Change 4 Life Festival


On the 10th of July 2019 the Change 4 Life Festival returned for a second year at Malborough College.


The festival is part of the School Games but is aimed at engaging schools who are less likely to compete in the level 2 and 3 events.


Overall, 12 schools including Luckington and Queens Crescent School attended. Each school was able to bring 4 pupils, chosen as they would benefit most from experiencing physical activity in an inclusive, non-traditional setting to develop confidence and interest in sport.


On the day, pupils participated in individual and team challenges in a range of fun activities including hobby horse gymkhana, cup stack and T-shirt race challenge. These activities were chosen as despite being perceived as fun simple games, they incorporate many components of fitness including co-ordination and develop important skills such as teamwork.


In addition to these games, participants could also explore the Athletes Village which contained exciting activities such as climbing and BMX biking!


As well as having fun, pupils say they learnt skills such as perseverance and independence through the festival and gained confidence to try new things.


For example, Natasha, from Queens Crescent said she didn’t like PE or sport much before attending but now practices yoga every night.


Similarly, Gwennie, from Luckington didn’t attend any festivals previously but since Change 4 Life she attended a football school games event as a cheerleader for her school!


Teachers from attending schools were very grateful to have the opportunity


All pupils received medals for participating and for some, the festival provided a platform for further opportunities for personal development and involvement in sport.


For example, as a result of his enthusiasm and determination at the festival, Oliver, from Queens Crescent, was nominated by his teachers to become a sports leader. He now takes on more roles within school sport as a football coach and referee and is even beginning to lead warm-ups in PE.


16 Games Makers from Abbeyfield and Sheldon School ensured activities ran smoothly and were great role models to aspire to.


to attend an inclusive event as part of the School Games. They also reported that attendance prompted ideas that offering non-traditional sports in school may be a more effective way to engage more pupils.


In fact, Luckington have added activities from the festival to their Friday lunchtime play sessions, and participants are helping Playleaders to deliver them. Similarly, Queens Crescent have integrated activities from the festival into their Huff and Puff sessions.


Nathan from Abbeyfield who had the important job of being School Games Mascot Ra Cat said, ‘’it was fun to see everyone getting so involved and having fun, and we enjoyed ourselves too as we got to play the games and meet other volunteers from another school.”


As well as Games Makers, the day would not have been a success without School Games Organisers, who invited schools to attend.


There is real excitement to see what the next Change 4 Life Festival brings.


CASE STUDY: Marlborough Games and Change 4 Life games makers: Nathan and Abbi


 Marlborough games last year: Nathan was a mascot and Abbi led activities in the Change 4 Life Workshop


 Completed a training course where they were shown what games they would be leading. The training prepared them enough for they day because they got to do exactly what they were doing on the day.


 ‘’It was fun to see everyone getting involved and enjoying themselves, and we also enjoyed ourselves too as we got to play the games and meet other volunteers from another school,‘’ Nathan


 Learnt how to communicate with people from all ages and schools, control a group of people, and liaising with other leaders to ensure everything was running on the day.


 Abbi: doesn’t want to pursue a career in sport but it’s given her experience to apply in employment in other fields such as communication and team management.


 Nathan: wants to be a primary school teacher and thinks volunteering has been useful to give him experience he can draw upon in this role eg. Communicating with younger children.


Collette Harries, SGO for Avon Valley, who organized the day even hinted there may be some new activities to look forward to!


4 Wiltshire and Swindon Relay


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