Beckmead Moundwood Academy
Physical activity provision for pupils and the wider community
Through the Opening Schools Facilities (OSF) fund, Beckmead Moundwood Academy in Harlow were able to offer more sport and physical activity provision to its students, as well as open their facilities for the wider community to utilise and enjoy.
Beckmead Moundwood Academy is a pupil referral unit from mainstream settings, which aims to ensure that students receive a quality education which incorporates a blend of academic, vocational and social learning opportunities. School staff understand the importance and impact sport and physical activity can have on the education and overall wellbeing of students, however the quality and variety of provision they were able to offer was very limited. The school wanted to be able to offer new activities after school and with the support from the Active Essex West team and OSF funding, they were able to achieve this.
With an unlevel playing field, unsafe football goals, a lack of gym stations and outdated boxing equipment, it was unsafe and undesirable for students to use the facilities on offer. Since receiving the OSF funding, within the first year, Beckmead Moundwood Academy have been able to provide gym and boxing sessions, as well as install two new football goals, which have reignited pupils love for playing football and created a more realistic environment for friendly competition.
The boxing sessions have proven to be exceptionally popular, with sessions taking place every Friday over the course of 8 weeks. Some students felt that a coached session wasn’t necessary for them, as they believed that they already knew how to box, however since attending the sessions, they have been learning the correct techniques and tactics and are wanting to learn more. Staff have noticed a positive change in attitudes and also received a huge interest from female students too, which has been encouraging.
Key Learnings
Resilience
Of students and trust towards coaches and PE teachers has improved
Facilities
Good equipment makes a difference in young people participating in activities
Relationships
Having the right coaches and support network is crucial for relationship building
Collaboration
Working with local partners that have an understanding of pupils being supported is key
In addition to these new facilities being used by students, the wider community and external groups will benefit from the upgrades as a result of the funding. The aspiration will be have local football clubs and PT's using the revamp space and equipment, providing an opportunity for more people in the local area to be active.
