Everything was in place, the participants were ready, the Olympic flame had been lit and the Olympic flag raised, the history of the Games had been presented and great Olympians praised for their achievements.  Then it happened ............ SNOW!!!  The Year 8 Olympic challenge has been more challenging than we could ever have imagined.

The Olympic Challenge was introduced with a number of objectives in mind.  We wanted a focus for Year 8 midway through the year, something that would introduce them to new skills and foster teamwork, and a venture that would support the build up to the London Olympics of 2010, including an appreciation of everything that is involved in creating a successful Olympics.  The idea was to have an Olympic opening ceremony in the latter part of the school day on the 2^nd February, followed by the activity day on the 3^rd, including a closing ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the day.

 

The opening ceremony took place on the 2^nd, involving over fifty Year 8 students giving a presentation to the rest of the year group, covering the history of the Olympics, great Olympians, and the ceremonies of the raising of the flag and the lighting of the Olympic flame.  A great start to proceedings, with pupils keen to experience the events of the following day.  However, there seemed to be some confusion in the organisation.  No-one ordered snow.  This was not meant to be the Winter Olympics.  What to do next?

 

In the tradition of Whitchurch High School, the onset of bad weather would not mean the cancellation of the event, but merely its postponement; but when could we fit it in to the school’s incredibly busy schedule?  It was decided it would take place following inspection, which brings us up to the 18^th March.  Yes, we broke one world record, the longest time between an opening ceremony and the Olympic event, a mere 43 days!

 

What a day!  The staff involved were from Design Technology, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Languages, Home Economics, Science, English, IT, History, Special Needs and Geography.  Activities were wide ranging, including creating an Olympic fanfare, a drama production, a dance routine, a multilingual Olympic message, cooking foods from around the world, a scientific investigation into the best rowing physique, the making of medals, producing a new Olympic flag, decorating the Olympic venue and producing a variety of merchandising.  The one activity carried out by all pupils was the Rowing Challenge, pitting themselves against the clock and recording some amazing times, while having great fun, but still being very competitive.  Mr Mike Williams from DT is still recovering from running this event (he loved it really).

 

The closing ceremony was a fantastic opportunity to see what could be achieved in one day, with outstanding performances from all involved.  The handing over of the flag by Aeron Cambell to Tamjid Miah (Year 7) was met with rapturous applause.  Medals were awarded in four categories, though it was the taking part that was important, as in all Olympics.

 

Every Year 8 pupil went home with a bag of Olympic goodies, in particular a T-shirt with the winning Olympic logo design, but also a framed team photo, key ring and book mark, all with an Olympic theme.

Undoubtedly a special day, and one that will be repeated in a year’s time, when it should be even bigger and better.  Well done Year 8 and keep those Olympic ideals in mind in all your learning.