🌟 Exciting New Play Zones in P5-7! 🌟

In the last 15 minutes of the day, our P5-7 pupils had a fantastic time exploring their brand-new play zones! As part of our journey towards integrating more play pedagogy into the school, the upper classroom has been re-organised to allow for more free play, creativity, and discovery. The pupils loved having the freedom to choose and explore these engaging areas:

🎨 Creative Zone:
Packed with all sorts of artistic materials, this space lets imaginations run wild! Pupils can experiment with different sketching and colouring tools, or get hands-on with modelling clay and craft supplies. There’s also a wide variety of loose parts for building and designing—perfect for creating unique masterpieces and developing fine motor skills.

🎲 Social Zone:
A place for conversation, collaboration, and fun! Pupils enjoyed exploring educational board games that spark critical thinking and communication. Our new digital microphones were also a big hit, as children used them to record stories, interviews, and imaginative role-plays—building confidence and communication skills.

🔎 Discovery Zone:
Still a work in progress, but already a firm favourite! Featuring our brand-new tuff tray, this area invites pupils to explore, investigate, and build. Currently, the tuff tray is set up for our World War II topic, where pupils are challenged to create wartime scenes using a variety of materials. This hands-on activity helps deepen understanding of their topic while encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.

💖 Calm Corner
A peaceful space for rest and reflection, our Calm Corner features soft cushions, cosy bean bags, and a lovely veil overhead. Fairy lights twinkle, creating a soothing atmosphere—perfect for winding down, reading, or quiet thinking, especially on darker days.

⛪ R.E. Corner
Our new Religious Education space is designed for peaceful learning and reflection. Comfortable seats invite pupils to sit together and explore hymn books and the Gospel, providing a calm setting for spiritual growth and discussion.

The pupils absolutely loved exploring these zones, and we’re looking forward to seeing all the creative, thoughtful, and collaborative experiences they will have in these new spaces! Check out a few photos below to see the creativity and curiosity in action.

✨ We can’t wait to see what our young learners create, discover, and share next!

🌍 UNCRC Rights Covered:

  • Article 12: Right to express views and have them listened to (pupils sharing ideas in play and discussion).
  • Article 13: Right to freedom of expression (digital recordings, creative art projects).
  • Article 15: Right to meet with friends and join groups (collaborative play in Social Zone).
  • Article 28: Right to an education (learning through discovery, creativity, and digital engagement).
  • Article 31: Right to rest, play, and leisure (use of Calm Corner and play zones).

🎯 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being (Calm Corner for mental well-being).
  • Goal 4: Quality Education (integrating play-based learning with discovery and creativity).
  • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (use of digital microphones and creative resources).
  • Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities (inclusive play areas where all pupils can engage).
  • Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (R.E. Corner for reflection and spiritual development).

💡 Meta-Skills Developed:

  • Creativity: Art projects, modelling, and loose parts play in the Creative Zone.
  • Curiosity: Exploring the WWII tuff tray and making historical connections.
  • Collaboration: Working together on board games and digital projects in the Social Zone.
  • Communication: Recording and sharing ideas with digital microphones.
  • Focus: Reflecting quietly in the Calm Corner and engaging in mindful activities.
  • Leading: Organising group activities and discussions.
  • Adapting: Engaging with various play zones and trying new activities.

🌈 SHANARRI Well-Being Indicators:

  • Safe: Calm Corner provides a secure, peaceful environment.
  • Healthy: Zones encourage mental and emotional well-being.
  • Achieving: Opportunities for creative and academic success through discovery.
  • Nurtured: Comfortable spaces support emotional security.
  • Active: Hands-on activities in the Discovery and Creative Zones.
  • Respected: Pupil voice respected through choice-based learning.
  • Responsible: Managing playtime respectfully and responsibly.
  • Included: All zones designed to be inclusive and welcoming.

⛪ Strands of Faith (R.E. Corner):

  • Mystery of God: Reflecting on Gospel readings.
  • Revealed Truth of God: Access to the Gospel for understanding key teachings.
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