Designing our new nature playground

It has been intriguing for me to reflect upon the fact that during this week each of the last three years, I have coincidentally been in a position to share news about Nature Playground developments at ECC. It never ceases to amaze me the way God joins the pieces of the jigsaw together over time…

Step 1
Mid 2018, we invited children to have a voice in identifying their most desired components of a Nature Playground ready for development at Brooklyn Park. Fifty different children across Foundation to Year 6 submitted their own 2D designs. The most common criteria across all designs were gathered by three teachers who then sketched a possible design to include all student criteria within the space available. This was submitted to the Architectural Draftsman for formal design and tender. Children’s thinking is insightful and creative. The final result reflects student voice and design.

Step 2
During 2019 the Nature Playground at Brooklyn Park was built ready for a new campus opening.

Step 3
Multiple Junior School classes from South Plympton visited the BP Playground during 2020 to enjoy outdoor learning, build multi-campus relationships, and gain inspiration ready for South Plympton developments.

Step 4
With new inspiration, all SP Junior School classes were again invited during Term 3 to submit playground designs; this time for South Plympton. The learning and excitement through 3D models has been incredible!

Mrs Bromilow reflects on the Year 1/2 HASS Inquiry Unit
“Last term the three Year 1/2 classes learned about 'Places and Spaces' in their Humanities and Social Sciences Unit. They studied many places on Earth that have different features and landscapes which change over time. They discovered that people are connected to places and spaces and use them for different purposes. The Year 1/2 students have channelled this newfound knowledge into planning a proposal for the new nature playground at South Plympton. After visiting Jervois Street playground and Brooklyn Park Campus, they designed 3D models to be presented to Mrs. Vonow and Mr. Linke, along with some persuasive writing pieces they prepared during their literacy lessons. Mr Cope's Year 5/6 students helped create some of the models using salt dough and various other natural materials.”

I am feeling totally inspired by our creative and talented children whose love of learning has been harnessed by their teachers. Children are an absolute delight!

“For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well”.
Psalm 139: 13, 14

Helen Vonow
Head of Junior School