By partnering with We Are Forging Futures, Salusbury Primary School in London has brought fencing to their curriculum and enhanced their PE lessons.
Expanding Opportunities Through Sport
Since October 2024, BF’s education programme, We Are Forging Futures, has been working in partnership with Salusbury Primary School in London to introduce fencing as part of the school’s physical education curriculum.
The partnership aims to broaden access to sport by giving young people the chance to try activities they may not otherwise experience. As Ellie Port-Rose (SEND Officer) explains, “we have children here from all groups of society that never ever would have been exposed to fencing and it has been just brilliant.”
Through the partnership, pupils have been able to experience fencing for the very first time, developing new skills while discovering a unique and engaging sport. Now in the second year of the partnership, fencing has become an exciting addition to the school’s PE offering.
Bringing a New Sport Into the Curriculum
Before partnering with We Are Forging Futures, fencing had never been delivered at the school. Through the programme, Maggie (PE Teacher) has introduced the sport to pupils across multiple year groups.
Currently, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6 students take part in fencing sessions as part of their PE curriculum, creating a progressive pathway as pupils move through the school. As Maggie explains, “we have introduced fencing across our curriculum in years two, years four and year six so it’s progressive and you notice children are really eager to get better, to improve on a weekly basis which has been great to see.”
She adds that the programme “has enhanced our PE curriculum by introducing a non-traditional sport… helping engagement and supporting both physical and cognitive skills such as resilience.”
These sessions teach pupils the foundations of the sport while helping them develop coordination, focus and confidence. Maggie also highlights how “their reaction times… cognitive abilities as well as fine motor skills have improved,” alongside strong engagement from all pupils.
Inclusive and Transformational Impact
A key strength of the programme has been its inclusivity. Ellie Port-Rose describes fencing as “a great leveller,” explaining that “for all of our children… it really has been.”
She highlights the impact on pupils who may struggle in traditional classroom settings:
“We’ve got children that really struggle in a classroom environment and they have thrived… they are disciplined, they follow instruction, their listening is improved and they share their skills with other people.”
The adaptable nature of fencing has also ensured meaningful participation for pupils with physical differences:
“Where I’ve got students that may be wheelchair users… seeing them engaging with that sport equally with their peers, it doesn’t get better.”
Even elements such as etiquette and structure have had a positive effect:
“Fencing they recognise they have to be sensible and they really focus… even those kids that struggle with focus, because it’s physical, because it’s precise, can do that.”
Capturing the Impact
To highlight the success of the partnership, the We Are Forging Futures team recently held a content capture day at the school.
During the visit, pupils were filmed and photographed taking part in fencing sessions, while students and staff shared their experiences of the programme. The content is being used across digital channels to showcase the benefits of introducing new sporting opportunities within schools.
Creating Pathways Beyond School
One of the key aims of the partnership is not only to introduce a new sport, but also to inspire pupils to continue their journey beyond school.
Since fencing was introduced, three pupils have joined a local fencing club. As Maggie explains, this is “because they were introduced to this niche sport within the school.”
The pupils themselves reflect this journey. One student shared:
“When I started fencing, I just thought it was this random sport… but now… I know all the moves and stuff.”
Another added:
“I enjoyed trying fencing because it was really exciting… it was fun trying to put the kit on.”
Their motivation and ambition have grown alongside their skills, with one pupil saying:
“My goal is to get into competitions… once I’ve got lots more practice,” while another emphasised perseverance: “trying your best… even if you don’t win.”
They also recognise the value of continuing outside school:
“I do love fencing in a club, because you have older people to get to their levels… it’s more challenging.”
A Lasting Impact
This progression highlights the real impact of the partnership: opening doors for young people, building confidence, and creating meaningful pathways into community sport.
As Ellie Port-Rose reflects, the success of the programme lies in its inclusivity and adaptability:
“It’s important that these kids do have equal opportunities… and I do think fencing brings that, because it’s unexpected.”
If you want to be like Salusbury Primary School and enhance your curriculum through fencing, get in touch! Learn more and join our growing We Are Forging Futures partner network here.
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