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This Girl Can Too!

Get Inspired pic 2BBC’s Get Inspired project aims to encourage people to get involved and get active.

BBC Scotland is delighted to host this live online event and invites you to join presenter Martel Maxwell for a Q&A with a panel of top female athletes including

  • Beth Tweddle – Britain’s most successful gymnast
  • Gemma Fay – Scotland’s most capped footballer
  • Hannah Miley – Double Commonwealth Gold medallist

Where? www.bbc.co.uk/getinspired

When? Thursday 19th March, 1.30-2.30pm

Why not make this into a lunch event for girls in the senior school?

This is part of the This Girl Can Too BBC Sport campaign to encourage women to become more active. Head to the website where there are a number of video interviews with top athletes and links to opportunities in your local area.

Some of the BBC’s best-known female presenters have joined this national campaign, proving that women of all ages can participate in sport and exercise as much as they like and still be confident about their appearance.

It is easy to keep up to date with Facebook and Twitter #ThisGirlCanToo

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Legacy Week 2015

 

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A week dedicated to highlighting the Legacy of the Glasgow 2014 XX Commonwealth Games is almost here.

Legacy Week (9th-15th March 2015) throws a spotlight on the impact, opportunities and benefits of legacy activity across Scotland. With over 60% of the Commonwealth population under the age of 30, it is hardly surprising that the theme for 2015 is “A Young Commonwealth”.

Legacy week begins on Monday 9th March with Commonwealth Day.

A range of information and resources to support learning inspired by the context of the Commonwealth is available online. We have highlighted some to help get you started!

Our Commonwealth – an educational booklet (free download) to support learning at Early and First level.

Young Commonweatlh – a website to support learning at Early and First level covering a range of topics including information about the Commonwealth, an interactive international map, diversity and unity and a range of resources and competitions.

An Interactive International map charts current environmental, economic and rights projects taking place across the Commonwealth. There are links to a range of articles to support learning at Second, Third and Fourth levels across a number of themes including democracy, economic development, governance, social development and youth.

Education Scotland has published staff development materials to support learning around Recognising and Realising Children’s Rights.

Visit the Education Scotland Children’s Rights Blog for  ideas to underpin learning opportunities around Global citizenship, Learning for Sustainability and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The latest Opening Up Great Learning publication from Education Scotland highlights ways in which schools are increasing the ability of learners to link and apply different kinds of learning in new situations and develop a greater depth of understanding of the world and Scotland’s place in it.

Across communities in Scotland, the legacy of the Games is being continued through a number of #Legacy2014 programmes.

Check out the legacy website for the latest news.

Find out about legacy in action, and what is happening near you.

No matter what your interest or expertise, you can be part of it, making a difference in your local community.

Keep up to date with the latest legacy news. Sign up to the legacy newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out on great opportunities.

Follow the legacy story on twitter @legacy2014scot and share your own stories #legacy2014

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Game On Scotland: Celebration Event

On 30th October 2014, Glasgow City Chambers was the fantastic venue for an action packed day of activity to celebrate the culmination of Game On Scotland. Over 100 children and young people from schools across the country made it along to this special event which showcased some of the many Commonwealth Games-themed learning experiences enjoyed by children throughout the country.

The event was hosted by Young Ambassadors Sam Donnelly and Robbie Henderson. Along with fellow ambassadors Paige McMahon and Rachel Law, they each shared their own unique experiences and perspectives of Glasgow’s Games.

Paige spoke about her role as a Young Ambassador and the sense of pride she felt whilst representing her local authority in the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. Sam urged young people to grasp every opportunity available to them – “…just say yes and be open to new experiences.” Robbie reflected on overcoming personal challenges and disappointments whilst Rachel shared her passion for encouraging and motivating young people to become more active.

The day gave a real snapshot of the different ways in which schools across the country have created inspirational learning opportunities for children and communities around the context of the Commonwealth Games. Youngsters from Kinlochbervie ASG shared their cluster challenge and St Thomas’ gave us behind the scenes information about their highly successful East 40 charity single “Let the Games Begin”. Rathen Primary described their exploration of the Commonwealth values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny and how these contributed to their understanding of Global Citizenship.

Young people were definitely the focus of the day with teams from schools leading Learning Zone activities which included science, biomechanics, equalities and teamwork. We were also treated to some fantastic performances – the Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu (Glasgow Gaelic School) thrilled us with their rousing Haka whilst Bonnybroom Nursery’s choir treated us to a rendition of a song inspired by the Commonwealth Games.

We were delighted to be joined by some top athletes too! Sammi Kinghorn, current European Champion gold medallist, T53 wheelchair racer and Commonwealth Games finalist, appeared alongside Aileen Nelson from Team GB’s wheelchair curling squad, hockey centre forward Alisa Wylie and Team Scotland wrestler Fiona Robertson. They were on hand throughout the day, sharing sporting tips, answering questions, signing autographs and posing for the odd selfie.

Active Zone activities in the afternoon ensured there was little time for rest. A round robin extravaganza of boccia, indoor curling, water relay, hockey and ball throw challenge kept everyone on their toes.

Active, athletes, Games Legacy, SLF 2014, Uncategorized

Game On Scotland at the SLF 2014

Join us at this year’s Scottish Learning Festival to reflect on the benefits the education programme delivered, discuss its legacy components and the potential long term impact.  Gold medallist Louise and Kimberley Renicks will join us to talk about their remarkable achievements and the experiences with the Game On Scotland athlete visits programme.

Seminar: The educational impact of the 2014 Commonwealth Games ( Wed, 24 Sept @9.30am, Alsh 1)

This seminar will showcase the breadth and depth learning experiences provided by schools across Scotland and beyond through Game On Scotland, the official education programme for the Commonwealth Games. Supported by speakers that were at heart of the Games and its education programme, this session will recall some of the most exciting initiatives schools have been involved in around the Commonwealth Games and highlight the success of key partner programmes at the same time. The seminar will examine the impact of the education programme to date and allow discussion around the educational legacy of the Games.

Presenters: Klaus Mayer (Education Scotland), Steven Kidd (Education Manager, Glasgow 2014)

Sign up to our seminar here (Wed. 24 Sept – 9.30, Alsh 1)

Conversation session, Area A( Wed. 24 Sept @12 noon, main exhibition area )

Speak to a number of teachers, athletes and programme managers involved with Game On Scotland to find out more about the legacy plans and follow-on projects in the wake of the ‘most successful Games ever’.

Keynote seminar: “We all need good role models” (Thursday, 25 Sept, 11.15am, Lomond Auditorium)

Join Sir Bill Gammel (Chairmand and Co-Founder of of the Winning Scotland Foundation) and the Health and Wellbeing team from Education Scotland to discuss the impact good role models can have on children and young people. Learning in health and wellbeing ensures that children and young people develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes which they need for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future.

Sign up for the seminar here.

Related keynote: Sport’s learning edge at 2014, Wed.24 Sept.,  12.30

Frank Dick, former British Athletics Federation’s Director of Coaching, is delivering a keynote at this year’s Scottish Learning Festival. Focussing on sport’s learning edge Frank will talk about the importance of leadership, the balance between challenge and support and how getting this right equips young people with relevant skills and experience.

Find our more about this seminar and sign up here

Active, Culture 2014, Early Years, Game On Challenge, Games Legacy, Glasgow 2014, Uncategorized

spotlight on 990

On your marks.....
Andergrove State School, Queensland Australia were the 990th school to share their Commonwealth Story by registering their challenge with Game On Scotland. Judy Corbett shared with us how her prep class of 5 year olds are fascinated to know that whilst they were sleeping, folks here in Scotland were wide awake and athletes were competing in the myriad of sports involved in the games.

With a number of weeks to go until the end of their school term, Andergrove youngsters are engaged in a good natured battle to collect stickers in their own bid for Gold. To gain a sticker, youngsters have to overcome a number of challenges including a series of races and learning activities. Clyde has featured heavily in activities, especially in science activities where the children are learning about living things.

Andergrove were delighted to discover that they were 990…..now the race is on for the big 1,000 – watch this space!

Award, Competition, Game On Challenge, Game On Scotland Plaque, Uncategorized

997 and counting…..

Well folks what a summer it has been! The games may be over, but here at Game On Scotland HQ things are still pretty busy as schools across the world continue to share their Commonwealth Games stories with us.

Did you know that over 990 schools and organisations from over 20 countries have registered their Game On Challenge? In actual fact, right now, there are 997! This is just amazing, never in our wildest dreams did we expect so many schools to be so excited about the Games. How exciting it is to see our interactive map peppered with tags, each revealing a unique story.

Do you have what it takes to be the magic 1,000? If so, we have a special prize in store for you! All you have to do is register your Game On Challenge – it takes only a few moments. Go on, you know you want to!

Engineering, Technologies, Uncategorized

Free Games venues map for schools

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) have created a venues map showing information about engineering challenges associated with preparing for the Commonwealth Games and also tells the stories of the engineers involved.

This map  explores the engineering and design challenges faced in creating some of the venues including the Hydro, Emirates Arena, the Velodrome and the Athletes’ Village.

The map explains how engineers have tried to ensure the 2014 Games are the most sustainable and green games ever, organised safe, secure, reliable and accessible transport and the measures taken to protect wildlife and plant species during the engineering and building work.

It also contains links to relevant websites, ‘Did you know?’ facts and activity ideas for all age ranges and can be used as a teaching resource for numerous curricular areas including Social Studies, Numeracy, ICT, Science and Technologies.

To order printed copies of the map for your class, please complete the form on SurveyMonkey website.

Games Legacy, Glasgow 2014, Legacy 2014, Team Scotland, Uncategorized

Commonwealth Games Success

Just over half way through the biggest multi sporting event every hosted in Scotland the atmosphere in Glasgow as well as other Games and cultural venues is electric and the excitement has reached the hearts and minds of people across all walks of life.
With five exciting competition days still ahead, Team Scotland have already surpassed their previous record of 33 medals won at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1986. Some wonderful moments have resulted from the Scottish success with the men’s gymnastics team winning silver, Libby Clegg become the first Scottish track and field athlete to win Gold for over 20 years, Erraid Davies becoming the youngest competitor ever to win a medal and of course the look of disbelief on Ross Murdoch’s face after having won Gold in the 200m breaststroke.
Game On Scotland is particularly delighted for judo gold medallists Louise and Kimberley Renicks, who participated in the our Athlete Visits programme, fitting in a number of school appearances in between training sessions prior to the Games to inspire young people across Scotland. Thank you to both of them!

Many records have been broken over the last 6 days and Game On Scotland is delighted to say that we ourselves have surpassed many of our own targets and expectations after engaging schools, learners and teachers across the world in wider range of learning opportunities connection with over 1 million learners. Our website is the most successful free standing website produced by Education Scotland, receiving over 1.25 million views from over 200,000 unique users since its launch in 2013. It also saw 4,300 people register for regular updates and an estimated 100,000 downloads of teaching materials equating to 1 in every 2 visitors to the site downloading free educational resources.

In the new session Game On Scotland will continue provide opportunities to engage learners by continuing with our athlete visits programme, sharing of case studies, awarding Game On Plaques and offing a number of Glow Meet sessions for learners to speak to those at the heart of the Games.
We hope you enjoyed the Games so far and benefitted from the wider range of offers available through Game on Scotland. We would be delighted to hear some of your stories around the Games, comments you would like
 to pass on or suggestions to make. 

If you wish to find out about the latest opportunities around Game On Scotland make sure you register with us to receive our regular e-updates.

Competition, Expressive Arts, Game On Challenge, Uncategorized

Athletes’ Village Art Competition

Inspired by Athletes’ Village Accommodation Manager, Caroline rogers, Game On Scotland launched the Athletes’ Village Art Competition.  Never in our wildest dreams did we expect the range and quality of entries from schools across Scotland.

We asked schools to hold their own internal Art Competitions and send use their 10 winning entries. We could not have imagined that this would result in our post bag overflowing with fantastic pieces of work from youngsters across the country. In fact, we received an eye watering 9,000 pieces or art work! We are absolutely overjoyed at the range of pieces, depicting many different Commonwealth sports and Glasgow landmarks. Not only that, the attention to detail and innovative way talented youngsters across the country have employed in their work ensures without doubt that the Village will be a vibrant and uplifting place for athletes and officials heading to Glasgow in just a few short weeks.

It was a very exciting day earlier this week when talented artists from St Bernadette’s Primary and Rutherglen High joined the Game On Scotland Team to formally hand over the art work to Caroline and her team who now have the task of displaying it throughout the Athletes’ Village. For a peek behind the closed doors of the Athletes’ Village you can watch Caroline’s brief film here.

During the games athletes will be encouraged to respond to schools through email/postcard. Also, keep your eyes peeled for tweets as we are expecting athletic selfies with art work to appear #VillageArt

Game On Challenge, Game On Scotland Plaque, Glow Meet, Uncategorized

Game On Scotland reaches new heights

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Over the Easter break the highest ever Game On Scotland plaque presentation took place during a spectacular tour across glaciers in the Stubai valley (Austria).  At over 10 000 feet (3254m, Obere Hölltalscharte) Ian Menzies surprised his fellow mountaineer by pulling the plaque  out of his rucksack.  Game On DO K Mayer commented:  I nearly fell backwa……!

Since then Game On Scotland has reached the following peaks on its magnificent journey:

We have over 750 registered Game On Challenges anything from school programmes to cluster Games.  We awarded over 120 plaques in recognition of the exciting learning experiences provided by schools across the Commonwealth.  The first international plaque (Nr. 100) was handed out by the Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison in Canada last week.  Game On Scotland sent Clyde to over 160 schools, arranged more than 40 athlete visits to schools across Scotland and provided over 6500 learners with the unique opportunity of having their artwork displayed in bedrooms of athletes and officials (see attachment).

With just 10 weeks to go before the Opening Ceremony we now have recorded over 4000 direct registrations with GOS, more than 35 000 downloads and an estimated half a million young people involved through Game On.

I leave you with the very latest gems of our programme: