A new initiative has sparked excitement among Nelson Intermediate students, making school a place they look forward to each week. In collaboration with Gymnastics Nelson, Nelson Intermediate has launched an 8-week gymnastics programme for all classes in terms 1 and 2.

Students are enjoying the gymnastic sessions so much that it has given them a newfound enthusiasm for school. With Gymnastics Nelson’s facility located on the school grounds, students don’t have to travel far for their sessions. 

“They come to school excited each week for their day at the gym. It's been a great incentive for them to do well in school,” says Nelson Intermediate’s teacher Tony Jenkins. 

The programme was created after the club upgraded its facilities to make them more accessible to the community, and talks with Nelson Intermediate and Sport Tasman also identified the need for more sports activities. With support from Tū Manawa funding, the initiative is now providing free, fun and accessible gymnastics classes, helping to remove barriers to physical activity for tamariki and rangatahi.  

“The programme offers an opportunity that some students may never get to experience otherwise,” says Tony. “Many parents nowadays both work and can’t take students to sports, especially with the cost of sports going up each year. So, this encourages them to be active, and it’s beneficial for their wellbeing too.” 

Every student gets to experience the gymnastic sessions either with their class or in smaller groups. There’s also an after-school programme, which up to 20 students have opted into. Gymnastics Nelson centre co-ordinator Anita Ireland says the structured classes are guided by qualified senior coaches with help from Nelson Intermediate teachers. 

Exercises are tailored to meet the needs of different groups, and often involve handstands, cartwheels, rolls, flips, landings, swinging and group games. The foam pit is a student favourite. 

“The purpose of these activities is not only to gain gymnastics skills but also confidence, team building and communication skills in a fun and safe way,” says Anita. 

 

Tū Manawa funding has enabled gymnastics staff to create lesson plans and deliver the programme. Additionally, funding will be used to educate the school on the benefits of incorporating activities like gymnastics into physical education.

“Gymnastics Nelson has been great to work alongside – they are super passionate about giving all students an opportunity to have a go and experience the gym,” says Tony. “This learning also ties in with our PE/health curriculum and it’s right next to our school, helping to build community connections.” 

The programme is a pilot to gather feedback for the future, says Anita. 

“The classes haven’t been going long enough for us to assess results yet, but there have been so many positive comments from students that we are looking to add classes for pre-teens and teenagers next term.” 

Sport Tasman’s Stephanie Elliott says the collaboration has led to an impactful programme that could continue beyond this project. 

Gymnastics Nelson is grateful for the many grant providers, sponsors, local businesses, and club members who have allowed tamariki and rangatahi to enjoy these opportunities.