopes, globes, flags, flower pots, thistles, climbing frames. We have noticed their play is more focussed and shared experiences give children more opportunity to talk and learn together during exciting, imaginative play activities. There can be no doubt that using the Commonwealth Games as a context for learning has added an exciting layer of experience which has enriched learning for all.

A year ago our pupils would mostly say they lived in Stenhousemuir not Scotland. A focus on the Commonwealth Games has made them very aware that they are Scottish. They recognise the saltire and call it the “X” factor flag. The baton relay has given them the opportunity to study Commonwealth countries, flags of the world, maps, and wild animals. Relations have sent them postcards from across the globe. Access to the internet and in particular the BBC coverage of the Queen’s Baton Relay has enabled children to see places for themselves which has made them much more aware of life beyond our own town. We have complied a short video which allows the children to share their learning.

As a school, we sponsor a child in Malawi. Our support means she can go to school. We sell Nursery Cookbooks to raise funds for this as part of our Enterprise project. As Malawi is part of the Commonwealth children have been interested in finding the country on the world map, recognising the flag and studying pictures of Rachael over the years. They see her home, a hut in a dry dusty garden. The fact that fascinates them most is that she never has any shoes. This has helped our pupils understand how fortunate they are to live in a country which recognises and values the importance of learning. They have been genuinely touched by the difference in lifestyle between Scotland and Malawi and are beginning to understand how fortunate they are.

We were thrilled to be part of the “Going for Glasgow” challenge. Our children have had the opportunity to take part in 12 sports activities. To develop the Legacy, children take our CLYDE toy to their after school activity classes. They take photos and display them in the Nursery along with posters from their sports classes. Hopefully this will encourage other children to join a new club. The children love to talk about CLYDE’S visits and Parents are fully engaged with this idea.

As an active nursery, we are committed to daily outdoor play and developing physical sports activities. Being part of the Game on Challenge this year has brought a real buzz and sense of excitement to the Nursery. There is a competitive spirit as older brothers and sisters tell us about what they are doing at school to complete their challenge. Our youngsters go home at night and share their learning with family and friends. A number of parents have been inspired by their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.
The high spot of our year is receiving the award of a Game On Scotland Plaque by Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games, Sport, Equalities and Pensioners’ Rights. This award has given staff, pupils and parents a great sense of achievement and pride in the excellent work being done.

We would really advise anyone who has not already registered their Game On Challenge to do so. It has been great fun here at Inchlair, and we look forward to reading what you have been up to!

New Venue Films available

Scottish National Hockey Centre

A range of top-class sporting venues across Glasgow and Scotland will be used for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and we’ve produced films for each, to help you see where the action will take place. Access them on the Game On Scotland site.

From the Athletes’ Village through to Tollcross International Swimming Centre, there’s a wide range of spectacular venues to explore, all captured on film to make for an interesting viewing experience. We are currently finalising the Hampden Park film and this will shortly be added to the site.

On a related note, for those teachers who may be thinking of organising trips to the venues, control will shortly be handed over to the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee to enable them to be made ready for the Games. When this happens, they will no longer be open to the public and it will not be possible to accommodate visits or tours. At that point, the priority is to make the final modifications necessary to deliver 11 days of world class sport. Please do not contact Game On Scotland about organising visits as we are unable to assist.

Game On Scotland Plaques Go International

Trailblazers from a Highland primary joined in an online Commonwealth Games celebration with the first Canadian schools to get Game On Scotland awards.

Thanks to a virtual link up, Crown Primary School pupils in Inverness are able to swap experiences with three schools successfully being awarded Game On Scotland plaques in Toronto. Taking the total number of plaques awarded to over 100.

Crown Primary was the first worldwide to receive a Game On Scotland plaque, presented by Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, last November so it was especially exciting for the youngsters to witness the first ever presentation of a Game On Scotland plaque abroad.

Ms Robison presented the schools with plaques on 1st May at Toronto’s Ryerson University. The Cabinet Secretary was on an official visit to Canada, coinciding with the Queen’s Baton Relay being in the country.

The awards and live link up came during a British Council-organised Commonwealth Sports Day in Toronto, a stopping point of the Queen’s Baton Relay. They are part of Commonwealth Class, a Supporting Legacy 2014 project, that is endorsed by Game On Scotland.

Inverness pupils and Canadian counterparts were able to put questions to the Cabinet Secretary as well as interact with Canadian athletes who will be coming to Glasgow to compete this summer.

The Highlands are twinned with Canada as part of the Support A 2nd Team initiative.

Ms Robison said: “It is fantastic to see the Game On Scotland precedent that was set so ably by Crown Primary School, being followed up today with these plaque awards in Toronto, among the first internationally.

“The Commonwealth Games is an inspirational springboard for learning activities around global citizenship, and encouraging young people to strive to be the very best they can be.

“Thanks to programmes like Commonwealth Class, and Support a 2nd Team, links can be forged across continents which I hope will endure as a lasting legacy beyond the Games.”

Game On Scotland provides a unique platform for schools and organisations to share their Commonwealth learning activities with an international audience. Over 700 schools and organisations across the globe have set themselves a challenge inspired by the sporting spectacle of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

It is so exciting to read of the creative and exciting learning opportunities for young people globally, to understand how the Commonwealth Games is an inspiration to them and gain insight into things which are important to them. There are so many really creative approaches to using the Commonwealth Games as a context for learning and we would like to share a few with you.

As a result of Game On Scotland, learners in Nyarach Primary School, Kenya will hold their first ever Sports day. In contrast, St. Francis Nursery and Primary School, Nigeria are keen to understand the importance of being part of Commonwealth. In the aspect of oneness, being connected together as part of the Global Village.

Bogra Zilla School in Bangladesh hope their links with a partner school will help them develop a deeper bond of brotherhood across the distance. There is a focus on Culture, of the educational ties between them as well as challenging one another in a mini games.

Milford School in Aukland, New Zealand are writing and performing a school production based on their journey to the Commonwealth Games. En-route, children will perform dances and musical items representing a range of countries as they investigate the true meaning of being involved in an event such as the Commonwealth Games.

Highgate International School in Cyprus have learners from 29 different nationalities. They are inspired by the Commonwealth Games to find out more about Scotland – its geography and rich history, putting famous explorers, inventors and sports stars in the spotlight.

With over 25 International partners representing a number of Commonwealth nations and territories already on the map there has never been a better time to make use of the advances in technology. There are fabulous opportunities for our learners to make connections with their peers around the world.

The British Council have over 80 years’ experience in promoting international cultural relationships whilst through BBC Commonwealth Class, learners from around the globe can link up to debate topical issues or embark on special projects.

Our message today is “it’s not too late to get involved!” Set your challenge where you are at, learners from Iochdar School, South Uist are particularly interested in the challenges facing rural communities across the Commonwealth. They want to encourage their community to develop a healthier lifestyle through a variety of physical challenges.

Whatever your challenge, big or small we would like you to share it with us giving your young people an opportunity to learn more about the values that shape our Commonwealth in 2014. In doing so, you can join Crown Primary, their Canadian partners and over 100 other education establishments in being awarded a Game On Scotland plaque in recognition of your achievements.

Games Charity song released at St Anne’s Primary School (Glasgow)

East 40, children forms schools in the East End of Glasgow today released “Let the Games Begin“, a single in aid of UNICEF, to celebrate the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Young stars form nursery, primary and secondary schools across the East End of Glasgow performed the song live for the first time with Freddie Cowan, lead guitarist from the Vaccines.

In an extraordinary partnership collaboration between St Mungo’s Learning Community, some of Scotland’s finest musicians including Scott Hutchison (Frightened Rabbits), Paul Thomson (Franz Ferdinand), local writer Jonathan Carr and the artist Gerard M Burns learners across all ages and abilities created an inspirational piece of music which will be at the heart of the Games Charity UNICEF’s fundraising efforts.

The song is available for download from iTunes https://itun.es/i66Q6jG

Quiz BBC’s Mark Beaumont in GOS Glow Meet – 2pm, 29/04

Mark Beaumont interviewing in the CaribbeanAs part of our ongoing series of Glow Meets, we’re delighted to confirm that intrepid adventurer and jet-setting BBC reporter Mark Beaumont will be joining us on Tuesday 29th April. You can register to get involved here.

Mark is currently working his way around 70 nations and territories of the Commonwealth, following the Queen’s Baton as it visits the countries who will be heading to Glasgow to compete in this summer’s Games. His journey has so far taken him to Asia, Oceania, Africa, South America and the Caribbean as part of a trip which began when the Queen’s Baton left Buckingham Palace on 9 October last year.

On Tuesday the Baton will be in Ottawa, Canada, and Mark will be joining our Social Studies themed Glow Meet at 2pm to talk about his experiences and answer questions from school students across Scotland.

From Canada the baton will move on to Europe, returning to Scotland on 14 June where it will spend 40 days visiting communities in all 32 local authority areas. The 288 day relay will conclude on the 23 July when the baton is delivered back to Her Majesty the Queen and the royal message contained within will be read at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Ahead of the Glow meet, you can find out more about the Queen’s Baton and its journey on the Game On Scotland site and see reports and images on a special Queen’s Baton Relay section of the Glasgow 2014 website. You can also follow Mark on Twitter: @BBCMarkBeaumont

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Festival 2014 Performance Opportunities

Festival 2014 Logo
– DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY 9th MAY –

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games aren’t just about the top class sporting action, there’s a whole host of cultural activity too and this is the chance for groups from your school to get involved…

Festival 2014 is a huge Games Time celebration in Glasgow running alongside the sporting action. It will transform the city from 19 July to 3 August with an invigorating mix of entertainment, culture and enjoyment filling the streets, spaces and stages of Glasgow. The highlight of Festival 2014 will be three specially created Live Zones, one at Glasgow Green, one in the Merchant City and a third at Kelvingrove Bandstand. Here you will be able to experience the buzz of the Games, watch live sport on big screens, participate in arts and sports, and watch music, dance, comedy and film in outdoor stages and spaces specially designed to put you at the heart of the Games experience, at the heart of the city.

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been working with organisers to offer outstanding performance-based groups from the education sector the opportunity to showcase their talent in Glasgow during the Games. If you have groups in your school or centre who excel in music, dance or theatre then please read the supporting brief and complete the expression of interest form attaching any supporting media (e.g sound clip/video/pictures) and submit electronically to the address contained within no later than 5pm on Friday 9th May.

The opportunity is open to groups from primary, secondary and special schools, colleges and universities in Scotland, as wells as groups from uniformed youth organisations.

Participation in the Commonwealth Games Ceremonies!

There is still time to become part of the cast for the Ceremonies:               Apply by 18 April here .

On July 23 the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will officially launch Glasgow and Scotland’s biggest-ever festival of sport and culture. At the heart of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be the 3000 people who will make up the cast which will be performing on these unforgettable occasions – and you could be one of them. It’ll be a once in a lifetime opportunity to get involved in one of Glasgow’s biggest ever parties.

Brand new auditions will take place at the end of April, and we are particularly interested in male volunteers, and people under 45. If you missed out on the first lot of auditions back in March, this is your last chance to get involved. The group auditions are energetic, fun and all you need is bags of enthusiasm, and a bit of commitment to attend rehearsals.

Financial support to assist with costs is available on an application basis to successful cast members and will be targeted to assist participation in the ceremonies by those facing challenges meeting costs including independent living support, carer costs, childcare, travel to Glasgow and ensure that they can complete their experience. The funding will be independently administered by Volunteer Scotland and Voluntary Arts Scotland which has developed detailed application criteria. For further information please contact info@volunteersupportpot.org.uk .

You don’t need to have previous experience as we will teach you all you need to know.. Bring your personality, commitment and maybe even a friend along to one of our group auditions and start the experience of a lifetime. Apply by 18 April here .

Applicants must be aged 18 and over.

Festival 2014 performance opportunities!

Festival 2014 Logo
The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games aren’t just about the top class sporting action, there’s a whole host of cultural activity too and this is the chance for groups from your school to get involved…

Festival 2014 is a huge Games Time celebration in Glasgow running alongside the sporting action. It will transform the city from 19 July to 3 August with an invigorating mix of entertainment, culture and enjoyment filling the streets, spaces and stages of Glasgow. The highlight of Festival 2014 will be three specially created Live Zones, one at Glasgow Green, one in the Merchant City and a third at Kelvingrove Bandstand. Here you will be able to experience the buzz of the Games, watch live sport on big screens, participate in arts and sports, and watch music, dance, comedy and film in outdoor stages and spaces specially designed to put you at the heart of the Games experience, at the heart of the city.

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been working with organisers to offer outstanding performance-based groups from the education sector the opportunity to showcase their talent in Glasgow during the Games. If you have groups in your school or centre who excel in music, dance or theatre then please read the supporting brief and complete the expression of interest form attaching any supporting media (e.g sound clip/video/pictures) and submit electronically to the address contained within no later than 5pm on Friday 4th April.

The opportunity is open to groups from primary, secondary and special schools, colleges and universities in Scotland.

Sport Your Trainers on Commonwealth Day, 10th March

Sport Your Trainers

It is hard to believe but the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be here in less than six months!

To warm up for Scotland’s biggest-ever festival of sport and culture, schools are invited to join in the annual Commonwealth Day celebration, Sport Your Trainers. It will take place on 10 March 2014 and organisers are continuing their tradition of encouraging young people to wear their trainers on the day as a symbolic gesture of support for Glasgow 2014.

Sport Your Trainers is a great opportunity to bring the Commonwealth Games to life in your school or organisation, allowing young people and those who work with them to show their support for the Games in a fun and easy way.

Over half of the people in the Commonwealth are under 25 years of age and we want to make sure that the children and young people of Scotland have every chance to engage with Glasgow 2014. Why not start making plans today?

Please email SportYourTrainers@glasgow2014.com to register for this Scotland-wide project and to receive a link to a Digital Toolkit filled with Sport Your Trainers resources.

We look forward to sharing the Glasgow 2014 experience with you and your young people!

Sport Your Trainers Blog Opportunity

We’re delighted to announce a special opportunity for those blogging about their Sport Your Trainers activity – if you send a link to your report from the day, we’ll choose a selection of the best and showcase them to the world on the Glasgow 2014 website! There’ll be a special page on the Glasgow 2014 website with some of the best photos and content from schools, groups and organisations up and down the country, so if you’re using social media be sure and use the hashtag #SYT2014 and tag Glasgow 2014 on Facebook / mention Glasgow 2014 on Twitter and you could be featured in the exclusive Sport Your Trainers hub.

Making more of Sport Your Trainers

The main ask of Sport Your Trainers is for people to wear their trainers on March 10th, Commonwealth Day, but it’s also a perfect moment to consider how you can link this special event to wider learning about the Commonwealth. Game On Scotland, the official Glasgow 2014 education programme, contains a wealth of information, resources and opportunities which can also be used to design your own inspiring Sport Your Trainers activities and enhance learning across the curriculum. You might also want to consider linking your on the day activity to the British Council’s plans to host the World’s Biggest Assembly, with schools across the Commonwealth due to take part.

If you haven’t already, why not register a Game On Challenge for your school, incorporating some of your Sport Your Trainers activity? Schools which register a challenge are eligible to receive a special plaque as well as rewards including Games tickets.

Game On for Scotland’s Island Authorities

Clyde and Holly on an earlier visit, to Comely Park Primary School
Education programme tour of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles

Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde will spend this week (23-28 Feb) touring Scotland’s island local authorities, visiting schools and spreading excitement about the upcoming Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The visits to Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles have been organised by Game On Scotland, the education programme of the Games, and will also involve appearances by the programme’s ambassador, Scotland hockey star Holly Cram.

Both Clyde and Holly will be surprising pupils who’ve been using the Games to inspire their learning, visiting 24 schools across the three local authorities. In addition, they’ll be meeting with Youth Legacy Ambassadors and local community and sports groups. The visits coincide with the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council’s Legacy Week, which provides a spotlight on Legacy 2014 opportunities and benefits across Scotland.

On Friday, Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, will present a Game On Scotland plaque to Tong Primary School on the Isle of Lewis, in recognition of their Games-related work. Throughout the week other schools across Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles will be recognised in a similar way.

Paul Zealey, Head of Engagement and Legacy at Glasgow 2014, said:

“More than a quarter of a million children and young people are already benefitting from participating in Game On Scotland, the official Glasgow 2014 education programme.

“By the end of this Legacy Week, our mascot Clyde will have taken opportunities to learn from the Games to schools in every local authority area in Scotland.”

Alison Drever Senior Education Officer, Education Scotland said:

“We are delighted to see the high level of creativity and enthusiasm of children and young people engaged with Game On Scotland, both across the islands and in schools across the country. It is inspiring to see the innovative approaches from learners and practitioners alike to provide inspirational learning opportunities around the Games.”