Yesterday morning they transcended in the small amphitheater in the courtyard of their school. Around 10:00, the eight sixth grade classes each unveiled their creation: a haka.
University students have thus turned into little warriors in front of a captivated audience. A beautiful event within the college that takes place in the context of a multidisciplinary project “Culture in scrum” piloted by the southern Paca rugby league.
The 2023 World Cup in sight
In the Var, seven establishments have taken up the challenge by working around this sporting discipline. “Teachers of French, maths, English, etc. thus had the opportunity to work on rugby. All disciplines can be represented. This job makes it possible to prepare for the World Cup which will take place in 2023”explains Jean-Marie Martinez, vice president of the regional rugby league.
In the Dracénois establishment, the project has found a real echo with the volunteer teachers, including those of music. Three teachers, Ms. Kutter, Boudou and Robert, innovated by mobilizing their students around creating one haka per class. The haka, a strong symbol of rugby. The initiative was thus able to unite all the university students for several weeks. Young people have imagined a text, a choreography.
“The cohesion that is transmitted in this haka is what we also seek for our sixth grade classes. The students come from different schools, from different worlds and working together, having common goals, is important!” , says Laëtitia Salles, a physical education teacher whose favorite sport is rugby (see our November 20 edition).
University students thus take part in a global event as the Rugby World Cup will take place in France with matches in Nice or Marseille. Yesterday morning, after the performance of each class, the Southern rugby league has decided, to reward their involvement, to deliver a diploma to the two best haka. The victorious 6e2 and 6e7 classes then received a standing ovation from their teammates.
“It’s a good way to mix culture, education and sport”, acknowledges Bernard Bonnabel, deputy mayor. Other initiatives should be developed in the coming months.
“We plan to take university students to attend RCT matches, the amateur rugby festival in Saint-Maximin and Saint-Raphaël, to bring together different establishments around playful and sporting activities”continues Jean-Marie Martinez. One thing is certain: this initiation into the business should encourage more than one youngster to support the French team next year!
