Published Date:
28 August 2008
AN AUSTRALIAN school that recently banned its pupils from doing cartwheels, somersaults and other gymnastics during recess is reviewing the decision after parents and students got all bent out of shape.
The school, in the coastal town of Townsville, in Queensland, told pupils that they could not perform any acrobatics such as handstands outside class because they were a safety hazard.
A statement by Education Queensland released yesterday said the initial decision had been taken "in the interests of the safety of all students as well as in recognition of the school's physical environment".
However, the statement added: "The school will work with its parents and citizens' committee and the school community to ensure an appropriate balance between student safety and their right to engage in gymnastic activities."
The school had classified gymnastic activities a "medium risk level 2" danger to children when performed in class.
But Australian media said that parents who were shocked by the ban also discovered that other popular sports such as cricket, tennis and football also had the same risk classification, but were not barred.
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Last Updated:
27 August 2008 9:33 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
