On Friday 10 March, we were lucky enough to have Paralympic and World Championship medalist Fran Williamson in school to spend the day with our Sky Sports: Living for Sport group.

16 talented students from years 8 and 9 have been selected to take part in this year’s project, which is a part of Sky Academy and aims to use sport to develop 6 key skills to success: mental toughness, hunger to achieve, people skills, sports and life knowledge, breaking barriers and planning for success.

The group spent the morning doing lots of team building activities, where they developed their communication and listening skills and bonded as a group delivering excellent results. In the afternoon, they were put into groups and given the task of designing their own game/challenge which promoted the development of at least one of the 6 key skills to success. Students had access to a range of equipment and were incredibly creative, impressing myself, Fran and other teachers who stopped by to have a look.

Throughout the day, the group reflected on how each of the 6 key skills to success could help people in a variety of situations achieve their goals. They also considered their own goals and aspirations, and how striving to embody the 6 key skills would help them reach their potential. The group worked incredibly hard throughout the day and it was a very meaningful experience. Later in the year they will utilise all they have learned to organise and run a sports event for local primary school students.

Please click here for a gallery of photos from the workshop.