“There are more people running around. It is not an empty space anymore. The playground is a nicer place to be…lunch-times are more enjoyable and the playground looks brighter and better,” Year 9 boy
Developed with Coca-Cola Great Britain, and in partnership with the British Olympic Foundation, the Personal Best Challenge Park pilots utilise school breaks and lunchtimes to encourage secondary age students to participate in physical activity.
Focused on the Olympic value of achieving your best, the aim of the Parks is to increase interest and participation in physical activity for all young people and not just those who show a natural ability in sport.
Ten schools involved in the pilot project, from a variety of different social settings, have witnessed Personal Best Challenge Parks transform the school playground making them more active, enjoyable, healthy and safe for young people to enjoy before, during and after school. The project also offered training and resources to support students and staff in school.
Research from the project shows that the initiative works well. Schools report an increase in physical activity amongst students as well as the development of leadership skills, improved behaviour and an impact on whole school development.
“We had quite a lot of training to be a leader. They showed us what to do on every single thing…took us round all the activities and showed us what to do, taught us how to interact with kids better. It was good training, gave us confidence,” Year 9 leader
“We use the playground and the new markings for our PE lessons and it has had a huge effect on curriculum PE…..We also use the playground for out of hours clubs, ” Member of staff
The Secondary School Playgrounds Development Resource explores the principles of developing the playground and shares tried and tested ideas from the secondary schools involved with the Personal Best Challenge Park pilot.
Playground Development
Zoneparc
Zoneparc Impact film
What does Zoneparc look like?
Benefits of Playground Development
Research and Evidence
Useful links and websites for Playground Development
Early Years - Playzone