24 July 2026

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to Term 3. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in the next 10 weeks. The week actually started a little slowly with a number of people stuck at home with a bit of a FIFA!

We picked up smartly. Monday did remind me of an article by Jesse Gerritsen I read a few days ago "No league tables, no trophies: how Norway made sport fun for kids - and built a football team that beat Brazil."

This piqued my interest. Norway has this 'joy first' approach to youth sport and what is known as a patient and unconventional sporting system. Norway actively rejects early specialisation. In 2007 Norway's governing body for sport mandated strict rules to protect the safety and wellbeing of young athletes.

No competitive pressure for children under 9 years - there are no official score lists, league tables or trophies

Delayed Rankings - regional competitions start at age 11 but match scores and official rankings are off limits

Late Specialisation - anything looking like a national championship or 'elite tracking' is 13 Years+

Interesting isn't it?

The Norwegian model encourages children to try a range of disciplines and not be typecast young - OK we may not have alpine skiing in our curriculum but it's interesting that the desire is to just have fun and give everything a go and focus on just being a kid without too much pressure. 

I think in many ways that's the key to great primary schooling - try everything. This isn't just in the sporting arena - I'm thinking that without exposure to the full menu children may never get a taste for what they like or be able to combine the flavours!

I consistently get feedback from EBIS that our Worser Bay children are renowned for putting their hands up - trying things out - if you don't try you don't know I guess. It's all part of forming identity and after all they have many years in which to 'grow up'.

This term along with all of the basics we will have a bit more focus on Performing Arts - I hope they all feel comfortable and confident enough to just give it a go - there won't be a trophy at stake but who knows what talent may be unearthed in the process - all part of learning and growing.

Happy Term 3!

If you want a full read: www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/08/how-norway-made-sport-fun-kids-built-football-team-beat-brazil-world-cup