Archives for Month: May 2026

Bringing the Commonwealth Games into the Classroom

The wait is almost over!

This year, the eyes of the sporting world turn to Scotland as it hosts the Commonwealth Games.

At its heart, the Commonwealth is about more than medals. It represents 56 nations, 2.5 billion people, and a shared commitment to humanity, equality, and destiny.

For children, these can feel like abstract ideas. But through sport, they become real.

We’re not just teaching pupils how to run faster or jump higher, we’re helping them understand resilience, the rewards of hard work, and the celebration of diversity.

Top tips for integrating the Games into lessons
1. Geography & Global Citizenship: The “Passport” Project

The Commonwealth spans every continent, so why not bring the world into your classroom?

Lesson Idea:
Create “Commonwealth Passports.” Assign each class a different nation to research, exploring:

  • Flags
  • Traditional foods
  • Climate
  • Wildlife

Then, during sports day, host a “Parade of Nations” where pupils carry their handmade flags. Suddenly, a PE event becomes a celebration of global culture and respect.

2. Maths: The numbers behind the medals

Sport is packed with real-world data.

Ideas to explore:

  • Which continent is leading?
  • What’s the average medal count for smaller nations?
  • How far is a long jump record, really?
  • How does a child’s sprint speed compare to elite athletes?

Maths becomes active, visual, and meaningful.

3. Literacy: Sports journalism & storytelling

The Games are built on powerful human stories.

Lesson Idea:
Turn pupils into “Junior Reporters.” They can:

  • Write match reports
  • Conduct mock interviews
  • Create athlete profiles

Encourage vivid language and emotional storytelling to capture the energy of competition.

4. Art & Design: Reimagining the Games

Challenge your pupils to:

  • Design an alternative mascot using recycled materials
  • Reflect Scottish identity and values
  • Explain the meaning behind their design

This blends creativity with environmental awareness.

Inspiration is just the spark

Watching athletes on screen is powerful, but meeting one in person can be transformative. When pupils hear real stories of failure, resilience, and success, dreams start to feel achievable.

At Great Athletes, we believe every child deserves access to real role models. We bring elite athletes into schools to:

  • Share their journeys
  • Lead engaging fitness sessions
  • Talk about resilience, mental health, and wellbeing

Turn the excitement of the Games into a lasting legacy for your pupils. Book your visit here.