Snowsports the Catalyst
SEN young people are less physically active, attend school less frequently and achieve fewer academic qualifications throughout their school lives than their peers. This impacts on their health and wellbeing, their ability to succeed in later life and, for many, damages their ability to live independently as adults.
The need for high-quality physical activity and educational opportunities to support academic and social achievement inspiring SEN young people to achieve their potential has never been more critical.
The SkiVenture programme provides a framework for special schools to support their SEN young people accessing snowsports, using it as a catalyst for change.
To achieve this, the SkiVenture programme incorporates health & fitness activities, snowsports lessons and alpine residentials which special schools can contextualise to the needs of their young people.
SkiVenture provides SEN young people with the opportunity to develop their individual core life skills and wellbeing:
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develop gross motor skills
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improve resilience
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control obesity
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improve confi dence and self esteem
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improve social skills
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improve mental health
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improve problem-solving skills
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increase concentration
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achieve academic qualifi cations
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live active and healthy lifestyles
SkiVenture supports SEN young people with the focus and opportunities to achieve their potential as they transition into adulthood:
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academic qualifications and further education paths
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an avenue to life-long participation in sport and healthy lifestyles
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live active and healthy lifestyles
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opening doors to a wider community and life enhancing opportunities
The Skiventure Programme
The SkiVenture programme is based on nearly 20 years’ experience of how snowsports can support SEN young people achieving their potential, through life enhancing experiences and opportunities.
The programme aims to provide schools with a 3-stage process that supports them with taking their young people from classroom to an alpine environment.
Benefits of the SkiVenture programme for schools include:
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a two academic year structure
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advice checklists for each stage to help school staff plan with confindence repeatable, extendable and sustainable
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proven structured framework to underpin a school’s search for funding
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branding and material for use in running and promoting the programme
Stage 1: Fit to Ski
Development of SEN young people’s physical activity levels to prepare them for taking part in snowsports activities. School based health and fitness programme, this includes:
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led and designed by school staff with H&F instructor support
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exercise routines and equipment based on those used by snowsport athletes
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fitness videos by current British international snowsport competitors
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core checklist to integrate with the school’s existing physical activity programmes
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snowsport specific fitness equipment and simulators to inspire.
Stage 2: Learn to Ski
Provides SEN young people with access to snowsports lessons to achieve beginner level competence in preparation for Stage 3, Alpine Ski Experience. Based at a local dry ski slope or snowzone, this includes:
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planning pre-visit for school staff to establish SEN compatibility
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guidance checklists for school staff
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SEN young people ‘get ready to ski’ visit to meet instructors, test equipment and ski gear
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lesson package delivered by SEN aware BASI qualifi ed instructor
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links with education qualifi cations such as entry level or GCSE PE and DofE
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potential to continue post Stage 3
Stage 3: Alpine Ski Experience
Provides SEN young people with an inspirational experience in an alpine environment with the opportunity to achieve intermediate level ski competence and develop social and life skills. Using an accessible alpine ski resort and chalet, this includes:
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planning guidance checklist for school staff
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guidance criteria to help in selecting appropriate chalet accommodation to maximise development of ‘away from home’ social and life skills
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guidance checklist to help in selecting in-resort SEN capable instructor organisation opportunity for school staff to gain recognised snowsport qualifications
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branding and documentation with starting point checklist to support school funding bids
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links with education qualifi cations such as entry level or GCSE PE and DofE