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GVTSSP News |
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 | Hannah Carr and Danny Taylor
Two Stowmarket High School students have been chosen to represent the Gipping Valley and Thurston School Sport Partnership at a national sports volunteer camp based at Loughborough University. They will travel north on March 29th to attend the four day camp.
Contents of the camp include access to National Governing Body and other awards, sessions on practical team building and athlete delivered workshops.
Athletes Darren Campbell and Katherine Merry opened last years camp which saw 300 students attending from across the country. |
 | Mini Bus
The GVTSSP now has it's own mini bus which schools within the SSP can borrow, free of charge. The bus can be booked through the SSP office on 01449 613541. Thanks to the many local sponsors who helped fund the mini bus - it is a huge asset to the SSP and many schools are already taking advantage of using the bus rather than hiring one from external companies.
A polite reminder to all users;
- Please ensure you fill in the log book after every journey
- Please ensure the bus is swept out after use (dust pan and brush in the back)
- Please ensure all litter is put in the bin and the bin is emptied.
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 | Brad James
Brad James has been appointed as a full time coach working with the GVTSSP as from September 2009. Brad will continue to deliver breakfast and after school clubs but in addition to this he will also support primary and secondary colleagues on the curriculum.
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 | Stuart Green
Stuart Green has been appointed as a part time Sports Library Coordinator (SLCo) working with the GVTSSP as from October 2009. Stuart will take responsibility for the care and upkeep of the sports equipment in the Sports Library, including checking in, taking stock of and delivering equipment to and from schools. |
 | Sportsmark/Activemark Winners 2007-08
36 out of 42 of the schoools in our School Sport Partnership have been recognised at a national level for the amount of PE and School Sport they offer their pupils. (This figure was 27/42 last year)
Click here to see the full list |
 | A Paralympic Experience
Having just witnessed Great Britain's best ever performance in an Olympics, many of us were eagerly waiting to see if the Paralympians could match the team's success.
In the week leading up to the games, pupils in the Middle schools were offered the opportunity to experience some paralympic and adapted sports. Pupils tried seated volleyball, boccia, goal ball, adapted basketball and kurling.
Team work and cooperation plus plenty of laughter and enthusiasm for the new activities gave everyone a real, although admittedly small insight into the world of a paralympian and helped them to recognise and respect the additional challenges they face. |
 | Archery Clubs in Schools
Some schools across the SSP have been offered the chance to have their own archery club. Our photo shows some Y9 pupils at Stowmarket High along with their teacher/archery coach Mr Gallagher. Equipment and staff training have been funded through a combination of Big Lottery and Sport Unlimited money. |
 | David Beckham Academy
A coach load of boys and girls from Year 9 and 10 from the three high schools in the Gipping Valley and Thurston School Sport Partnership (GVTSSP) Thurston Community College, Stowupland High School and Stowmarket High School departed for the David Beckham Academy in London.
The day would consist of coaching drills, individual tasks and a round robin tournament.The first activity was a very strenuous warm up followed by a series of drills sessions.
After this the teams were split into two groups. The first group played in a round robin tournament, where the boys and girls played in different leagues. Each team had a "joker" card to play where any points they received would be doubled. Meanwhile the second group were doing a series of individual tasks. Prior to the day, pupils nominated themselves to be either a; team manager, team coach, physiotherapist, nutritionist, fitness coach and sports journalist. They had to participate in a variety of activities related to their role.
The last activity of the day was a penalty shoot out. Each team competed against one other with each pupil taking the penalty as well as being a goal keeper.
It was also a great opportunity and thanks go to all the David Beckham staff who had worked hard to make the day a great success.
Sarah Carley SSCo
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 | Marathon - Intra and Inter School Competition
Schools were offered the opportunity for their pupils to be involved in a Marathon festival run by SSCo Jane Johnson and Sports Leaders from SuHS. The festivals were delivered on school sites.
Two competitions were run simultaneously; a year competition to run across all the participating schools. Pupils' laps were recorded for a period of 20 mins, this was then entered alongside the lap distance and the total number of pupils participating. All this was then calculated to produce a time for the average child in that year to complete the Marathon distance. An individual class competition was run alongside this to find the pupil who completed the greatest number of laps within each class in the school.
The festival started with the eldest students in the school running laps and during the afternoon they were gradually joined by other year groups until the whole school were completing circuits.
For the final results please click here. |
 | All England Open Badminton Championships
The 98th All England Open Badminton Championships was held at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham between the 4th and 9th March 2008. 40 pupils and staff from Stowmarket High and Stowupland High were lucky enough to receive free tickets from the GVTSSP to attend this world class event on Tuesday 4th March. The coach departed from Stowmarket High school early and went on to pick up the Stowupland group. Seats were found, bags of sweets opened and the coach driver made his presence known, then we were on our way. A mere 15 minutes into the journey came the first "are we nearly there yet?" swiftly followed by "is Birmingham in Essex?" Many more questions about "how much longer?" and "can I go to the toilet" came and went and when we hit a standstill before the M6 there were groans from the coach that we'd never get there. But only 30 minutes behind schedule we arrived at the NIA and as tickets were handed out, the pupils were itching to get inside and see some Badminton.
Once inside the NIA, the school staff had some difficulties finding the entrance to actually get court side. They ended up in the players area and were quickly ushered away to join the spectators, much to their embarrassment. By the time the staff had found their seats, all pupils were already watching the badminton and were amazed at how fast the game was when played at this standard. We were lucky enough to see some really close men's singles matches and liked the fact that you could choose from five matches to watch without having to move from your seat. There was a very fast rotation of matches. As soon as one match had finished the next players came on court to start their game. We also got to watch some mixed doubles matches and as the spectators started to get behind the English players, the atmosphere started to build up. These games were unbelievably fast and the pupils and staff alike were in complete awe of these sportsmen and women.
After nearly three hours of watching some great badminton it was time to head home. Though the general chat about what was on TV that night, I did hear some pupils talking about the badminton they had observed and even discussing tactics. Despite a long journey it was a well worthwhile experience and thoroughly enjoyed by all. A big thank you to Mr Austin from Stowmarket High for organising the trip.
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 | Kangoo Jumping
A Kangoo instructors training course was held at Stowmarket High School for teachers and coaches in Suffolk schools. Kangoo Jumps are safe, low impact, rebound sports shoes, providing many great health benefits, for everyone of any age. The Kangoo Jumps are a fun and safe way to exercise and reduce impact by up to 80%. Pupils in our High schools will be offered the Kangoo Jumps sessions as part of a breakfast or after school club.
Keep a look out for the details - we are hoping they will start after February half term.
http://www.kangoojumps.ch/ |
 | David Beckham Academy
We have successfully applied to attend the David Beckham Academy on June 4th 2008.
Thirty lucky pupils chosen from Stowmarket High, Stowupland High and Thurston CC will get a chance to spend the day there showing off their football talent.
For more information on the David Beckham Academy click here |
 | 'Step into Sport' - Community Volunteering
6th Form pupils from all three of our High schools have signed up to become involved in this national scheme. The students have chosen to volunteer in a variety of roles in sports clubs in our area. All their hours are logged and verified by a school mentor (usually an SSCo). Each student also has a mentor within the club.
SIS Student Benefits
Students that are registered and have completed their volunteer plan on line can access the following:
Conference at Next Generation, Ipswich -Attendance certificate saying that they have attended the workshops
15hrs -T-shirt from Suffolk Sport and a polo shirt from the GVTSSP
25hrs -Suffolk Sport Certificate, Coaching Pack (whistle, stop watch etc) and a free Coach Education Workshop (choice of Safeguarding, Equity in Your Coaching, Coaching Disabled People in Sport or Coaching Methods and Communication)
50hrs -Sweatshirt / hoodie
100hrs -Rain jacket and a free Coach Education Workshop (same list as above plus First Aid)
200hrs -A Level 1 NGB Coaching course
For more details please click here
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 | Midday Supervisor Training
We have successfully delivered two Midday Supervisor (MDSA) training sessions in which over 130 MDSAs attended. The sessions looked at how zoning school playgrounds can foster positive behaviour during breaks and lunchtimes. This part theory, part practical course looked at different ways to zone areas within schools. A 'games zone', a 'small equipment' zone, a 'running' zone, a 'dance' zone and a 'games with no equipment' zone were among the suggested ideas.
The MDSAs then had a 'hands on' experience of some of the suggested zones. Many were amazed to find that some of the recommended games were actually similar to those that they themselves played when they were at school! Each school were then given an activities manual which includes the following:
-The importance of promoting a positive and active playground.
-Making the playgrounds safe and attractive.
-Zoning the playing area.
-Safety.
-Problem solving, creative games and activities.
-Games using small equipment ideas.
-Games without small equipment ideas.
-Chasing games ideas.
-Challenges ideas.
-Quick games and activities.
-Structural mini games and parachute games.
-Indoor games and activities.
It is hoped that we will be able to provide continued support in the future! |
 | Playground Markings Competition
All Primary school pupils in the Gipping Valley and Thurston School Sport Partnership were invited to write to Gippy and tell him their school needed new playground markings. Gippy then decided which 6 schools are the most 'needy'.
Gippy visited some of the winning schools and put the markings onto their play area for free!
THE MARKINGS: A series of 'mats' imprinted into the playground. The mats make up a circuit and each one shows Gippy performing a different exercise for pupils to copy.
Click here to see a copy of the playground markings
WINNING SCHOOLS: Badwell Ash Primary, Barnham Primary, Haughley Crawfords Primary, Mendlesham Primary, Ringshall Primary and Stanton Primary. |
 | Multi Skill Academies
Future sports stars in all of our Middle schools are about to get a unique experience offered to them. The GVTSSP has attracted funding to run a 'Multi Skill Academy'in each school.
Pupils identified through our Talent ID process will be invited to attend six after school sessions, free of charge, which will focus on the fundamentals needed to succeed in any sporting activity.
A qualified coach will visit the Year 5 pupils and put them through their paces during fun and educational sessions which will involve ladders, sonic parachutes, flexibands, break away belts, mini hurdles, slalom poles and much more!
Pupils will see an improvement in their speed, agility, coordination and power by the time their 'Multi Skills Academy' comes to an end. |
 | Sportsmark/Activemark Winners 2006-07
27 out of 42 of the schoools in our School Sport Partnership have been recognised at a national level for the amount of PE and School Sport they offer their pupils.
Click here to see the full list |
 | Big Lottery Activities
The GVTSSP made a successful application to the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) in March 2007. As a result we have been awarded £189,990 towards sports activities (to take place outside the school curriculum). Ten activities have been put together (see link below). The first activity is due to start in September 2007. Each activity has enough funding to last for an initial three years.
Click here to find out more |
 | Kayleigh Meets Gippy
Kayleigh Terry, a year four pupil at Combs Ford Primary school won the GVTSSP competition to name our mascot. Kayleigh came up with 'Gippy', an abbreviation of Gipping, taken from the Partnerships name.
Gippy's first official visit was to meet Kayleigh and hand over a sports voucher prize for JJB Sports. |
 | GVTSSP wins £13,500 towards 'Sports Library'
After months of asking the local community to vote for our initiative we were awarded with a Bronze award (£1,000) and a Silver award (£12,500) due to the huge amount of votes we received. We then submitted a further bid which saw us reach the final twelve short listed for the £50,000 first prize. We were invited to the star studded Athletics Writers Awards Dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park, London to find out who the judges (Sally Gunnell, Darren Campbell, Chris Hollins and Mark Hodges) had chosen. Unfortunately it was not to be our inititative but there is always next year...
A big big big THANK YOU to all who voted. We will put the money to great use in the construction of our 'Sports Library'.
Click here to read more details |
 | Sport Stacking craze on its way
A 'Sport Stacking' craze is about to hit our Primary schools! Earlier this year schools were invited to attend a Sport Stacking workshop at Beyton Middle School. Staff were put through the basics of Sport Stacking and even got a free set of stacks to take home with them to practice with.
All schools who attended the workshop were then given a set of Sport Stacks for their school. These packs contained 15 sets of regular stacks, some 'mini' stacks and some 'heavy' stacks as well as an instructional DVD.
SSCos are on hand, should schools need them, to assist in the implementation of their stacks into the school.
To date, some schools are using their stacks at break times and lunch times. Other schools have introduced a regular 10 minute Sport Stacking session every day!
To find out more about this craze please look up the following link http://www.speedstacks.com/ |
 | Gifted and Talented Basketball with Tom Connors
The GVTSSP Gifted and Talented Basketball event took place at Thurston CC. Schools were invited to send girls from years 8 and 9 to enjoy an afternoon of coaching and game play.
Through the Sporting Champions scheme, the Partnership invited Tom Connors along to headline the afternoon. Tom is the 'main man' when it comes to Streetball - basketballs version of slick tricks and game play, usually demonstrated on the courts in the streets.
Toms skills mesmerised the pupils and his presence certainly inspired everyone attending on the day.
Thanks also go to Kathryn James, Suffolk Basketball development officer, and her coaches for their help on the day and Thurston CC PE department for allowing us to use their facilities.
Kathryn was so impressed by the level of skill on the day that some girls were given a special invitation to try out for the County Squad. Well done girls!
For more information on Tom please go to http://www.sportingchampions.org.uk/ |
 | Schools are 'clowning' around with Circus Skills
Primary schools within the Partnership were invited to attend a Circus Skills workshop delivered by Shooting Stars Circus Skills. The practical workshop introduced staff to a whole variety of circus skills.
Staff tried their hand at:
- Juggling (balls and scarves)
- Plate spinning
- Feather balancing
- Diabolo skills
- Riding unicycles
- Walking the tightrope
At the end of a full days training each school was able to take home a box of circus skills 'goodies' for their pupils. Many schools use their equipment at break and lunchtimes.
Thanks to our instructor on the day from Shooting Stars Circus Skills, Kingsfield PRU for allowing us to use their facilities and Linda Nixon and David Warner, our Extended Schools officers who helped fund the equipment for our schools. |
 | Book out your sports equipment from our 'Sports Library'
The Partnerships 'Sports Library' is now up and running and can be accessed by any school in the Partnership. It's simple to use and offers a diverse range of equipment suitable across all the Key Stages. More equipment will be added throughout the year, so please ensure you regularly check what is available.
If schools wish to book equipment in the 'Sports Library' then simply look at the table, decide what you would like and ask your SSCo to deliver it to your school (please don't forget to read the terms and conditions).
The 'Sports Library' equipment should be used for OSHL clubs only and the maximum loan period is one term.
Click here to book out equipment |
 | Website Goes Live
We would like to say a huge thank you to Carol Robinson for all her hard work and dedication to get this site up and running. Carol really has added her personal touch to the site, making suggestions around its design, based on her experience.
If you would be interested in a similar site for your School Sport Partnership, School or business/company please give Carol a ring on 01709 866689.
We highly recommend her! |
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