Tregib pupils hop, skip and jump to London 2012 win

Pupils from Ysgol Tregib in Carmarthenshire have triumphed in a national competition and won their school tickets for London 2012.

After hundreds of schools from across the UK were whittled down to just eight finalists, the five pupils took the first prize in GE's 'Design My Break' competition for coming up with a ground-breaking idea on how to spend their breaktime.

The competition was open to pupils aged 11 to 14, who were asked to work in teams to dream up inspiring and innovative activities for the mid-day school break and make it a healthy and happy time in the school day.

Students had to consider three elements; food, activity and emotional well-being as part of their break solution. They also had to think about how the Olympic and Paralympic values were reflected in their idea, in particular those of inspiration, friendship and leadership. Teams had to produce a project plan for their solution, show an understanding of cost, and communicate their idea successfully to others.

Ysgol Tregib were represented by five Year 7 pupils, who won with their idea of a points system to reward students depending on how healthy their lunch choice is and how many extra-curricular 5x60 sport and physical activity sessions they take part in.

Their idea impressed the judging panel, which included former Olympic triple jump gold medalist Jonathan Edwards.

As winners of the competition, the Ysgol Tregib team will receive six tickets to an Olympic event during the London 2012 Games, and will also win £1,000 to turn their break idea into reality.

School PE teacher Simon Davies commented:

"The pupils were fantastic. For such a young group of individuals, they took the whole occasion in their stride and it was awe-inspiring to see them conduct themselves so professionally on the day. 

"Seeing young people rewarded for their hard work in such a way is priceless, and thoroughly deserved. As a school and team we hope we can inspire others within our community to lead a more wholesome lifestyle.  It was an extremely proud moment to see them become UK champions, especially as they were commended for their approach and maturity on such a grand occasion."

Hundreds of schools entered the competition but only thirty-one schools made it through to the eight regional finals. Those finals were held in eight different GE locations across the UK with each winning team earning a place in today's national final, as well as receiving £500 to put towards the cost of turning their 'break' idea into reality and tickets to a regional Olympic or Paralympic Games event.

Pupils are encouraged to get active and involved in a range of sports and physical activity in school through their 5x60 sessions - a Sport Wales initiative, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and run locally by Carmarthenshire Council's Sport Development Unit.

Through the 5x60 initiative, ambassadors have also been chosen at the school to promote sport and the Olympic and Paralympic values.

The school was able to enter the GE competition as it is part of the Get Set Network of schools around the UK. Get Set is open to all schools in Wales.

Carmarthenshire 5x60 Officer Lyn Brodrick said:

"It's great to see a simple and effective idea achieving such plaudits. Hopefully we will see the idea implemented and taken on board by other schools in the area."

Mark Elborne, President and CEO of GE in the UK commented:

"We've been thoroughly impressed by the creativity and overall excellence of the entries presented by our eight national finalists.

"Our initial research showed that a majority of teachers recognised that lunch breaks are really important for young people but also revealed they are a potential danger point for bullying and bad behaviour. We're delighted to see the Olympics inspire students to get creative and put forward some fantastic ideas."

For more on the competition visit www.designmybreak.co.uk.

Ysgol Tregib was represented by Hannah Doel, George David, Siriol Richards, Daniel Davis and Carys Jones.