Tuesday 29 May 2012
Openreach helping to bring the Games into the classroom
Developed in partnership between Openreach and I CAN, the children’s communication charity, the Communication Triathlon is a series of active and fun-filled events that encourage children to take part in three London 2012 sport-themed speaking and listening activities around the three Ts of Thinking, Talking and Teamwork.
The Communication Triathlon is for children aged 4-11 and over 1,200 schools are already registered to run the programme. Much like the Games, schools are invited to kick off the Triathlon with an Opening Ceremony, and then follow the sports-themed activity packs to improve their Thinking, Talking and Teamwork skills.
It’s up to the school how long the event goes on for and whether the entire school takes part – as the packs are split for ages 4-7 and 7-11 – or a year group or even just a single class. We suggest it runs for a week, finishing with a closing ceremony and certificates – celebrating improving communication in the spirit of the Games.
So why are Openreach supporting this initiative? Last year Openreach was looking for a different way to work with communities and, as we’re rolling out the next generation network, it struck us - why not work to help improve the communication skills of the next generation to use it?
The programme, endorsed by Get Set – the London 2012 Educational programme – is free for schools to register and to download the material that includes supporting information like certificates, all to help the children get in the mood for Games time; schools can register at www.communicationtriathlon.org.uk
Paralympic gold medallist Liz Johnson has been helping with the project and you can read her views on her blog article. You can also watch two schools having fun and taking part in the programme on the Communication Triathlon video.