On Wednesday 23 May, students from Queen Elizabeth II High School, Peel, Ilse of Man were delighted to be visited by Team GB rugby sevens star, James Rodwell!
One of rugby sevens' most capped players, James has been an ever-present member of the team since 2008. His career highlights include being part of the Team GB’s silver medal winning squad at Rio, and helping England’s men to a bronze at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.
On the day of the visit, after an early start, James arrived at the school to bright sunshine and a warm welcome! Starting the visit with an assembly, James gave a presentation to years seven and eight on the Olympic Values, took part in a Q&A session with students, and gave out certificates to the students of Tutor Group 8LSL, whose hard work on the Get Set Values Award had earned the school his visit!
Next, James was taken on a short tour of the school, meeting students, and even having a short interview with Manx radio and Manx TV! In the afternoon James lent a hand in two rugby sessions, offering his top tips and insights to the girls and boys taking part.
“James was absolutely brilliant. Fantastic assembly. Two great lessons with the students. The whole school is buzzing!”
Lesley Sleight, Queen Elizabeth II High School
To celebrate sport and James’ visit to the School, students and staff were encouraged to wear their own sports club kit on the day, showing the diversity of sports played, and enjoyed, by their community. Kits included those for local clubs, Youth Games, school sports tours, Island or England teams and more. It was a fantastic opportunity to encourage students and staff to talk to each other and Olympian about all kinds of sport!
Living the Values
Queen Elizabeth II High School won their visit from James Rodwell as part of the Get Set Values Awards prize draw. Get Set’s Values Awards were designed to help young people understand, live and share the Olympic Values of friendship, excellence and respect and the Paralympic Values of inspiration, determination, courage and equality. The school has also taken part in other Get Set initiatives, and recently shared a showcase telling their story of getting active to raise money for Charity – definitely putting the Values into practise! Congratulations to all the students involved!
Find out more
You can find out more about James, and rugby sevens with the quick facts of Get Set’s Spotlight Sports.
The Values Awards have now closed, but it is not too late to start discovering the Olympic and Paralympic Values with your class! The Get Set resources include a wide variety of teaching materials, activity ideas and lesson plans to help you explore the Values through a variety of subjects – from PE and sport to art and design! Get started today and keep living the Values.