Schools collaborate for Tokyo Game-Inspired Challenge

Students and staff at United Learning’s schools in Lancashire have pledged to get more active as part of a Tokyo Games-inspired challenge.

Ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Japan this summer, Challenge 2020 is a new initiative launched by United Learning to encourage children and their teachers to set ambitious physical targets. As part of the schools group, Accrington Academy and The Hyndburn Academy have both taken up the challenge, with students showcasing their enthusiasm and determination with a range of impressive pledges.

At The Hyndburn Academy, the PE department has created a special Challenge 2020 loyalty card which students are using to record their pledges and keep track of their progress. For students in Years 7 and 8, the challenge has also been woven into weekly gym lessons. The children have been setting a different goal on the board at the start of each lesson and supporting each other as they work hard to reach their target. The idea is that each student is encouraged to push the boundaries of what they can achieve and set new personal bests.

After half term, the initiative will take on a new form as students across The Hyndburn Academy are set to take part in form-based competitions, where they will be getting involved in individual and team challenges inspired by the 2020 theme.

At Accrington Academy, students in Years 7 to 9 have also been working towards similar goals, with their own version of a pledge card. This has 20 blank circles – every time they accomplish their target they can collect a signature from a teacher or parent to fill up the space. Completion of these cards will help to decide the winners of a number of prizes, in order to celebrate the students who have shown the most commitment and determination.  

Examples of some of their ambitious pledges include:

• To attend 20 kickboxing sessions;
• To exercise in the fitness suite 20 times, each time for one hour;
• To swim 600m twice a week for 20 weeks;
• To run three miles a day for 20 days;
• To walk up a mountain twice a week for 20 weeks.

James Kerfoot, Headteacher at Accrington Academy, said:

“It has been fantastic to see so many of our students rise to Challenge 2020 and throw themselves wholeheartedly into completing their pledges. What is particularly gratifying is that the initiative is inspiring students to increase their activity levels and lead healthier lives both in lessons and outside of school – something that benefits us all at any age.”

Nicola Palmer, Headteacher at The Hyndburn Academy, said:

“Encouraging our young people to take part in initiatives like this where they can try new things, step outside of their comfort zone, and be part of a large team effort is all part of how we deliver an Education with Character. I look forward to seeing how our students get on over the next few months and continuing to support them as they pursue their Challenge 2020 goals.”