The Games – for schools

SchoolsGames is a way for churches to build deep relationships with local schools. And a great way of ‘taking your church to the people’.

SchoolsGames –

• Is a one day, in school, sports-based activity programme for Key Stage 2
• Uses sport, games and activities to promote a holistic healthy lifestyle which includes, at its heart, a focus on the spiritual
• Reaches children, teachers and parents with the good news about Jesus

A well run SchoolGames day could lead to –

• The school asking your church to ‘come in and do more‘
• Children and families becoming interested in your church

What is SchoolGames?

SchoolsGames is a one day school-based activity programme for primary and secondary school children. It -

• Mixes fun and activity with educational curriculum-based sessions that draw in RE, PHSE, Art, PE, Geography and other areas
• Can be run at any time but is perhaps best suited towards the end of the summer term

Its ethos is about belonging to a team and trying one’s best to be the best

There is an element of competition with –

• Points for performance and also for teamwork and individual contribution.
• The awarding of medals at the closing ceremony being a popular feature.

The SchoolsGames team is be led by an experienced children’s or schools worker. And supported by a recruited team from a church or group of churches who have received training.

What does a SchoolsGames day look like?

Children form teams of about 15 known as countries, ideally vertically grouped across the key stage. Each is captained by a SchoolsGames team member accompanied by an adult from the school - teacher, teaching assistant, parent etc

The day starts and ends with an Opening and Closing ceremony that includes strong focus on the key theme of the day such as teamwork or belonging.

For the rest of the time, teams rotate around three zones:
Sports Zone – with a time of games and sports
Creative Zone – with links to art, craft and can include music and drama
Discovery Zone – with an emphasis on the values and key message of the day

Does SchoolsGames really work?

SchoolsGames is drawn form the experience of KidsGames. This community-based, holiday time, experience has been a phenomenon in countries as diverse as India, Australia, Egypt and Russia.

Now, SchoolsGames has been specifically written to be educationally appropriate in the UK for children of all faiths or none.

For more information and an organisers manual contact Simon Barker at SimonB@scriptureunion.org.uk