1. The article from the Prime Minister’s official website was published on August 11 shortly after the Olympic Games 2012 in London.
The Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that competitive sports will be a part of the new primary school curriculum. The Government sees great opportunity in Olympic legacy that is why all children have to be encouraged to participate in recognisable sports, not just “game activities”. The new Physical Education programme will require every primary school child to take part in competitive team sport. It will also provide opportunities to help pupils to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
The Government is also engaged in the School Games which is a key part of their approach to encourage competitive sport in schools. The idea is that all schools in the country will participate and compete for a final held at the Olympic venues. The Government’s plans for Olympic legacy include £1bn over a period of 5 years.
2. The three texts discuss the concept of competitive sport in the primary school system.
Text 1, an article from the British Prime Minister’s official website, announces all primary school pupils to play competitive team sports. It argues that because the current primary curriculum is too long and prescriptive and refers to concepts like “games activities”, not featuring recognisable sports. (Text 1, l.19) So the new Physical Education curriculum will require every primary school child to participate in competitive team sport. Text 2, an article from The Telegraph with Sir Steve Redgrave, focuses on how sport should be portrayed to children. It should not just be about winners and losers. Children should not be made to think that whoever crosses the finishing line first is rewarded. (Text 2, l.14) An important factor of sport is to enjoy the journey, not just the finish. You can still be a winner even though you finish last. Achieving a personal best is the ethos we should pass on