What target group is your project aimed at?
The entire roll of the school was allowed to participate in the regardless of ability, gender or background. All told over 1500 children took part.
Please provide details of the Local Authority and school(s) involved
This project was organised through the Kirkcaldy Active Schools Co-ordinators for Fife Council and ‘Jammin Fitness’ owner and founder Andy McKechnie. 7 schools from Kirkcaldy took part.
Project description
Active Schools in association with ‘Jammin Fitness’ organised a series of workshops for the primary school children in the Kirkcaldy area. This unique blend of International urban dance styles uses pop music as a powerful medium to educate young people about the importance of personal leadership, teamwork, self-confidence and living a healthy lifestyle. The sessions were led by Andy McKechnie and JC Ferron two of Europe ’s most sought after dance fitness presenters.
How did you identify the need for the project?
1) Physical activity audits and 2) anecdotal advice from teachers and pupils, all indicated that dance would be welcomed in the locality.
What are the project aims:
The aim of the project was to engage young people through the medium of dance/fitness and educate them about living a healthy lifestyle.
When did the project take place? (Duration, frequency of activity, session length etc.)
The project took place in term 3 and continued over a number of weeks. (Nb a number of schools have now chosen to enlist ‘Jammin Fitness’ off their own back.)
What other organisation(s) and people were involved in the project? (Clubs, leisure centres, parents, volunteers etc)
Active Schools Co-ordinators, the schools, ‘Jammin Fitness’ (Andy McKechnie, Juan Carlos Ferron).
Have you forged any links with the wider local community and/or clubs?
N/A
How is the project monitored and evaluated? (What info. is routinely collected about the participants, the sessions or other aspects of the project and how is it done? How is this information then used?)
To ensure that the good work wasn’t wasted Active Schools and ‘Jammin Fitness’ organised a teachers’ workshop so that ‘Jammin’ can go forward be it through after school clubs or during curriculum time.
Project outcomes/impact (Impact on participation levels, ability, behaviour and attitudes, achievement etc)
Feedback from the teacher training was very positive with many reporting that they would be starting the sessions as soon as they got back to school. Also numbers for the forthcoming summer programme will be a testament to the success of the workshops.
Did you learn any lessons whilst running the project?
How would you like to develop the project in future?
Repeat the cycle with different schools.
How did you promote the project?
Promotion was unnecessary for the sessions in schools as the instructors had a captive audience. For the summer programme an A5 leaflet has been drafted and distributed.
What one feature of your project would you highlight as a particular success or unique aspect?
The enthusiasm and commitment shown by participants who had previously shown no interest in any type of physical activity.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about your project?
Summer Jammin takes place at Balwearie Community Use High School from the 18th-20th July. 1000-1200 (P1-P4), 1230-1430 (P5-P7).