ALL 27 schools across Weymouth and Portland are getting fit for the 2012 Games with exciting plans in the pipeline.

Caroline Peer, development leader for the Chesil Education Partnership, is delighted that borough pupils will be treated to feast of celebrations ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing events.

She said: “I’m really proud of the schools, they’re all on board the official London 2012 Get Set network.

“Hopefully there shouldn’t be any child in the borough who doesn’t know what the Olympics is about.”

Each school has its own ‘Olympic Champion’ to lead 2012 activities, which aim to engage with children and raise their aspirations.

Borough schools are taking part in a National School Sports Week with an Olympic theme from June 25 to 29, 2012 and school sports co-ordinators are training and developing teachers’ skills in preparation.

Caroline said: “The schools have all nominated their inspirational torchbearers, Weymouth and Portland has been given two guaranteed places – one is being chosen by the council, the other by Chesil partnership heads.”

Borough schools will also have their very own Olympic torch relay from July 2 to 9.

It is hoped that it will begin with a ceremony at the Nothe and end at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy during the Small Ships Race for schools.

Caroline added: “All the schools are involved with Spirit of the Sea, almost 1,000 children will be taking part in the Moving Tides procession.

“They’re also doing non-uniform days wearing the colours of the Olympic rings.”

She added: “A lot of the older students are becoming ambassadors and volunteering during the Games.

“Most of the schools have adapted their curriculum to incorporate the Olympic values and a lot of art weeks and language lessons have been focused on that.”

The Chesil Education Partnership has secured funding from the Sir Samuel Mico Trust to create ‘an Olympic Caravan’ to travel around the schools with Olympic memorabilia.

The concept was inspired by an old curiosity shop held at Beechcroft St Paul’s Primary School held last year, which featured an actress dressed as an old lady who told stories to the children as they entered a tented area filled with little objects.

It fired the youngsters’ imaginations and led to work improving communication, reading and literacy skills.

All the schools will be involved in the Olympic caravan preparation.

They will also be exploring the concept of Nowhere Island, a piece of the Arctic that has been declared a new nation and will be arriving in Weymouth part of the Cultural Olympiad celebrations.

Caroline added: “This is a very special event for every child, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Even if the Olympics came to Britain in 50 years time, it’s not going to come to Weymouth.

“It should be something the children can turn around and say it’s been really important to them.”

n The Chesil Education Partnership is looking for a large unwanted caravan to use for its Olympic exhibition and memorabilia that owners are happy for lots of children to handle.

Businesses are also urged to help fund replica torches for the borough schools’ relay.

If you can help please email Carolinepeer@chesil.org.uk