Pupils at Lasswade High School have been learning how sport can bring communities together at local, national and international levels.

International Inspiration

In 2009 Lasswade joined the International Inspiration programme which is funded through London 2012 and partners schools in the UK with schools throughout the world. The aim is to inspire young people to be involved in sport.

George Falconer, Head of Physical Education, explains:

“Our partner school is Pahama Secondary school in South Africa. The programme has seen teachers from both countries visiting the other to share ideas and expertise. The South African link is known to all pupils through assemblies and updated through noticed boards and emails.

“The pupils have also started their own International Inspirations Club which is developing further links with South Africa. This project has been extremely valuable in developing the four capacities for Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). Our pupils have a greater understanding of the world around them and the role of Scotland within it.

Get Set

“The school registered in the ‘Get Set’ programme in 2009 due to our Int In involvement. The programme aims to inspire young people to become involved in the Olympics in London and encourage them to live by the Olympic values.

“Senior pupils take a lead role in this project leading assemblies in both primary and secondary. The pupils have also organised Olympic events for each year group to promote the Olympic values.

“In 2010 the school was successful in applying to the next level in the ‘Get Set Network’ which is for schools which have demonstrated commitment to the values. Our school was one of the first schools in Scotland to be given this accreditation. The school also won the Olympic mascot competition and were rewarded with the mascot being launched at our school.

“The Olympic theme is very prevalent in the whole school ethos. There is currently an Interdisciplinary Learning project involving PE, PSE, Modern Studies, RMPS, Drama and Art. The group works within the CfE framework of outcomes and experiences relating to the Olympic value of Respect. Each subject area includes respect in their classroom lessons and link and time these to coincide with other departments. Subjects work together under the common theme and drive through the Health and Wellbeing outcomes across the school.”

More information about the International Inspiration programme and Get Set