They got it all

ALBION Park High School celebrated its Gala Day last week.

Year 6 students from Albion Park Primary School and Mt Terry Primary converged on Albion Park High to participate in a day of fun, interactive sports and activities.

Everything from touch football to basketball to drama and chess was experienced as the older students took a leadership role, imparting their skill and knowledge on their younger counterparts.

Albion Park High Head Teacher PD/H/PE Paul Ridgway said the day was geared towards fun and participation.

"There are no semi-finals or finals. It is all about the kids being involved and learning from one another," he said.

The community of schools aspect of the day (where the primary and high schools linked up) is designed to make the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 easier and smoother for students.

By seeing the high school grounds and learning to navigate their way around as well as meeting and making friends with current Year 7 students the idea of moving onto high school is potentially less daunting for those in Year 6.

Other events are held throughout the year as part of the community of schools program including maths days and art days.

In a first this year Albion Park High Year 10 Sports Science students were given the responsibility of running the day.

They took care of everything from booking venues to organising teams and draws.

Year 10 student Josh Jurd said by having ownership of the day students worked harder to make it a success.

"Getting this responsibility makes you want to work hard," he said.

"It has been a really good experience and I have learned a lot."

Mr Ridgway said by incorporating the gala day into the curriculum of Year 10 Sports Science students gained practical, hands on experience.

About 330 students participated in the day which is held annually.