Sports and France – a historical background:

The Paris Olympic Games 2024 allowed us to explore in our French classrooms, the contribution of France to the modern Olympic Games. The Olympics and French culture intertwine in a vibrant tapestry of history, tradition, and national pride. France has played a significant role in shaping the world of modern sports. The Tour de France and the French Olympics are highly anticipated sporting events, symbolizing the celebration of athleticism and unity that resonates deeply with French culture.

Olympics & NIS: a cross curricular activity

In our Grade 4 French classrooms, students engaged in lively discussions about the origins of the Olympics, the countries that participate, and the various sports featured in the Jeux Olympiques. To deepen their understanding and provide them with active learning opportunities, a collaborative event with the PE department was organized during the first week of September. This event was an engaging way to capture the spirit of the Olympics. It was held in the indoor PE room and featured a variety of adapted Olympic sports and activities, tailored to suit the students' age groups and skill levels. They participated in mini table tennis, hockey, and football, all while using French vocabulary to identify the sports.

Imbibing Olympic Values:

Throughout the event, students were reminded of the five educational themes of Olympism: joy of effort in sport and physical activity; fair play; respect for others; pursuit of excellence and balance between body, will and mind. In table tennis, they learned about teamwork, while in football and hockey, they practised perseverance and respect for fellow players. The spirit of the Olympics was alive as they cheered each other on, embodying the motto "Le plus haut, le plus vite, le plus fort."

Learning outcomes:

These engaging experiences vividly captured the essence of French culture and its passion for sports, while also fostering a sense of community and global understanding among the students.