The Customer
Wodensfield Primary is a large two-form entry school, consisting of three buildings. The Wolverhampton-based school aspired to boost physical activity, encourage pupils to lead healthy lifestyles and increase student self-esteem.
Wodensfield Primary wanted to make full use of its Sports Premium budget to develop new outdoor areas to help pupils to achieve their full physical potential.
Their Objectives
School staff dreamt of maximising their outdoor space so that children could be continually active every day. Wodensfield wanted to create different areas where pupils could participate safely in different forms of physical exercise.
It was essential that a large area of the playground could be used for games and tuition from specialist coaches.
Our Approach
It was decided that a large area of the playground between the KS1 and 2 classes was to be dedicated to a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA.)
The fully enclosed MUGA with 4G sports surfacing can facilitate numerous sporting activities. Inlaid sports lines help to zone the pitch and red and blue safeturf has been used to indicate opposing goal ends.
Wodensfield opted for our huge, one-of-a-kind Grizedale Forest Circuit. This high-quality climber uses timber logs and reinforced ropes to create numerous pathways and crossings. Pupils develop strength, control and balance as they learn to conquer the different crossings and climbing walls.
Forest Roll Over Bars have been a welcome addition to the new physical zone. Pupils have been pulling themselves up, hanging and learning how to perform full turns showing great upper body strength, agility and coordination.
An outdoor performance and play zone further encourage active playtimes. A Large Performance Stage provides a fantastic platform for learners to develop their creativity. Teamwork is encouraged as budding gymnasts, cheerleaders and dancers put on a show to remember! Audience members can sit back and take a seat on one of the Perch Benches dotted in front of the stage.
Next to the stage is a large 5M Gazebo used by the school as an outdoor play cabin for children to invent games and active role-play scenarios. A chalkboard and whiteboard encourage mark-making, giving learners the freedom to express themselves.
Playturf Artificial Grass has been used both under the climber and in the performance and play zone. The combination of play turf and shockpad tiles ensures ultimate safety around climbing equipment. Playturf gives a bright, appealing. natural feel without the upkeep of real grass and can be safely used in all weather conditions.
The Results
Pupils at Wodensfield are now involved in constant activity every day. Each KS2 class has a morning break time slot on the MUGA for a particular sport whether it be football or basketball. Independence and good sporting behaviour is promoted as pupils organise their own teams and share officiating responsibilities.
During lunchtimes, the MUGA is used by specialist sports coaches offering a wide variety of activities throughout KS1 and 2. Throughout the school day the pitch is used by all classes to undertake ‘Energy Bursts.’ Heart rates are increased as children work towards their whole school physical activity challenge.
Pupils have been using their bodies in different ways on their new climber and care has been taken to use the equipment safely. Learners have been working in pairs with one child spotting the other, and developing effective collaboration and communication techniques.
Staff have noted that pupils are taking ownership and responsibility for their own health and fitness whilst remaining engaged and having plenty of fun. We hope that their new outdoor development will enable pupils at Wodensfield to continue to lead happy, healthy and active lifestyles.
If you would like to modify your playground just like Wodensfield Primary School, then look no further than Pentagon Play! Contact us here to start your journey today.