How Bee Netball is Supporting Children On and Beyond the Court
As the new academic year begins, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on an impactful 12 months for bringing Bee Netball to life in a way that has enabled children to learn and develop holistically through netball.
Bee Netball uses small-sided games, adapted formats, and has a focus on social development. Bee Netball is more than a game - it’s a tool for building the confidence and communication skills of a large cohort of children who started school during the Covid-19 pandemic. With many of these young people having missed vital early social experiences, Bee Netball helped introduce not only physical activity, but also connection, communication, and teamwork.
The approach made available a six-week activity plan for both Year 3 and 4, and those in Year 5 and 6. It introduced a ‘Review & Reflect’ concept to develop the social skills of children, and it also looked to build in prompts to build body confidence, particularly of girls as they approach/enter puberty.
Resources
For this academic year, England Netball have grown and developed their resources for SGOs and teachers with a new online hub The Hive. It includes:
- Activity videos – to support the six-week activity plan
- Guidance to support Beelonging in Bee Netball, ensuring all children can feel part of the activities
- Support on how to adapt activities for inclusion
All of this sits alongside the original SGO festival support documents and six-week activity plan with 12 free Activity Cards, review and reflect cards, and Beeliefs.
England Netball have also devised a new CIMSPA-accredited Bee Netball teacher learning offer, launching soon. If interested, you can express your interest.
Mascot Opportunities
If you are interested in the opportunity to bring a group of Year 3-4 children to be Bee Netball mascots at international matches, please reach out to the Bee Netball team. State your school name and county, and they will be in touch when opportunities are available.
Coaching Conversations Podcast
Want to get into the detail of why Bee Netball is a great approach to take with children? Listen to England Netball’s Coaching Conversation episode below on small sided games.