Alternative sports introduced to Durrington pupils

Durrington High School marked Youth Sport Trust’s National School Sport Week by challenging the students to complete five hours of and sport.

Ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, Zumba, judo, lacrosse, Aussie rules football, Danish long ball and blind football were among the alternative sports delivered by staff and external coaches.

Organiser Sian Head, one of the PE teachers, said: “Students took part in a variety of alternative sports within their PE lessons. There were also activities put on before and after school and during lunchtimes, which high numbers turned out to.

“Year group dodgeball tournaments were a particular favourite.

“Students demonstrated fantastic teamwork and resilience across all activities and competitions creating an energetic and exciting week for all.

“We hope the week has encouraged more young people to stay involved in sport and attend future extra-curricular clubs offered in order to promote an active and healthy lifestyle and lifelong participation.”

The whole school was involved and students were able to choose the sports they took part in, earning a certificate if they completed five hours by the end of the week.

Miss Head said there had been a lot of interest in the Zumba, mainly from the girls, and judo. The old-style school sports day and also been a fantastic success.

National School Sport Week is a celebration of PE and sport which was launched in 2008 for primary and secondary school.

This year, schools were urged to devote a full week to sporting themes and events, celebrating the Youth Sport Trust’s 20th anniversary.

The trust recently launched the Class of 2035 concept, to look at how PE and school sport may look 20 years from now. Schools are being encouraged to present their own visions as part of the scheme.

Miss Head said introducing the alternative sports to PE lessons and encouraged more students to get involved in the after-school clubs.

“It has been really good,” she said. “We normally have about 20 at a club but now we are seeing 60 to 70 students turn up to activities after school,” she added.

“Because it is totally different, it has attracted a lot of interest so the week was a fantastic success.

“They have really enjoyed it. We have had the teachers come down to have a go as well, so it has got everyone involved.”

A new artificial grass pitch is currently being put in at the school, ready for the near year-seven intake in September. Miss Head said it would prove particularly useful for expanding hockey.

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