Click on the photo to enlarge it Pictured: Year 12 students Stadium Training; Olympic Young Games Makers; Paralympic Games 2012

On Sunday 22 April, Mrs Kirstie Hartwell, Curriculum Leader PE at Charters and Miss Ellie Hilderley- PE Teacher, along with the ten Year 12 Charters School students who have been selected to be ‘Young Games Makers at the Paralympic Games in 2012’ attended the Olympic Stadium for their first round of training.  These students are the volunteers for the athletics events.

The day started with a talk about what it means to be a ‘Young Games Maker’ at this momentous event followed by a tour of the Olympic Stadium and then instruction of what their responsibilities will be at the games.  One of the duties assigned to them is the responsibility for the athletes ‘kit boxes’.  The students were instructed on how to enter the stadium and track in a synchronised manner, collect the athletes’ kit and then remove it from the track, keep it safe and then return to the athletes on the track after the race.  This is a huge honour for the Charters School students as they have the privilege of getting up close and personal with some of the world’s top athletes.

Mrs Kirstie Hartwell, Charters School Curriculum Leader PE said “The students got a glimpse of how it will feel to walk into this Olympic stadium that will host the Olympic and Paralympic games with all the eyes of the world on them.  Hopefully the experience will inspire them to achieve their goals and ambitions.”


Background Info:  The pupils formally applied to the PE department, and unfortunately only 10 from a very strong field could be selected.  The next stage of the process was an interview at London 2012’s head office in Canary Wharf, London.  The pupils underwent 2 activities testing discipline, maturity, enthusiasm, and their ability to work as a team. In addition the team leaders (Mrs Hartwell – Curriculum Leader PE and Miss Hilderley – PE Teacher) had a formal interview with London 2012 officials.  The pupils will be receiving official uniforms imminently.