Riverstone High School this week hosted an All-Inclusive Athletics Carnival which promoted a “have a go” approach, rather than a strong focus on competition.

The event saw 120 students from three high schools in the Quakers Hill Principal Network - Riverstone, Quakers Hill and Seven Hills - participate in various athletic competitions including track, field and novelty events.

Each school received a kit with modified equipment to prepare for the athletics carnival. Students were given ‘passports’ to fill out and received a stamp for participation in each event. Families can read the passport and learn more about the classification process.

The students also learnt about classifications and opportunities to compete at Zone and Sydney West Carnivals next year.

Among the competitors was PJ, a Seven Hills High student who was already classified and had qualified as a TF40 athlete for the State Championships to be held in later in September.

PJ booked his passage to the State Championships with stellar performances in multiclass events - including track events; 50, 100 & 200 metres; and field events, shotput, discus and javelin - at the Sydney West Athletics Championships, held in early August.

A Seven Hills High School Facebook post said PJ delivered an incredible performance across all his events, showing determination, skill and true sportsmanship.

“He achieved outstanding results, winning both the shotput and javelin, and placing second in the discus,” the post said. “PJ also competed strongly in the 100m, giving it his all in a highly competitive field.”

PJ has high ambition in school para-athletics.

“I'm aiming to reach the Nationals in Perth,” he said.

Twenty Riverstone High School Sport Coaching students, who are working towards a Cert III and preparing for HSC in Sport Coaching, supported the All-Inclusive Athletics Carnival.

Riverstone High School PE teacher, Linzie Heather, conceived the concept of the carnival at a staff development day earlier this year.

“For me, the real aim of the carnival was to give students the opportunity to experience and learn about athletics in an environment that was accessible and meaningful for them,” Ms Heather said.

“For some of the students, this may have been their first opportunity to participate in a carnival like this or to explore events such as javelin, shot put and discus.

“We also wanted the day to be about more than just participation. The passports and modified equipment were designed to help students engage with the different events, while also providing families with information about classification and the potential pathways and opportunities that may be available to their children.

“I also thought PJ's story was such a lovely example of this, as it really demonstrates how accessing classification can open up further opportunities for students to participate and compete.”

Seven Hills High School Head teacher, Inclusive Education, Quoc Nguyen said an All-Inclusive Athletics Carnival could increase participation in High Performance and Gifted Education (HPGE) in inclusive education unit classes.

"Seeing the camaraderie, participation and enthusiasm today has been encouraging. I'm ready to support the next inclusive education collegiate events and eventually open opportunities for more schools to participate,” he said.

Opportunities for students with additional needs to explore HPGE in the Quakers Hill Network include Bocce competitions, all-abilities tennis, collaboration with Basketball NSW, athletics and the upcoming school for specific purpose Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) showcase being held at Quakers Hill East Public School on 17 September.