City of Westminster College is gearing up for London 2012 and is has joined the Get Set network – an inspirational scheme designed to bring colleges, schools and other learning providers together and integrate Olympic and Paralympic values into teaching, strategy and culture. A core aim is to ensure young people become involved in the magic and excitement that London’s role as host city will bring.

The Olympic and Paralympic Values are: Friendship, Courage, Determination, Respect Inspiration Equality and Excellence. In order to earn the right to use the prestigious London 2012 Education logo designed by young people, the College has embedded these seven values into lessons and assignments for students and continuing professional development sessions for staff, creating a practical framework to enable everybody to begin: ‘Living the Olympic and Paralympic Values’.

Much of this programme has been planned and organised by the College’s Faculty of Culture Media and Sport and the work is now being rolled out as part of the cross-College curriculum. There are also exciting plans in the pipeline – including activities in December to mark the 1,000 days countdown to London 2012 and a pilot Olympic-style event designed and planned by students, which it’s hoped will become a regular fixture in the College calendar.

The College is also involved in London-wide activities being organised by the Get Set network, including submitting photographs and videos that embrace the seven values for broadcast on giant plasma screens around the capital.

Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Sciences Adam Goodwin says: “The reaction of students in our Faculty to the Get Set network initiatives has been really positive. They understand and can relate to the Olympic and Paralympic values and are already engaging with the process  of preparing for London 2012.

“We are proud to be so closely involved with the College Get Set network and will work to ensure that everyone at City of Westminster College gets involved in the process.”