Teachers come together to learn

Physical education teachers from the Richmond School District gathered at Hugh Boyd Secondary last Friday morning to learn the basics of teaching golf to their students.
 
The British Columbia Golf Association is introducing the game of golf into elementary schools around the province. More than 15, 0000 students in grades four to six have received a first-time complementary introduction to the School Golf Program in the last year alone.
 
Now the BCGA is working on expanding the School Golf Program into the realm of teaching the teachers to deliver a golf unit within their Physical Education or Active Living Curriculums.
 
"This partnership is more than we ever imagined," said Lynn Forrest, Richmond Secondary P.E. teacher. "The program is so teachable - it's an incredible opportunity to get kids moving."
 
The BCGA uses the “Starting New At Golf” (SNAG) equipment system to teach the game. The modified equipment can be used both indoors and outdoors, is safe and fun and promotes early success in learning the skills. In addition, the Royal Canadian Golf Association in conjunction with PHE Canada recently published a Teacher Resource Manual, of which will be an integral addition to the program.
 
Friday was the first teacher-only training session in the province and depending on the response, the BCGA will continue to offer this type of session across British Columbia.
 
“Golf is a game that offers many positives. A family can participate together, it provides a structure to learn and develop life skills and it can be played for a lifetime,” said Jody Jackson, technical director of golf, BCGA. “It is very exciting for the BCGA to move to empowering teachers to deliver a golf unit within their curriculums. I believe this will truly drive our vision to grow the game exponentially.”
 
A SNAG equipment system has been purchased in partnership by School District 38 and City Centre Community Association, which includes the Par-3 golf course, West Richmond Pitch and Putt.
 
“Richmond has taken the initiative to build the links between the school to the community centre to the golf course, a pathway we call: playground to fairway, that the BCGA School Golf Program is all about.” said Jackson.
 
The BCGA partners with the Royal Canadian Golf Association and the 2010 Legacies Now Program to encourage participation in provincial sports programs and promote physical activity and healthy living in both schools and communities.

submitted by Kira Meixner

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