How do YOU go from School 2 Dojo?

This month the BJA has launched “School 2 Dojo”, which will simplify its approach to PESCCL, whilst still achieving the same objectives set out by the DCMS and Sport England.

School 2 Dojo has repackaged PESCCL into a user-friendly brand that will be embraced by students, parents and schools alike, helping to attract more key audiences than ever before.

The ethos behind School 2 Dojo is to simplify the concept, assist BJA clubs, and involve the schools more in the process.

By 2010 all 5-19 year olds will be offered at least 5 hours of sport each week, which will comprise of at least 2 hours of high quality PE and sport at school. In addition they will also be encouraged to take part in at least a further 2-3 hours beyond the school day through community sport, for example judo in BJA clubs. It is believed that this will be achieved via active school-club links.

Recent Government results have revealed that 13% of judo clubs are using the scheme fully. Although this percentage is promising there is still room for improvement when compared to Hockey where 23% of clubs have links and Gymnastics at 35%.

Previously the emphasis has been on the BJA club to develop and build a formal link with its local school/schools, in order to increase participation, recruit and retain more people in judo clubs. Although this will still be a key component there will now be recognition for the schools involved.

School 2 Dojo Recognition for Schools

A key element of this programme is the actual schools, which are being asked by every sport to build links with local clubs. The reality is that the school rarely gets any recognition for this involvement, and therefore they are not always motivated to activate the formal link agreement once it is in place.

This will be different with the School 2 Dojo programme, as they will have an opportunity to achieve a grade for the level of commitment to the local judo club. There will be three levels - yellow, blue and black.

At present judo clubs create a formal link agreement with a local school to satisfy the Clubmark Accreditation criteria. This process will continue, however, as part of School 2 Dojo, the school will have more reasons to be pro-active in the link. This is because when the club achieves Clubmark the school they have the formal club link with will also receive recognition creating opportunities for more joint initatives.

For more information and resources please go to the Development Pages of the BJA website.