Kingdown students support Motor Activity Programme (MATP)

Last week, Year 10 and 12 leaders from Kingdown School completed three days at Silverwood School as part of the Motor Activity Training Programme (MATP).

It is a unique programme, designed by Special Olympics GB and included in the Youth Sports Trust (YST) School Games offer, for athletes of all ages with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties and Complex Needs. 
The students, who are all taking classes on Health and Social Care and Child Development, received specific training from Rachel Brown (Inclusion Lead for Wiltshire) and had the opportunity to work with student athletes who have profound and multiple learning difficulties. 

Rachel Brown commented: “As the YST Inclusion Lead for Swindon & Wiltshire & Special Olympics MATP tutor, I am delighted to have introduced the programme to West Wiltshire & to have worked so collaboratively with the area SGO.”

On the third day of the programme, the leaders from Kingdown supported with challenge day, which was an opportunity for the Silverwood athletes to demonstrate a skill that they’ve been working through their 12-week programme. During the programme, the Silverwood athletes worked on a motor skill that would benefit them from four categories: mobility, dexterity, striking and kicking. Through weekly sessions the Silverwood athletes were taught and supported on their skill, leading up to an individual task to be completed on challenge day. Each activity on challenge day is unique to the individual student athlete and included a brief introduction and a song chosen by them before the task began.

Helen Drew, Class Teacher at Silverwood School, commented: “For many of our pre formal learners this was the first opportunity to take part in a challenge event where they developed a skill and competed in front of spectators. It was an amazing community event! The determination and resilience of the athletes was astounding during the build-up and at the event itself, with their new skills being of great value in everyday life as well as on the day.” 

Well done to the Kingdown leaders who supported this incredible programme.