Bike Club - Warren Comprehensive

It was clear that there were no opportunities for pupils after school to take part in activities of a practical nature and after talking to pupils they said they would be very interested in being involved with a Design and Technology focused activity. I noticed that when pupils had problems with their bicycles, skateboards or in-line roller blades, they would head for the Design and Technology department and ask one of the teachers or a technician for help. I thought that it would be a great idea to give pupils the opportunity to learn how to repair their own bikes etc. themselves and ultimately carry out repairs for other people.

The club was advertised in the school using posters and the school newsletter. The club was open to boys and girls across the whole school range. The bike club was founded and an inaugural meeting was set up with pupils to discuss what they would do.

Their suggestions were to include the following:

Members will learn how to repair and build bikes, skateboards and roller skates.

Members will take part in and organise events.

The club will run competitions and take part in events.

Members will visit skate and bike parks.

Members will encourage pupils in the school to bring their bikes in for repairs and safety checks.

Arrange visits from 'Extreme Sports Stars' and perhaps the Police and cycling safety etc.

What was needed?

It was decided that the following were important:

Tools and equipment Spares and old bikes to rebuild

How it Works 

A committee of pupils was set up to include: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Technical Advisor. Once the members met for the first time they divided themselves into teams of about five people with each team having their own tool kit and a bike to refurbish.

Members are encouraged to bring in old bikes, boards and parts etc. to start building up a stock of spares. The membership started strong but reduced to a regular core of members (6-8) who attend most sessions. One of the biggest problems encountered is the calendar of events at the school. Staff meetings, parents evenings, and other organised events for pupils such as sports matches etc. that fall on the same day of the club has an impact on the attendance of the club. Resources such as equipment and storage space is another problem at the moment but these, it is hoped, will be dealt with over the next year.

Money  

The club managed to obtain some sponsorship from our local Halfords store that provided some basic tools, equipment and spares including a service manual. NOF funds were available and the money is being used to buy other equipemnt and spares to repair bikes.

Outcome

The club has given some pupils the opportunity to build confidence doing something that they may not have the opportunity to do outside of school. Some pupils for example, will have a dad at home (or even their mum) who will work with them and help them to fix their bike. Less fortunate pupils have an opportunity at the club to be shown what to do and become independant and resourceful. Pupils also benefit from the team work involved and the responsibilities of looking after equipment and the resources available in the department. Some of the members are quite shy and attending the club provides them with an opportunity to mix with people they choose to be with, without fear of being intimidated, thus building their self esteem.