Page 16 - link magazine

12 EDUCATION MATTERS
There are many misconceptions School Sports and Recreation entered local soccer, netball and
about the sporting life at Green- cross country competitions, here
down, one of which is the whole Sport in school used to mean cross country runs, team games the aim is to try and give as many
question of sport and competi- and most of the P. E. teacher's attention given to the best pupils students as possible a competi-
tion. Such statements as 'they in school teams. A greater range of activities is on offer tive experience at the right level.
don't do proper P.E. do they,' or nowadays. And as Steve O'Sullivan, Director of Recreation at One of our fundamental aims,
'they don't believe in competi- Greendown Community School writes, the enjoyment of sport as a school, is to develop the stu-
tion at Greendown are common and the needs of the individual is highly regarded. dents potential to its highest level.
place. I therefore welcome this To this end we believe that if a
opportunity to explain a little school and the Link Centre. 1. Team sports - basketball, net- student shows a talent we will
about the sporting opportunities Within the core curriculum all ball, hockey, rugby, soccer, etc. endevour to maximise and de-
and experience on offer to our students follow 2. Individual velop that potential to its fullest.
students. thesamelearning participation - It is important to use 'outside'
The students experience physi- exper nces with trampolining, specialist help in the field of
cal education through two ave- the emphasis on gymnastics, fit- advanced coaching.
nues, one as part of the core cur- broadly based ness, swim- As a community school we can
riculum and the other, a recrea- skill acquisition, ming. draw upon such expert help in
tion programme based at the problem solving 3. Hand/Eye soccer, Ju-jitsu and gymnastics.
Louise Wilkes extends her school day and movement co-ordination It is possible that students could
into an evening course on the climbing studies. This is activities - bad- join the West Swindon Youth
wall at the Link Centre done through ac- minton, squash, Under 15s side, receive coaching
tive learning and tennis. from West Swindon Club mem-
a comprehensive There are ob- bers and then hopefully go on to
pro-
fitness vious links be- play for the clubs senior side.
gramme. Each tween the three Catering for more individual
student, through sections above. needs, four students have already
directed or free For example, attended specialist coaching in
choice are helped hand /eye coor- trampolining. Louise Wilkes,
to determine their dination and during activities week, showed
ownrecreation team sports potential at rock climbing and
programme. come together subsequently the school has sup-
Steve O'Sullivan
well in hockey. ported her to attend a 12 week
In the first three
years at Greendown, the aim is All activities are open to all climbing course at the Link in
that the students will follow a students. Whilst great emphasis order to develop her talents.
balanced programme, which also is placed upon choice and enjoy- Another pupil James Mackie,
caters for their individual needs. ment, all receive instruction and pictured below, is showing similar
The basis of these courses are coaching providing the right potential in canoeing and once
stimulus and expert input in or-
der for them to gain confidence
and knowledge in the activities.
In the 4th and 5th years, the
Raymond Stansfield * erably to offer such sports as golf,
programmebroadens out consid-
snooker, archery, fencing, rock
DECORATOR climbing. The students are ex-
pected to compile their own rec-
with over 30 years experience. reation programme and to book
their own activities as well. One
Craftsman in Paint and Decor of the aims here is that they will
start to build aknowledgeof what
4 SPECIALIST in Paperhanging, Graining, Marble, 4 is on offer within Swindon with
regards to sports and recreation.
and Decorative Effects & Finishes.
"What about competition?"
Yes of course we believe in com-
Telephone: (0793) 874299 petition. We recognise that com-
petition exists in all walks of life again Greendown is providing
and we hope to prepare our stu- James with the opportunities to
dents well for life beyond school. join a white water canoe club to
The important aspect of competi- develop this ability.
tion is that taking part far out- Simon Rawlings ran in the
CAKTRAVIEUEAD, weighs the possible end result. Wiltshire Club championships at
Winning is a bonus, but enjoying Salisbury and has gained selec-
S 0 1 I C I T 0 R S sport and taking part no matter tion to the Wiltshire team, this
what the result should be the opportunity came about after
Contact us for all your legal needs primary aim. establishing a link with Swindon
"Inter-school fixtures?" Yes, Athletics Club.
including we do recognise the importance At Greendown we hope to
house sales & purchases, of these events, but we aim to provide opportunities for all stu-
achieve the correct balance. Out dents to experience a wide range
matrimonial matters and of 14 players selected for a school of sporting activities, develop
criminal law. soccer team 12 played for various their talents, utilise not only the
clubs outside of school once per many varied talents of our staff
weekend and 6 played twice. To but formulate links with localand
103-4 Commercial Road, Swindon. achieve the balance we run 5 a- national associations in order to
side competitions inter form maximise participation and en-
Tel: 617617 competitions. We as a school have joyment in sport.