Jumping in a lake, cycling through the woods and running around a castle, triathlons are a growing sport. Tri-Knights is an exciting new programme helping primary and secondary schools to introduce triathlon to pupils whilst supporting the National Curriculum for Physical Education outcomes. In partnership with:
INTRODUCING TRIATHLON What is triathlon? A triathlon involves 3 activities: swim, bike and run. Mostly people enjoy taking part outside but the swimming element can be held in an indoor pool depending on the location. You can take part on your own, to win, for fun, to raise money for charity, or as part of a team. The huge success of the British tri athletes, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee at the 2012 Olympics has helped raise awareness of this exciting and challenging sport. Triathlon has been an Olympic sport since the 2000 Sydney Games and from 2016 will also include an event for disabled athletes Paratriathlon. Why introduce triathlon to your school pe and sport programme? Sport England discovered that the most popular activities for primary-aged children to take part in outside school were swimming, cycling and running (2002). More recently, a study revealed high levels of inactivity in PE lessons, which teachers would argue has been created by the current curriculum requirements. We also know from research that many young people don t enjoy school PE and that there is a decline in sports participation after primary school. There are of course, many reasons for this but why not get your pupils involved in activities they say they enjoy whilst working towards current curriculum outcomes and supporting the targets of the new national curriculum for PE (NCPE) to be introduced in 2014? Add to that the obvious health benefits of regular, enjoyable exercise in a safe environment, the opportunities for teamwork and the potential for the creation of lifelong sporting habits and you will agree it s worth exploring.
Download your free teaching resource now THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM FOR PE The NCPE and triathlon The current curriculum, whilst mentioning the traditional activity areas (which already include swimming and athletics) has outcomes which can also be delivered through activities rather than having a focus on traditional lesson content. The 2014 curriculum might see a return to a more traditional offer, with healthy competition a feature and Castle Triathlon will be updating this information as soon as the new curriculum is published. Right now, teachers in primary schools focus on building natural enthusiasm for movement whilst secondary school PE should help pupils become more competent and confident across a broad range of different sports and activities. The DfES (2013) published a summary of its programme of study for PE at KS12 (Primary) and 3-4 (Secondary) and states: A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Key Aims should ensure all pupils: Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities; Are physically active for sustained periods of time; Engage in competitive sports and activities; Lead healthy and active lives.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED We can help you introduce the three triathlon activities and support your school to make a big impact on the health and Physical Education of all its pupils in a unique way. We can: inspire you and your pupils with success stories through assemblies taken by elite triathletes support you and your staff with curriculum linked activities and teaching plans offer advice, support and guidance from our qualified, experienced teachers and coaches recommend local places to practice or train prepare teams for local interschools competitions if this is the next step Download FREE RESOURCES here FREE activity sheets lesson ideas for each discipline Tri Swimmers Tri Riders Tri Runners Tri Transition Curriculum links overview Video footage super props for introducing the sport from a kids perspective Assembly presentation School case studies
INTRODUCING THE CASTLE TRIATHLON SERIES The Castle Triathlon Series offers races for 7* 15 year olds at five amazing castles in a unique setting where all ages and levels can race together in a festival environment. Currently there are very few events where kids, teens, and adults are able to participate on the same day and over the same course. The weekend and the mid-week events are perfect for children and teens joining their parents, groups of friends and also for schools, sports groups and junior triathlon clubs. (*8 by 31 December) The Swim 8-10 years, 100m - a bit like 4 lengths of your local 25m swimming pool, but will feel a bit different in the open water - more exciting! 11-12 years, 200m and 13-15yrs, 300m! All the starts are in the water (no diving). There s a full swim safety team around the swim-mers at all times - RIBs, kayaks and canoes and safety swimmers in the water with flotation devices. They re a very kind and supportive lot, so for those who are new to open water swims, it s fine to stop for a breather and hold onto the canoe or float etc. Children swim out to a 50m, 100m or 150m buoy depending on age. The Cycle 8-12 years, 4K or 13-15years, 8K. The cycle route always takes place within the Castle Estate bound-ary and is off the public road and free of traffic. Most children ride their mountain bikes although some of the more competitive ones ride a cyclo cross bike. The course encompasses a complete mix of terrain but not too technical (ie no bunny hopping logs or super steep descents.) and is heavily marshaled and signed. The Run 8-10yrs, 1.1km. 11-12yrs, 2km and 13-15yrs, 4km. Again all run routes are within the Castle Estate boundary and on a complete mix of terrain (tarmac, castle path, bridleway etc) - the youngest do a 1.1km loop, the middle age group, a 2km loop and the older ones do 2 laps of the 2K route. All routes are very well marshalled and signed, usually finishing with a grandstand finish in front of the castle or chateau. I really like doing triathlons as it brings together the three sports that I am best at and I get to race against my brother! (Flo, aged 10) Interested? Please email us for more details at: castletriathlonseries.co.uk Or visit our website the latest information: admin@castletriathlonseries.co.uk w: castletriathlonseries.co.uk t: +44 (0)1892 870 681 Castletriathlonseries @CastleTriathlon