River Mead School has been taking part in Premiership Rugby’s, Tackling Health programme which is an interactive project teaching children about their own health, wellbeing and about leading a healthy lifestyle with a rugby focus.
The school explains, “The programme is delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby clubs across England and at River Mead School we were supported by Bath Rugby Club, in partnership with the Greggs Foundation.
“The sessions were about improving the children’s understanding of what constitutes healthy eating and a healthy diet and to increase levels of physical activity through sessions at school.
“These sessions were followed by a Tag Rugby Tournament in Bath and then River Mead School was lucky enough to be chosen to go to Twickenham – the home of English rugby on 1st of June! The children and staff turned up in the holidays and drove to Twickenham to experience a trip in a lifetime.
“The children were welcomed to the esteemed ground, provided with lunch and then played a Tag Rugby game on the prestigious pitch! As they were going onto the pitch they spotted the teams that were playing that day in the final and some Rugby legends including Martin Johnson, who wished them good luck in their game!
“The children were then able to soak up the amazing atmosphere of an 80,000-strong crowd, and were able to watch the Gallagher Premiership Final, a hugely exciting game between Saracens and the Exeter Chiefs – which everyone got into the spirit of!
“During the day the children also visited the ‘fan village’ where they tried their hand at a flying ‘try’ into a foam pit, stood next to the match ball.
“It was day to remember for everyone who went, including Miss Gilpin (class teacher) and Mrs Austin the headteacher, who supported the children in their exciting half-term trip.”
LEC works in association with the CORAM charity, schools and parents to deliver a series of sessions linked to the National Curriculum using a specially designed high-tech mobile classroom and highly trained educators. The mobile and its specialist educators are essential in giving the children an exciting experience. This enables difficult topics such as managing risks from exposure to drugs and alcohol, the internet and personal relationships in a sensitive and protective environment.
Volunteers from the Rotary Clubs of Royal Wootton Bassett & District, Bradford on Avon and Salisbury have been responsible for managing the Wiltshire Life Education ‘Keeping Children Safe’ programme and for towing and installing the classroom in Wiltshire primary schools for over 20 years. This academic year alone, LEC (Wiltshire) will support nearly 12,000 children in around 80 Wiltshire Schools.
Phil Tanner, President of Royal Wootton Bassett & District Rotary Club, commented “The way the Rotary Clubs in Wiltshire have rallied round to raise the money demonstrates the strong commitment of Rotary to support its local communities. I would like to thank all the clubs who donated to this appeal. This will benefit children across Wiltshire for many years to come.”