UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 30 NOVEMBER 2018
Students at Birmingham City University have welcomed children from four local primary schools for a physical numeracy and literacy festival designed to boost confidence and inspire them to take part in sport.
The festival, which took place on Friday 16 November, saw Physical Education and School Sport students - many of whom hope to become teachers - gain first-hand experience working with children as they created and delivered activities that aimed to excite children about sport, whilst also developing their numeracy and literacy skills.
The University works closely with the Central Sports Partnership to run a programme of festivals which are targeted towards children who may not otherwise participate in sport.
It was the turn of pupils from Regent’s Park, Wyndcliffe, Waverley and Greet primary schools to attend this month, and 360 local children have been invited to festivals over the course of the programme.
Hannah Reed, School Games Organiser for the Central Sports Partnership, said:
“It was another great event which saw children who may struggle with these subjects or their confidence really embrace the physical activities and it was clear that there was tonnes of learning going on!
“One pupil who never attended any sports clubs now attends basketball club based on his experience at the last festival. Credit for this has to go to the students for delivering such a positive experience to the pupils!”
Rachel Black, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and School Sport at Birmingham City University, added:
“These festivals are a fantastic way for our students, who are themselves passionate about sport, to inspire local school children, boost their confidence and encourage them to get involved all whilst gaining valuable experience for their future careers.
“Taking part in sport can have so many benefits, from improving physical fitness to feeling part of a team, and it is great to see local children given the confidence to take part and join sports clubs through these festivals.”