Disability Gifted and Talented Academy Case Study
Overview:This year the Gifted and Talented Academy saw 22 pupils from various schools from around the county taking part in 3 activity days throughout the academic year. The pupils were selected and nominated by their schools and ranged from year 6’s up to year 9’s.
Over the course of the 3 days throughout the year the pupils were able to experience lots of different sports sessions with top quality coaches from Durham University. Some of the pupils had been on previous years but for other’s it was their first opportunity to attend such an academy.
Aims:The academy aimed to develop pupil’s skills and abilities to help them reach their full potential in their chosen sport and to also give them a wide range of sports, which they may not have tried before. As well as promoting physical skill development, the academy also aimed to enhance pupil’s social skills by introducing them to other pupils of a similar age with a shared interest. The academy also promoted links to local sports clubs as an exit route for the pupils after the academy.
Content:
Pupils took part in many different coaching sessions including; athletics, rowing, tennis, fencing and football and were also given the opportunity to do some work in the science labs. During this session, the pupils were able to investigate hydration levels, measure BMI, grip strength and conduct other sports physiology related tests under the guidance of senior university lecturers. Along the way the pupils were guided by elite athlete mentors who were able to show them their medals and talk about their sporting successes and experiences, the pupils were given the chance to ask any questions they may have had.
Highlight:
A particular highlight of the academy this year was seeing a young year 6 boy from a mainstream school, who didn’t know anyone when arriving on day one and was very shy and reserved and a little nervous, quickly make friends and join in with all the activities and really begin to shine by the end of the year for his teamwork and communication skills.
Looking Ahead:
We are running the academy again this year and are hoping to retain some of the pupils from previous years but also gain new members too. We are keen to reach all schools in the county and promote the benefits of the academy for any pupils with a natural talent or flare in one or more sports.
Please Contact:
for more information on this year’s academy.