4,500 athletes from six continents will come to our State. So for Victoria's school students the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games will offer many exciting opportunities to learn.
Geography, history, cultural studies, physical education - all have the potential to come to life through the Games.
The Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Education Program is designed to help schools use the Games as a platform for teaching and learning.
Through a series of Games-inspired curriculum materials and activities,
the program will open up a new world to school students – a world
of many different nations, languages, religions and cultures.
Built on three principles, it encourages:
Learning – about the Commonwealth of Nations and Australia's
role in it
Linking – with other school communities within Australia
and across the Commonwealth
Participating – in Games activities like the Opening Ceremony
and Queen's Baton Relay as well as local Games-related community events.
The Education Program features activities for all year levels and spans
a variety of subject areas. Specifically, it includes:
- Games-inspired curriculum resources ranging from how to host a major event to the ethical issues in modern sports competition
- Classroom activities that encourage the forging of friendships with other schools in the Commonwealth or producing artwork for a Games athlete
- Ideas for school and community based activities to help bring the Games within arm's reach of students – like welcoming the Queen's Baton Relay or staging their own Opening Ceremony.
Overall, it's designed to help students develop appreciation of other cultures, a better understanding of the Commonwealth and stronger ties with their community.
How to get your school involved
It's easy to learn through the Games, no matter where your school is.
For more information, and to access free curriculum materials, visit http://education.melbourne2006.com.au