Pupils from 2 local primary schools in Bury are being given the chance to attend a sports camp run by college students.

The scheme which has been running since October allows year 5 and 6 pupils from Holy Trinity Primary School, Cecil Street and St Luke’s Primary School, Morely Street to take part in a wide range of sporting activities at Bury College. Activities have included football, cricket, dodgeball, netball and tag rugby amongst other sports, using Bury Colleges’ PlayFootball pitches and sports hall. The classes are delivered by second year BTEC National Diploma Sport students and each week college students escort pupils to and from their school via their ‘walking school bus’.

Aston Barrett, Bury College’s Sport Coordinator said, “Primary schools often have small playgrounds and schools halls, and this new venture means pupils have the chance to participate in a range of sporting activities taking full advantage of the facilities on offer at the college. We have received some great feedback and aim to build on this link and explore the possibility of other joint ventures within the local community in the future.”

Mrs Parkinton, Vice Principle from Holy Trinity is delighted with the initiative, she said, “It’s great for our students to be able to come to the college and experience the coaching from the students.  They thoroughly enjoy being able to take part in various sporting activities, especially when they can get outdoors on the PlayFootball pitches.”

Bury College Lecturer/Coordinator in Sport, Keith Taylor, said, ‘This is a fantastic opportunity to develop and continue our partnerships with local primary schools. The children are actively encouraged to engage in fun and exciting practical sessions, whilst providing our second year sport students with valuable experience of delivering sporting activities. It helps our students to gain valuable experience, especially as many are looking at becoming PE teachers or children’s coaches in the future.”

The sports camp forms part of the National Diploma, where students are required to participate in a formal sporting assessment. If you would like more information on how to get involved in activities at Bury College, please call Aston Barrett on 0161 280 8471 or email aston.barrett@burycollege.ac.uk. Or Keith Taylor on 0161 280 8280 or email keith.taylor@burycollege.ac.uk.