Top of the class: Tennis placed on the curriculum at primary schools across Scotland
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Teachers across Scotland have taken advantage of a surge in participation by incorporating tennis activities into their classes. As part of the new online LTA Youth Schools training, more than 280 Scottish teachers have already completed free sessions which are enabling them to deliver tennis as part of their PE lessons.
Following successful completion of the training, members of staff in over 250 Scottish establishments have gained the LTA Youth Schools qualification and subsequently netted a £250 tennis voucher and resource pack for their school.
Capitalising on the movement, Tennis Scotland’s Workforce Manager, Anna Myatt, has hit the road to continue ‘teaching the teachers’ by delivering a series of face-to-face follow up sessions which are increasing participation opportunities for youngsters at school halls in The Borders to playgrounds in The Highlands.
One of the first stops was Auchnagatt Primary School in rural Aberdeenshire; a small school with three classes and 66 pupils. The introduction of tennis at Auchnagatt was led by Neil Redpath - a P5-P7 teacher with a passion for all things sport related – who responded enthusiastically to the offer of a face-to-face lesson, in the hope that it would develop confidence in using his new skills following completion of the online training.
Joined by Mr Redpath and the majority of Auchnagatt’s teaching staff, including the Head teacher, student teacher, and classroom assistant, Anna delivered the face-to-face session utilising new equipment which was secured through the LTA Youth Schools voucher. Covering a range of topics, such as movement for warm up games, ball and racket skills and large group activities, the session provided deeper insight into coaching methods for primary pupils who have since been introduced to beginner tennis activities following the excellent response of their teachers.
Neil Redpath, P5-7 teacher at Auchnagatt Primary School, commented: "The LTA Youth Schools training instantly grabbed my attention as I knew that tennis would be a big hit with our pupils. Taking advantage of the free resource was a no-brainer and I would encourage any teacher to get involved and gain their qualification.
"Following the online training, receiving free equipment and a practical development session has really placed tennis at the forefront of our PE lessons. When the weather improves, our aim is to use the outdoor area of the school to continue progressing our tennis activities here at Auchnagatt."
Primary teachers can take advantage of the free online LTA Youth Schools training and £250 introductory voucher by registering for the course here.
For more information about post-qualification face-to-face sessions, please contact Tennis Scotland’s Workforce Manager and LTA Schools Tutor, Anna Myatt, on: anna.myatt@tennisscotland.org
