World Cup fever hits North East Schools
Since its kick off on the 21st of November, the World Cup has the region’s schools celebrating football and other cultures.
A chance to enhance the curriculum
The World Cup, hosted in Qatar has been controversial due to allegations of corruption and human rights violations in the lead up to the tournament. Recently the controversy also included banning the LGBTQ+ arm bands that England were set to wear during their matches. Due to these reasons, schools have been questioning whether it is right or not to include watching the matches during the school day.
Teacher Tapp reported that opinions on whether to show the England matches or not were mixed. They found that the Midlands and the North were more likely to watch the game in school. It has been suggested that 1 in 10 schools chose to show the first England match. While the host country’s Human Rights history could put some educators off embracing this World Cup, there are ways to incorporate the sporting event and use it as an opportunity to learn about the ethics behind the news.
Kells Lane Primary
One school that did choose to show an England match is Kells Lane Primary School, in
Gateshead. The school commented that they ‘had a great week celebrating the World Cup’.
Kate Parker, Kells Lane’s PE Lead commented:
“The tournament is a gathering of nations and cultures from across the world and a great opportunity for Kells Lane Primary School to incorporate the fun into our learning. Each class within school is representing a different country participating in the World Cup. Children are visiting each ‘country’, marking on their maps where they’ve visited and then learning facts, language and culture from each. For example, children have been taught dances, learned about the geography, language(s) and national anthems, whilst also making flags, masks and food.”
As well as incorporating the participating World Cup countries into their curriculum, Kells Lane held a mini football tournament for each class. The tournament provided an opportunity to focus on team work, dribbling and scoring goals.
WISE Academies
Meanwhile, across the WISE Academies Trust, schools took part in a ‘WISE Memorable Moment’. WISE school children excitedly took part in an event to launch the 2022 World Cup.
Throughout the launch day, children wore their football strips in school and children participated in a football skills workshop to practise and promote football. To enhance their geographical knowledge pupils learnt lots of facts about all the countries that qualified. Pupils from across Key Stage 1 and 2 from academies across the Trust then attended the award winning Beacon of Light in Sunderland on Thursday 24th November to experience the WISE World Cup Day.
They engaged in an array of football skills activities, soccersize circuits, team building exercises and a competitive game of football. They visited the indoor arena and took part in their very own World Cup Opening Ceremony to the official World Cup song. Each child was then presented with a medal by two of the Sunderland Ladies team (Grace McCatty and Brianna Westrup).
Wise Academies commented:
“The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all and certainly got everyone in the mood for football! One magical moment was when one of our girls met a ‘real life’ female footballer. She was so happy and overwhelmed that she cried. She described the day as ‘the best day of her life’. WISE Academies are committed to ensuring that children are given the opportunity to experience ‘Memorable Moments’ where their talents are developed and nurtured, and life long memories are made.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, commented:
“Events such as the World Cup provide a chance for schools to build meaningful memories with their students and enhance their existing curriculum. Whether schools chose to show the England match or chose to avoid it, it provided a chance for teachers to discuss other cultures and the ethics behind such an event. It looks like both Wise Academies and Kells Lane Primary School had a wonderful time incorporating the event into their timetables. After an unusual few years for these students, celebrating events such as The World Cup can inspire pride and a sense of community, as we all cheer together.”
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