CET Year 2 Multi-Skills Festival 2024

On Wednesday 6th March 2024, Cumbria Education Trust (CET) held a Year 2 Multi-Skills Festival at Workington Academy, bringing together our ten primary schools for a day of energetic competition and camaraderie. This event showcased and gave our Year 2 children the opportunity to experience a diverse array of sports and activities including Trampolining, Ball Skills, Bench Ball, Football, Obstacle Courses, Yoga, and Dance.

Castle Carrock Primary School, Caldew Lea Primary School, Hensingham Primary School, Longtown Primary School, Newtown Primary School, Northside Primary School, Petteril Bank School, Tebay Primary School, Yanwath Primary School, and Yewdale Primary School all came together to enjoy a day of sporting activities. They split into teams and took turns on each of the sports stations. They were assisted by 30 of CET’s Year 9 Sports Leaders from The Whitehaven Academy, William Howard School and Workington Academy.

Watch the festival in action!

The first sport was Bench Ball, a dynamic team sport that requires quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and impeccable teamwork. This focused on hand-eye coordination, the ability to communicate effectively and work cohesively as a team.

The excitement continued with the trampolining event, where young participants learnt how to do different jumps and turns while promoting balance, coordination, and core strength. The joy and enthusiasm radiated from each child – it was certainly one of their favourite activities!

Out on the state-of-the-art 4G AstroTurf pitch, students manoeuvred through our obstacle course, testing their agility, speed, and problem-solving skills and the Ball Skills segment of the festival showcased the participants’ abilities in handling various types of balls, honing their fine and gross motor skills and focus. Lots of fantastic goals were scored against our Sports Leaders!

In the Drama studio, the Yoga session allowed the children to unwind and connect with their inner selves. They engaged in various yoga poses and mindfulness exercises, promoting flexibility, balance, and mental well-being.

In the Main Hall, the Just Dance activity allowed our young people to showcase their dance moves and creativity. This activity celebrated the joy of movement and self-expression, reinforcing the idea that physical activity can be both enjoyable and beneficial.

Imogen, from Longtown Primary School, said, “I’ve enjoyed the trampolining as we learned some new skills. My favourite jump was the straddle because I was very good at it. I also enjoyed seeing Lucas again, as I met him at the Shine as One event”.

Maisie, one of our Sports Leaders from The Whitehaven Academy commented, “I have enjoyed watching the kids being happy with their friends and teaching them a thing or two”, with Logan, a Sports Leader from William Howard School, echoing that sentiment, “I have enjoyed teaching young kids new sports skills”.

Miss Tweddle, CET Student Culture Lead, said “It is fantastic to have so many young people from across all of our CET schools collaborating and coming together as one and being a part of such a positive event. The enthusiasm and joy of our Year 2 pupils permeated throughout all activities across the day and our Year 9 Sports Leaders who delivered some fantastic activities and helped to create such a memorable and enjoyable experience for them, were a credit to our schools and to CET. Being able to give our children opportunities such as these on a grand scale and using state of the art facilities are one of the great benefits of being within a Multi Academy Trust (MAT). Thanks must also go to our staff for making enriching and memorable events such as this possible for our students.”

The success of this event serves as a testament to the positive impact of promoting sports and physical activity in shaping the lives of the younger generation and bringing our schools together for a day of fun. Thank you to all CET schools for participating, our Sports Leaders for working so hard, Workington Academy for hosting the event and Mr Holliday, Assistant Headteacher at Workington Academy and Miss Tweddle for organising such a wonderful day, had by all.