From Children's Ideas to a Community Space

Our community field shows what can happen when children's learning is connected to a real purpose.

We wanted to make better use of our field – not simply for our own pupils, but as a space that could be enjoyed by children and families within our wider community.

Rather than adults deciding what should happen, our children became part of the solution.

A Real-Life Vehicle for Learning

Developing the field became one of our Curriculum Vehicles – a genuine challenge through which children could apply learning from across the curriculum.

Children used mathematics to measure, calculate and explore what might be possible. In design and technology, they developed ideas for the space, while computing helped them bring their designs to life.

But having a good idea wasn't enough.

In English, children learned about the art of persuasion so that they could communicate their ideas, write proposals and convince others that their designs were worth supporting.

Their learning had a real audience and a real purpose.

Turning Ideas into Reality

The children's ideas helped shape the development of an adventure area on the field – but that was only the beginning.

The next phase saw the installation of an assault course around the perimeter of the field, complete with a giant solar-powered stopwatch so children could challenge themselves and track their progress.

The field was becoming somewhere to be active, explore, play and spend time together.

Something for Everyone

Parents and carers recognised that our youngest children needed somewhere designed with them in mind.

Our families and community helped us demonstrate that need through a questionnaire, supporting an application to the National Lottery Community Fund.

The application was successful and an incredible £9,995 was awarded to create a dedicated play area for younger children.

What began with children's ideas had grown into a space for others to enjoy too.

A Place to Play, Belong and Flourish

Today, our community field is much more than an area of grass.

It provides opportunities for physical activity, adventurous play, challenge, friendship and fun. Children can test themselves, develop confidence, play alongside others and enjoy being outdoors.

It also reflects our commitment to inclusion. Creating different spaces and different opportunities for play helps more children find somewhere they can participate, experience success and feel that they belong.

Serving the Common Good

Perhaps the most important part of the story is that the children weren't designing something simply for themselves.

Their learning contributed to something that would remain after they had moved on from Captain Shaw's and could be enjoyed by other children and families.

It is another example of our school vision – Serving the Common Good – brought to life through our curriculum.

They didn't just learn how to design a better space. They helped create one.