The “playground committee”, consisting of members of staff from KS1 and 2 and senior management, was set up in the Autumn of 2006. Their aim was to improve the playground environment, leading to better playground behaviour among the children during break times and lunchtimes.
A number of noticeable improvements have taken place. Firstly, with the involvement of the children from the School Council, a range of equipment – hoops, skipping ropes, quoits and balls – have been introduced. The councillors have not only taken in the responsibility in distributing these items, they are also responsible for ensuring they are used safely. The School Council has also implemented a “buddy system” whereby a councillor stands at the “friendship bench” and helps children find playmates. The Friends kindly donated the funds to purchase the friendship bench as well as the new climbing structure. In order to improve safety, certain areas within the school grounds have been designated for different year groups.
The next phase of the development entailed adding playground markings to the communal spaces.
This is an excellent way to brighten up the plain tarmac area. The creation of more focused
areas, with stimulating games and activities for pupils to play has encouraged better social
interaction between different age and gender groups, as well as promoted co-operative play.
Focused play will also promote safer play, reducing the risk of collisions caused by chaotic
running around.
The design, shown below, includes the traditional game of hopscotch, which has been played in playgrounds around the world by generations of all ages. These, alongside a bull’s eye target and numbered snakes, promote accuracy, co-ordination, awareness, team-building, numeracy and counting ability. Meanwhile, the pathways and tracks stimulate imagination and creativity.
Visit Friends Photo Gallery: Playground Project
This project was made possible thanks to private donations and funds raised at the Lower School Concert and the Art Auction organised by the Friends.
