ClubGolf in Secondary Schools
Introduction
ClubGolf In secondary schools is the golf game and programme for secondary schools that is related to the golf you see Professional Golfers play but is actually a completely new game for young teenagers. This initiative has been produced by one of ClubGolf’s partners the Golf Foundation.
ClubGolf In secondary schools combines some of the best parts of the traditional sport – hitting balls a long way at interesting targets – with scoring systems you can create yourself, team games which include everyone and keep you fit, and, important safety considerations for both teachers and pupils. It’s all designed with the 11 to 15 year old in mind – the boy and girl who’s outgrown the ClubGolf in primary school equipment.
The vital requirement for ClubGolf in developing ClubGolf In secondary schools was to listen to and act on advice from pupils, teachers, development officers and partnership managers during the design, manufacture and testing of this innovative equipment, and to set this work beside an intelligent set of resources to help teachers deliver an innovative programme. The result is one of the most exciting additions to the school sports scene for a long time.
Recognising needs of the young teenager, ClubGolf In secondary schools will excite pupils, lay the foundations of a good golf game, and keep him/her active and enthused. In turn, ClubGolf can train the Active Schools Coordinator/teacher on every aspect needed to get the most out of this new opportunity for secondary school sport.
Responding to the growing demand
Following the proven success of ClubGolf in primary schools in the primary sector and its role in strengthening links between schools and golf clubs, many teachers, head teachers and Active School Coordinators had asked Regional Managers what golfing initiatives might be available in the secondary school sector. Many young people were being introduced to golf in primary schools through the ClubGolf in primary schools programme but as soon as they moved to the secondary school little was available to them. In order to avoid some good foundations going to waste a number of secondary schools had designed and started to implement their own golf projects but struggled to find appropriate equipment and resources to deliver the sport successfully. Something new was needed, fresh enough to appeal to the young golfer but backed up by established school sports principles. The Golf Foundation worked with educational experts from schools and colleges and with its manufacturing partners Davies Sports - the result is ClubGolf In secondary schools – ready for action and on general release to schools at an affordable price.
Equipment
Distribution will be by Davies Sports, making it easy for schools to access all ClubGolf In secondary schools products. Bags are delivered with all the equipment you need such as lighter, child-friendly clubs and reduced flight balls to ensure maximum safety on school sites with surrounding property/limited space. The delivery of the programme to children will be through games and activities that help develop the skills of young people in a fun structure.
A ClubGolf In secondary schools bag (called ‘Golf In secondary schools bag’ at Davies Sports) will include:
· A wheeled kit bag
· Golf In secondary schools Club Bag
· 22 Golf In secondary schools clubs – one size to fit 11 to 15 year olds. The clubs are able to hit both short flight and real golf balls. (10 right-handed irons, 2 left-handed irons and 10 dual use putters)
· 120 ‘Almost’ short flight golf balls
· 36 Golf In secondary schools Multi Coloured target balls for playing games
· 50 marker cones – for setting up Golf In secondary schools courses/games
· Putting and Chipping set with flags
· 10 teeing mats
· 25 spare tees for teeing mats
· 10 pairs of ‘Foot Tees’
· 9 Velcro disc targets and flags for setting up courses/playing games
· A Golf In secondary schools activity manual including games and ideas for delivery
Current price from Davies Sports (as of end Nov 2010): £329.95 per bag
Available at: www.daviessports.co.uk
Active School Coordinator / Teacher Training
To deliver the programme effectively ClubGolf will be rolling out a series of 4-hour ClubGolf In secondary schools Activator Workshops to train teachers, senior pupils, Active School Coordinators and volunteer coaches with the best way to deliver the initiative. ClubGolf In secondary schools uses games, routines and exercises to help secondary pupils have a positive introduction to the sport. Candidates will receive a one shop stop ‘ClubGolf In secondary schoolsteachers’ manual with all the games, exercises and session plans required for delivery as access to Levels 3, 4, Senior & Programmes of Work. These programmes of work are written to SQA standards, give clear guidance on appropriate teaching activities and how these meet National Curriculum standards.
Workshop cost: £25 per person or £250 for up to 20 teachers
How to organise/attend a Workshop: Contact your relevant ClubGolf Regional Manager. Details for all Manager’s can be found on ‘Contact Us’ page of the ClubGolf website at: www.ClubGolfscotland.com
Why Golf in Secondary Schools?
· ClubGolf In secondary schools is a new activity that is fun, inclusive and can appeal to pupils previously disengaged from traditional team sports delivered in schools.
· ClubGolf In secondary schools can provide appropriate activity levels that help with PE and fitness.
· Closed skills that are easy to monitor and deliver.
· There is a wide network of established golf clubs all over Scotland to feed interested children into, with qualified PGA coaches to help children progress further in the sport outside school. Details can be accessed through your ClubGolf Regional Manager.
· Golf actively promotes honesty and integrity among its players, and sportsmanship and good behaviour follows.
· Both ClubGolf In secondary schools and general golf practice can be played in a variety of places at school, offering flexibility for the games lesson.
· ClubGolf In secondary schools has an informal ‘street’ feel which puts less pressure on individual players who are less competitive by nature.
· Golf is a fast-changing sport, it now appeals more to teenagers than previously with many barriers being eroded. Thanks to Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy, Michelle Wie and others, it has more credibility with young people and they want to try it for themselves.
FAQs on ClubGolf In secondary schools
How can ClubGolf In secondary schools be safe for secondary pupils with metal clubs?
Safety is dealt with as a vital part of the ClubGolf In secondary schools Activator Workshop and the introduction of the short flight ball ensures the safest delivery possible in all venues. The programme offers a variety of playing formats such as 'Practice Round', structured similar to a javelin lesson, and 'Around the World' with a central safety zone and pupils playing out to targets. These make the delivery of golf in a secondary school both safe and fun.
I don’t know much about golf, how can I deliver this?
The ClubGolf In secondary schools Activator Workshop enables Active Schools Coordinators and teachers to use their skills alongside quality resources described by a number of teachers involved in early pilots in England and Wales as “the best resources of any sport I have seen”. With the ball being still, monitoring performance is easier than many other sports.
I think golf is slow and boring. How does this fit into PE in schools?
Many pupils need different activities to those traditionally offered. Golf can be fun and ClubGolf in primary schools has proved this in the primary school setting. Included as part of the ClubGolf In secondary schools programme, there are plenty of fun games to play, and a number of exciting playing formats such as ‘GFX-Speed’, where pupils complete a course as quickly as possible.