Pupils from primary schools across Stirling are ready to cheer on the Team GB curlers, after being inspired by a virtual Q&A with members of Team Mouat last month.
Nine primary schools tuned into the session, hosted by Young Ambassadors from McLaren High School and coordinated by Stirling Active Schools.
Huge thanks to @TeamMouat for coming on a Google meet with the McLaren Learning Community today. Great questions from our pupils and expertly hosted by the @McLarenHSPE young ambassadors. We can’t wait to cheer you on @Beijing2022 🥌 pic.twitter.com/7a7tgeHpyc
— Claire Peebles (@ClairePeebles1) January 20, 2022
The pupils had the chance to ask their own questions, and learned how the curlers had first got involved in the sport. Hammy McMillan was inspired by family members, while Grant Hardie joined his siblings who had taken part in a schools curling programme.
Next generation
After the call, the pupils have been inspired to learn more about curling and perhaps one day follow in their footsteps.
Killin Primary School pupil, Archie, said:
"Some of the stories were brilliant, especially hearing about the time one of the stone's handles came off!"
Classmate Liam added "It was interesting to hear that they also enjoyed other sports, like golf in the summer."
Applied learning
The session was followed up by researching curling as part of their class work.
Deanston Primary School watched a guide to curling video which was recommended by Hammy, and then analysed games from the 2021 World Championships.
P5-7 loved creating questions for @TeamGB men's #curling team, thanks for answering! Our learning re #curling continued through watching the 2 minute guide on YouTube & highlights from the final of #WMCC2021 We think this is @bobby_lammie7 in action 🥌Best of luck in Beijing🇨🇳🐼 pic.twitter.com/guAvNi558R
— DeanstonPS (@DeanstonPS) January 20, 2022
Head teacher, Sally, noted the pupils' enthusiasm:
"Children were able to identify the team and really interesting conversations developed. They tried to work out which foot had the slippery sole and which had the grippy one from watching the team on the ice.
"There were discussions relating to friction, the use of the brushes and the angles the stones were hitting other stones at and how this impacted on where the stones ended up.
"As a teacher, it was fabulous to see how the children’s interest was sparked by hearing the team answering all the different questions."
The pupils are now looking forward to cheering on the team at the Winter Olympics, and trying out curling for themselves.
Good luck Team GB!
Active Schools Coordinator, Claire Peebles, said:
"We really appreciated the team giving up their time to speak to our pupils. It's brilliant for the children to meet positive sporting role models.
"I have already had quite a few asking if we can arrange taster sessions at The Peak so they can try out curling.
"We are all looking forward to cheering on the team at the Winter Olympics now."
