Story added: 27th April 2021
If you happened to be walking past the primary school in the quiet village of Barford last Friday, you may have been surprised to hear the strains of “Samba de Janeiro” and the chants of “Going up!” still filling the air, some six days after the Canaries learnt of their promotion back to the Premier League.
The reason behind what must have sounded like the world’s longest promotion party, was a special ‘takeover’ day at the school organised by the Community Sports Foundation.
For one day only, the normal curriculum at Barford Primary School was replaced with a specially themed itinerary centred around sport, wellbeing and the Canaries. Every teacher and pupil across the school – from Reception through to Year 6 – took part, rotating through the various workshops, challenges and sports as organised and delivered by the Foundation’s Schools coaching team.
These included a wellbeing session focussed on stretching and mindfulness, workshops on boosting resilience and building positive relationships, active sports including tri-golf and – out in the playground – a Norwich City promotion party incorporating football drills, music and other fun activities.
The Foundation put together the ‘takeover’ day at the request of Barford Primary School’s Head Teacher Tim Handley, who wanted to provide a different and memorable learning experience for the children:
“We wanted to work with the Foundation on a ‘collapsed curriculum day’ to help our children make some positive memories of what has been a challenging academic year for all due to Covid-19.”
Reflecting on a successful day, Tim continues:
“All the children and staff had great fun, whilst learning lots around resilience, relationships and trying different sports. Parents have also given glowing reviews about how excited children were to share their day and talk about what they have learnt.”
Paul Hunter, the Foundation’s Schools Engagement Manager, added:
“The pupils were excellent; really enthusiastic and fully engaged with everything the day had to offer. They have been a credit to themselves and to their school. Our team had an amazing day delivering the various workshops and sports.”
Barford are one of over 120 schools across Norfolk and Suffolk that the Foundation work with every year. As well as ‘takeover days’, the Schools team at the Foundation deliver P.E. classes, lunch and after-school sports clubs, Premier League Primary Stars workshops, tournaments, staff training days and more.
Find out more about our Schools programme.
"The pupils were excellent; really enthusiastic and fully engaged with everything the day had to offer. They have been a credit to themselves and to their school. Our team had an amazing day delivering the various workshops and sports"
Paul Hunter
Schools Engagement Manager
26th November 2024
On Friday 22nd November, The Nest hosted the first round of the Utilita's Kids Cup, with local representative primary schools going toe-to-toe in a day of tournament action.
15th November 2024
Schools and children within the Norfolk region will have the opportunity to represent Norwich City and potentially play on the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium thanks to the Utilita Kids and Girls Cup.
11th June 2024
Norwich City will be represented by Woodlands Primary School at this year's Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament, hosted at the Gtech stadium.
21st May 2024
On Friday 16th May, three local primary schools arrived at The Nest for a day of literacy-themed fun.
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On the Buzzer, City! Quiz is our hugely popular annual quiz held at Norwich City Football Club, and it returns on the 7th November! Rounds typically include sport, history, film & TV and more, with special guest questions from Norwich City players and legends.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
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