Mr Wilde is Running the Belfast City Marathon!

Hi everyone!

My name is Chris Wilde, or Mr Wilde as I'm known to the school community of Fourtowns Primary School!

In May this year I will be running my first marathon - the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon. I will be running to raise money for Fourtowns Primary School, a school that I've had the pleasure of teaching at for 10 years. The money raised will be used to purchase new PE equipment for our school.

Running a marathon is something I have thought about doing, but have always found an excuse not to. Finally, at the age of 35, I've decided now is the time. I've been training since January 7th, following Chris Evans' '119 Days to Go: How to train for and smash your first marathon'.

My Why

I am extremely passionate about Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity. I strongly believe that now, more than ever, PE has an essential and unique role to play in children’s health and well-being and should be a focus in our schools rather than an afterthought.

I am a Primary PE Specialist and have led the subject of Physical Education in three separate primary schools, helping to establish PE as a fundamental subject in the curriculum. I work with various stakeholders including the Department of Education NI, the Education Authority, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment, the Education Training Inspectorate, Stranmillis University College and Beyond the Physical. I have met with the Education Minister at Stormont, sharing with the Minister my concerns for primary PE and asked for increased focus, support and finances in this critical area of the curriculum.

I believe that Physical Education is one of the most, if not the most, important subjects on the primary curriculum. After all - what is more valuable than a child’s physical and mental wellbeing? Physical Education is the only subject that contributes to the education of the whole child. An extension to this is my belief therefore that PE is for everyone. It should be enjoyed by all; all pupils should have the opportunity to be successful within the subject and all success should be celebrated. Our school’s PE ethos reflects this inclusivity – we want every child to feel valued. We reward attitude and progress, not performance and ability. Why? Because we want to establish and nurture the foundations of lifelong participation in physical activity.

Fundraising

Finances are very limited in all schools. Even though we have invested significant sums into PE over the last number of years, some of our equipment remains outdated and in need of replacement. Consequently, it is my ambition to raise as much money as I can for Fourtowns Primary School to overhaul, in particular, our gymnastic equipment.

To our school community. Every generous donation, no matter how big or small, will go a long way to ensuring we can modernise our gymnastics equipment and continue to provide your children - and future pupils - with a varied, progressive, inclusive and meaningful PE curriculum that helps develop a life-long love of movement.

To my family and friends. Your generous donations will be greatly received, and I assure you all donations - again, no matter how big or small - will positively impact a fantastic school full of wonderful pupils.

A HUGE thank you!