Year 3 and 4 pupils from St Richard’s Catholic Primary School took part in an exciting athletics festival held at the University of Chichester last week, showcasing a growing partnership between local schools and higher education.
Organised by the University’s Physical Education team, the event featured 10 different athletics activities designed to engage around 90 young pupils in a fun and active environment.
The event reflects a wider collaboration between the institutions. St Richard’s Catholic Primary School regularly provides placement opportunities for degree students, including the delivery of extracurricular clubs such as invasion games.
David Eldridge, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and Sports Coaching, said: “The event highlighted a strong local partnership between primary and secondary schools and the University’s Physical Education area, creating opportunities for children to be active. Through the event, primary pupils engage in physical activity, while secondary sports leaders and university students develop valuable leadership and teaching skills in a real-world setting.”
Teacher at St Richard’s, Charlotte Mercer, said: “This event has had an incredibly positive impact on our children. Opportunities like this allow our pupils to develop new skills, experience a variety of sports they may not otherwise have access to, and build confidence through participation in a supportive and exciting environment.”
Supporting the festival were 16 sports leaders from St Philip Howard Catholic School, alongside 12 university students from the PE programme. The sports leaders, coordinated by teacher Margot Wareham – herself a recent graduate of the University’s Physical Education (Secondary QTS) degree – played a key role in leading activities and mentoring younger pupils.
Margot said: “The students thoroughly enjoyed the event and gained valuable leadership experience. They particularly benefited from observing older university students, who acted as strong role models and provided real motivation for their own future pathways. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to see what they can aspire to.”
Organisers hope to build on the success of the event and continue to provide opportunities that inspire young people to stay active.
For more information on Sports degrees at the University of Chichester, go to: https://www.chi.ac.uk/sport.