Prim-Ed delivers new ICT class resources for 2012 Olympics

Educational publisher Prim-Ed and the Olympic Council of Ireland has launched the ‘2012 Olympics Team in London’ pack, giving students educational resources on the event’s history.

The pack for schools is tailored to students aged between 5 to 8, 8 to 10 and 11 plus. It comprises of a book for each age group with a CD Rom, digital books and a decorative pack for the classroom.

It aims to educate students on the history of the Olympics and what it takes to become an athlete for the games. It also gives students extra details on Ireland’s Olympic hopefuls as they prepare for the 2012 Games in London.

Copymasters and digital versions, which can be used on interactive whiteboards, includes teacher’s notes, curriculum links and lesson plans. It has up-to-date information on current athletes as well as details on past participants.

The project was piloted by 26-year-old primary school teacher Darren O’Neill who recently became Ireland’s first boxer to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. He teaches at the Holy Trinity Primary School in Donaghmeade in Dublin.

“This is a super resource for Irish schools and I’m thrilled to back it,” O’Neill said.

“The Olympics only come around every four years and the fact that they are next door in London this year is extra special.

“Teachers are always looking for new ways to make the curriculum relevant and make learning fun and this Prim-Ed/OCI initiative ticks all the boxes.

“It shows pupils what’s involved in getting to the Olympics, how much work it takes and I am all in favour of anything which encourages pupils to get active, get into sport and believe that their Olympic dreams can also come true,” he said.

Encouraging a passion for sport

The package is part of Prim-Ed’ partnership with the Olympic Council of Ireland, which sees the company become the official educational publisher in Ireland for teacher’s resources for the 2012 Olympic Games.

“This OCI partnership will help teachers harness the Olympic spirit in our classrooms and bring the spirit of the games to life, while at the same time improving literacy, numeracy, geographical knowledge, dietary and nutrition plans in a fun, exciting and new way,” said Seamus McGuinness, MD of Prim-Ed..

The Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey believes that, along with fostering a love of sport with students, the programme will make students more aware of the importance of exercise.

“It’s a great way to encourage pupils to get active, be conscious of the importance of diet and nutrition, while also learning in a fun environment,” he said.

“It’s going to be busy in the run-up to the Games and with the help of Prim-Ed Publishing, pupils in primary schools nationwide will be as savvy as sports reporters and be able to follow their heroes every step of the way,” said Hickey.

The Olympics 2012 classroom resource is available through Prim-Ed’s website and through educational retail outlets across Ireland.