Tag Archives: Game On Challenge

Award, Game On Scotland Plaque, Glasgow 2014

Claim your Plaque!

Time is running out to receive recognition for all the great learning you did to celebrate the Commonwealth Games. With just 3 short steps your school could be on course to gain this unique award. We know you are busy, so have made things super easy
1. Download the Claim your Plaque form
2. Complete the details – this should take no more than 10 minutes
3. Email it to enquiries@gameonscotland.gov.uk – job done!

Hurry though as cut off dates are fast approaching – get your form to us by 5pm on Monday 1st December and in no time at all, we will process your application and get your very own Game On Scotland Plaque on its way to you before the end of term.

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!

Games Legacy, Legacy 2014

Game On in Cyprus

Catching up with the Queen's Baton Relay in Cyprus

This is our second brief blog in the series which highlights how partners across the Commonwealth, and indeed the globe are using Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games as a context for learning.
This month, we are shining a spotlight on Highgate School in Nicosia, Cyprus. Highgate is an international school for learners from 29 different nationalities. Highgate posted the 700th Game On Challenge and the Year 4 class have been exploring Scotland through a cross-curricular project.

At the beginning of the project, learners shared their knowledge of Scotland and famous Scots. They had heard of the Picts and Celts and that the Romans build Hadrian’s wall. As to wildlife, we have Highland Cows, Haggis(!) and Nessy, the Loch Ness Monster (although the children were not sure what a Loch was until it was explained to them!) Turning a spotlight onto Culture, children told tales of old castles, shortbread, tartan skirts(!) and Bagpipes.

This provided an interesting beginning for the children as they went off in pursuit of their challenge to find out more about Scotland. They have been exploring Scottish Culture and identifying a number of famous Scots both past and present who have had an influence across the World.
Children have been gathering all they have discovered, putting this together in a short video of 61 Facts about Scotland which is well worth a watch!

Not just confined with interesting facts, the youngsters in Nicosia have set themselves some sporting challenges too. They have just completed their Swim Relay Challenge and it is clear that everyone is having great fun!

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

Game On Scotland reaches new heights

Leave a comment

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:

Clyde, Competition, curriculum, Game On Challenge, Game On Scotland Plaque, Games Legacy, Glasgow 2014, International partnerships, Legacy 2014, Queen's Baton Relay, Sport, Uncategorized

Inchlair youngsters lead the way

Leave a comment

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!

Competition, event, Game On Challenge, Games Legacy, Legacy tickets

Game On Challenge – Reward Ballot

2 Comments

Hot off the press news for those of you who have registered a Game On Challenge, we are delighted to announce we have approximately 900 tickets available to share.

Schools and youth groups signed up to a Game On Challenge have until Friday 30th May to enter the Game On Challenge Reward Ballot.

Entry is easy, complete this form and we will do the rest!

A random draw will then be conducted and successful schools/groups will be offered up to 10 tickets for one sport session at the Games. (conditions apply)

Good luck!

Game On Challenge, Game On Scotland Plaque, Games Legacy, International Education, International partnerships, Queen's Baton Relay, The Commonwealth Class

Game On Scotland Plaques Go International

Leave a comment

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.

Active, Award, Game On Challenge

Athlete Visits Programme for Schools

1 Comment

As part of providing exciting learning opportunities around the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Game On Scotland is delighted to announce that we are able to offer 100 education establishments across Scotland the chance to receive a visit by a Scottish athlete in the run up to the Games.

What might an athlete’s visit look like?

The format of each visit will be negotiated between the individual athlete and the school, but may include the following:

• Whole school/year group assemblies: The athlete may participate in assemblies by providing the inspirational address for the day (eg. share their story, provide a key message, support a Commonwealth themed event, hand out awards such as the Game On Scotland Plaque)
• Focus group input: This may involve an athlete visiting a specific class, target group (eg. school ambassadors or senior coaching classes) sharing his or her experiences and engaging in a question and answer session.
• Active engagement: This provides an opportunity to share some of the expertise of athletes in their distinct area and may involve coaching sessions, skills development or offering taster sessions.

All visits will be arranged on a one-off basis. For more in depth athlete engagements please see the Champions in Schools programme.  However we aim to match athletes to education establishments within their reasonable travel distance to allow for the possibility of longer term educational partnerships.

When will the visits take place?

Visits will take place from the end of March until the end of June. The closing date for the first round of application is the 21 March and for this round visits will be allocated on a ‘first come-first serve’ basis. A second round will become available soon thereafter.

How to enter:

All education establishments in Scotland who have posted a Game On Challenge are eligible to enter a prize draw to receive a visit by a Scottish athlete, though secondary schools will receive priority.

To apply for a visit simply complete this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SW93KDZ

Are there any costs involved?

There is no cost to any school which participates, other than any costs resulting from individual programme arrangements (e.g. athlete lunch). Such costs will have to be covered by the participating education establishment.

Can I request a specific athlete/focus sport?

The aim of this initiative is to provide inspiration and generic insight into the life and work of a professional athlete. Much of the input will focus on a wider skills agenda and generic dispositions or values (eg. determination, aspiration, fairness and sportsmanship). We will not be able to guarantee visits by specific athletes from a particular sport, however we will take a school’s particular sporting interests into account when matching athletes.

Award, Game On Challenge, Game On Scotland Plaque, Holly Cram, Legacy 2014, Uncategorized

Holly and Clyde Islands’ Tour a great success!

Leave a comment

As part of the Legacy 2014 Week, Game On Scotland visited the Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles. Both Clyde and Holly Cram, Scottish international hockey star and ambassador for the education programme, visited a large number of schools to recognise their creative engagement of learners around the Commonwealth Games. Between them they visited over 30 schools and youth clubs, addressed assemblies and handed out over 10 plaques. Holly addressed all secondary and a number of primary schools in the Western Isles providing inspirational talks as well as practical hockey sessions.
The tour was very well received by pupils and staff alike and created real excitement as schools are gearing up towards the Games in July.

Here are some of the highlights captured on the way:

The Western Isles:

Dr Allan awarding Tong Primary School the Game On Scotland Plaque:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holly at Lionacleit School, Benbecula:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duke of Edinburgh with pupils from the Nicolson Institute during their Active8 session:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orkney Islands: 

Glaitness Primary School

Hope Primary School

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shetland Islands

Happy Hansel

and

Aith Primary School

Aith High School

Active, Award, Game On Challenge, Game On Scotland Plaque, Holly Cram

First Edinburgh Schools to receive Game On Plaque

Leave a comment

Wester Hailes Education Centre and Pilrig Park Special School joined the list of ‘firsts’ to be awarded the Game On Scotland Plaque. Amidst an exciting programme for young people to engage in the Commonwealth Games, Wester Hailes Education Centre became the first secondary school in Edinburgh to receive the award by the Game On Scotland ambassador, Holly Cram, on a day of activities from street dance to gymnastics. Holly also provided a coaching session for the school’s girls hockey team. The day was also supported by former Gold medallist Steve Frew who set learners a number of gymnastic challenges stretching from the pommel horse to ring exercises.

Pilrig Park Special School put on an exciting award ceremony for Holly and Education Scotland celebrating their plaque award. The head boy and girl, the Legacy ambassadors and Baton bearer as well as head teacher Ellen Muir outlined the impressive record of Games related activities of the school from their own Commonwealth Song and dance performance to learning about the 70 nations and territories.

Well done to both schools.

Game On!