Pupils within the Prep and Senior School GC Centres have this term been exceptionally positive while completing their first level of a brand-new Adaptive Judo Program.

Kingsley School Bideford welcomed Kerry Tansey, from the British Judo Association Adaptive Judo Team, who alongside Simon Ward introduced a brand-new model to allow pupils to gain access to Judo.

During the past term, the adaptive judo program has allowed many pupils to access physical activities through Judo. With encouragement and resilience, this has developed as the team have continued to build confidence and expand opportunities to enhance participation, enjoyment, and performances in adaptive and inclusive judo activities.

The program reinforces the development of scientific research by the University of Central Florida, which are autism and related disabilities disorder specialists. Their study found that children who participated in an adaptive judo program showed that 78% of parents reported a noticeable increase in their child’s confidence, while 56% of them reported that their child became more open to trying new experiences and 78% of parents reported improvements in their child’s social skills.

The pupils have been fantastic, their journeys over this term have been outstanding as they have all grown in confidence and participation in learning and improving many key fundamental skills as well as generally increasing their physical fitness and wellbeing.

Tabitha said she “enjoyed the throws and games, learning something new.”

Harlen said, he “most enjoyed being able to do the throws with his teachers.”

While Lucas says, “I love being in judo because of all the moves I have learned.” I like being the example which is Lucas being the coach’s supporter, for all the moves.

Simon Ward from Kingsley School Bideford says: “The aim now is to continue to develop the program and progress our pupils’ enjoyment and fun while maintaining the learning and challenging new skills, long term we are looking at being involved in the British Schools Adaptive Competition.”

Simon Ward

This years National Inclusion Training Day / Adaptive Day 2022 takes place on Saturday 12th February.