Learn by Design working with Education Business Partnerships to deliver the 'Inspire' Programme

The 'Inspire' programme was organised by the Education Business Partnerships from Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. The theme was to give students an opportunity to explore the links between sport, science and engineering, in view of the 2012 Olympic Games and the career opportunities that the Games will create over the next decade in these Boroughs.

Twenty students were specially selected from Yrs 9 and 10 (with some 6th Form students added as 'leaders') from Langdon Park School, Cumberland School and Specialist Sports College and Stoke Newington School on three days in the week commencing Monday 9th November 2009. These students had previously attended a Sport Science workshop provided by Sheffield Hallam University.

The first group, Stoke Newington, had the benefit of working in the fabulous new Clissold Park Sport Centre, opposite their school. Following an introduction to the day they were shown how to test themselves on our interactive equipment, before looking at how science and engineering are involved in generating and analysing the results from the various pieces of equipment. The students were then tasked with formally testing themselves to find their speed of reaction, sprinting and turning speed, power of kick or throw, ability to sustain rowing at speed, and accurately test their leg and grip strength. Following a well earned rest, they successfully worked through a worksheet that linked their activities with the science of their body.

This was then all linked together in a short talk about career opportunities and way that the Olympic Games will affect both themselves and their community leading up to 2012 and the legacy afterwards. (One of the students showed an impressive ability on the rowing machines, and we encouraged him to look to further involve himself in the event in collaboration with the school PE department)

The same process was repeated at Cumberland School and Specialist Sports College and Langdon Park School in the following two days.

We are now looking forward to Friday 11th December, when the three groups will come together for a final celebration day of activities and workshops.  They will again have the opportunity to learn more, ask questions, compete against each other and have more fun. Watch this space for a report!

23rd November 2009