Brief for Primary Link Teachers and School Sports Coordinators from England Fencing.
Mini-Fence® is a fun and extremely safe system for introducing the exciting sport of fencing to children. At this young age it captures the imagination and holds the attention and is at once both physical and mental exercise. Suitable for girls and boys, it requires no complicated equipment, just a face-mask and a foam foil.
How does it work? -
The programme does not require a qualified fencing coach since it is fully supported by pre-prepared lesson plans, with handouts, posters and a DVD on fencing. In some Partnerships a qualified fencing coach with experience of introducing fencing to young children has led the initial programme whilst being shadowed by the teacher who is to continue the after-school club when the coach had delivered the agreed number of sessions.
What children learn -
Mini-fencers improve their agility, balance and physical co-ordination, control and discipline and develop sporting behaviour and their thinking and social skills. There is cross-curricular learning in language, maths, history and simple physiology. Each 1-hour session usually consists of warm-up exercises and fencing-related games as well as learning about the history of the fencing, the moves, techniques and rules. By the end of a typical 8-week programme, the fencers can confidently act as referees, time- and scorekeepers as well as use a range of fencing actions to attack and defend.
Talent pathway -
Those who take to the sport can very quickly move to regular (metal weapon) fencing on successful completion of the course.
What to bring -
Mini-fencers only need regular PE kit. This might include tracksuit or jogging bottoms, non-marking trainers (to change into), and a T-shirt. Children are encouraged to bring a plastic bottle of plain water and something warm to change into afterwards. Those with long hair should have something to tie their hair back with. Those who use an inhaler should bring that with them. Girls who wear a headscarf can continue to do so.
Competition -
There are National Framework guidelines on organising Mini-Fence® tournaments so that inter-school competitions can be held as part of multi-skills festivals. Chichester Community Fencing Club can help you organise inter-school competitions and other fencing events.
NB Mini-Fence® is a registered trademark of Leon Paul Equipment Co Ltd.
