20 English schools are being given the chance to ‘tri’ triathlon in a unique cross curriculum day of sport and history. The primary schools will each bring 30 KS2 (key stage 2) children to Hever Castle for a half-day of triathlon training and half day cultural learning about the historic venue and setting.
All of the activity is curriculum linked, helping schools achieve their statutory requirements whilst keeping the children healthy and inspired by the fast growing sport of triathlon.
The two-day school initiative is taking place on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th September and is organised by the Castle Triathlon Series, host of ‘the world’s largest children’s triathlon’ at Hever Castle and pioneer of the first curriculum-linked resource ‘TriKnights’.
Elite GB triathletes will also join the training days as they help continue the London 2012 Olympic legacy. Schools can sign up online to participate.
Alison Saunders, Head Teacher at St Lawrence primary school, took part in the schools initiative pilot in 2015 and enthused about the experience. She said, “This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the children to be exposed to a contemporary and popular sport. It is our role to expose children to changing trends in learning and sport and help motivate them to lead a healthy lifestyle.
“Triathlon broken down is swimming, cycling and running – so naturally part of a child’s life, and we hope to use this fun platform as a creative way of delivering the curriculum and benefiting the children.”
The children from St Lawrence School who took part last year reportedly ‘raved about the experience’:
- “It was an opportunity to do something new and it was great fun.”
- “It gave me a chance to find out what a real triathlon was like.”
- “I felt really proud of myself when I’d finished.”
- “I think swimming in the lake was better than swimming in a swimming pool.”
Parents have also jumped at the chance for their children to be included. “Traditional PE needs to be spiced up, this is a great way to get the children more excited,” explained mum, Patricia Reilly, Penshurst School.
Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is seen as a perfect setting for this initiative; not only does it offer a clear lake for the swim and a stunning course, all set within the castle grounds, but it is steeped in history encouraging enriched learning.
Schools wishing to sign up to the school day on Tuesday 13 September at Hever Castle can email a request to jennie[at]castletriathlonseries.co.uk. Schools confirmed to date include: Hever School, Chiddingstone School, Four Elms School, Crockham Hill School, Penshurst School, Leigh School, St Lawrence’s, Ide Hill School, Sevenoaks Weald.
A national school roadshow is planned in 2017 with more details to follow.
The Castle Triathlon Series prides itself on offering access to the sport for all and a platform for families to compete together, as amplified by award winning Bailey Matthews last year. The NSPCC is the official charity partner, seen as a natural fit and offering fundraising packs for those taking part who want to do more than cross the finishing line.
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
