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Over 25 nationalities – one inspirational partnership

09 May 2012

 

A unique Middlesbrough primary school which represents over 25 countries will be centre stage when the Olympic torch enters the town thanks to an inspirational partnership with Teesside University and the London Olympic Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG).

Pupils from Abingdon Primary School will perform a special opening and closing ceremony as part of the festivities when the original Olympic torch from 1948 passes through Middlesbrough on 15 June.

And to prepare for their big moment, the pupils are also set to perform at Teesside University on 16 May as part of UK Inspire Day – a national event to celebrate LOCOG’s Inspire programme. Last year Teesside University was awarded the Inspire Mark, which recognises organisations that deliver projects and events genuinely inspired by the 2012 Games.

The University has since been working with Abingdon Primary School to give the pupils the opportunity to star in their own unique Olympic performances.

Abingdon has pupils from 27 different countries including Libya, Afghanistan, Switzerland, Bangladesh and Lithuania and for 80% of its pupils, English is not their first language. The school was placed in special measures in February 2010 but came out of that in November 2011 after making a wide range of improvements.

A fantastic relationship Assistant Headteacher Lynne Pritchard, who has worked at the school for 23 years, said: 'Our relationship with Teesside University is fantastic and the work we are doing with them around the Olympics has really inspired our pupils. It is going to be great for them to be involved in two high profile and inspirational performances.

'Having such a close working relationship with Teesside University and being involved in events like this really raises the aspirations of our pupils – it gives them confidence and makes it seem like anything is possible.'

During her time at Abingdon Lynne has seen a lot of changes but she says working in a school which celebrates and embraces such diversity really brings out the best in pupils.

She added: 'Having pupils here from so many different countries broadens the horizons of not only the pupils, but the staff as well.

'We all get to learn about different cultures and different ways of life. We recently had a new pupil from Romania and one of the first things she did was to get up in front of the class and give a little talk about her home country. It is a really special learning environment.'

Worth all the hard work Twenty Abingdon pupils will take part in their opening and closing ceremony on UK Inspire Day and during the Olympic torch festivities.

They have been taking part in intense weekly training sessions and are really looking forward to the performances.

Kacper Szwackri, 11, said: 'It’s hard work but I’m glad I got involved - I’m really enjoying learning the routines.

Aleena Ahmed, also 11, added: 'This is a great school to be at – nobody is left alone and everybody has a friend.'

Professor Eileen Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Student Experience) said that the 2012 London Olympics has proved an excellent incentive in encouraging people’s aspirations and participation in sport at a local level.

She added: 'We were delighted to be awarded the Inspire Mark. The project with Abingdon Primary School is a perfect example of the positive work we do and the impact it has on young people’s lives.'


 
 
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