Matravers pupils have been experiencing a number of different Olympic opportunities in recent weeks.
On Wednesday 9th May 48 pupils visited Olympic Park and witnessed the top 2000 under 17s participating in the School Games. Matravers pupils were able to enter Olympic Park and were also lucky enough to visit the Velodrome, Aquatics Centre and the Olympic Stadium itself.
The BTEC Sport and GCSE PE students were able to apply their sporting knowledge and really appreciate the quality of performance demonstrated by the competitors, whilst seeing exactly what level of organisation and facility has been created to support the Olympic Games. It was a very inspirational trip and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Student Esme Humphrey reports, “On Wednesday, 9th of May, 47 year 9 and 10 BTEC and GCSE PE students had the privilege of going to London to watch the ‘2012 School Games’. While the stadium is still being prepared for the Olympics, it was a great opportunity to experience the site before the Olympic Games commence.
“As a new experience, everyone was very excited and couldn’t wait to get into the venues. As most of us have only seen the stadium in the news, we were surprised at its immensity, and it was great to actually be one of the first to visit the Olympic site.
“We split into groups, some going to the main stadium to see the athletics, another went to the velodrome to see cycling and finally the last group headed to the aquatics centre to watch swimming. All of these were amazing venues with a particularly impressive atmosphere.
“The School Games sees young athletes compete from all over Great Britain. We really benefitted from watching them; analysing their techniques and seeing the events performed to such an outstanding level really improved our sports knowledge and understanding.
“Everyone really enjoyed the day; experiencing the Olympic site, watching the events and enjoying the atmosphere.”
On Tuesday 22nd May, 22 pupils were taken to enjoy the Olympic Torch Relay and saw it pass through Southwick. Some of the lucky ones got to hold the torch, and again the buzz surrounding the Games has infected the pupils of Matravers and inspired them to continue working hard in their PE lessons and at sports clubs.
