Stage 2 have been investigating our built environment here at school – specifically our playground areas. They decided that our playground needed an upgrade and so went about deciding how they could change their environment so that it better suited the needs of the students at our school.

First they looked at the playground areas (Areas 6 & 7) and made a list of the things that these areas had, and the things that were missing (but necessary).

Next the students surveyed the rest of the school to find out the types of activities and structures that students of all ages would like to see in a school playground. The Stage 2 students then graphed the responses and were able to reach some conclusions about the types of activities that were popular across the school.

After that was the really fun bit – students worked in groups to design a playground area that incorporated the ideas that the rest of the school wanted. They could add anything they liked, as long as it fit the purposes of safety and need. The groups then used lots of recycled boxes and containers to bring their designs to life! Lots of glueing and taping and creating structures and play equipment!

Lastly students needed to present their model and ideas to the rest of the grade and then everyone would vote on the playground design that they liked the best. Groups had to write persuasive speeches to urge and influence the students and parents and teachers that their playground ideas were the best.

Congratulations to the winning team and their bid – Abdullah, Jessica, Nadia, Hennessey, Andrew and Adam from S2Magnolia.

Please have a look at the wonderful playgrounds designed by our students.