Junior 6 prove they are pitch perfect

Following the success of last year’s Apprentice-style challenge for Junior 6 as part of their Enterprise topic, hopes were high for what would be delivered by pupils this year.  

Last session, Team H.I.D.E came up with the winning plans to transform a previously disused area into a Collaborative Working Zone in memory of Mrs Elaine Adair. 

This year, children were set the objective of redesigning a section of one of the Junior School playgrounds into a new, inspiring and engaging area. Thanks to generous funding from the School’s Parent Association, the winning idea will become a reality. 

Across a 10-week period, children were split into teams and set a budget in order to brainstorm, research and design their ideal playground. Children led on their learning and took ownership of their entrepreneurial ideas, drawing on many skills including literacy, numeracy, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, decision-making and creative thinking. 

When the pitch day came, children set out their business cases in carefully thought-out presentations in front of their peers and a discerning judging panel, comprising: Mr O’Neill, Rector of the Senior School, Mrs Caitlyn Payne from the Parent’s Association and two members of Sixth Year, Sophie T and Tom F, who were hot off the heels from delivering their own business ideas at a Pitch & Vision Evening as part of START, a design-thinking and entrepreneurship programme, run at the Senior School. 

The judges were impressed by the well-researched and meticulous pitches delivered by the teams and commented on the level of work and preparation that had gone into making them a success. Choosing a winner was a difficult task, however, Team C.A.L.M. (Collective Architects Limited Management) consisting of Camilla F, Adam A, Logan D and Maryam R, came out top with their multi-purpose sports court proposal. The judges commented on the design’s feasibility, the effectiveness of their idea and the impressive manner in which it was communicated. 

Team C.A.L.M. has proposed to transform a section of the playground into a multi-purpose games zone for football, basketball and tennis. Their research found that children also loved playing ping pong and so ping pong tables feature in the design too. Their rationale for a multi-purpose sports court was that it will improve the physical health of children, inspire them to try something new and appeal to a wide range of pupils offering something for everyone. 

The children will now work with Anne Bell, Director of Estates & Deputy Bursar, the Parent's Association and Junior School Senior Leadership to turn as much of their proposal into a reality. 

Miss Heather Fuller, Headteacher of the Junior School, said:

As children progress through the Junior School we provide a wealth of opportunities to develop and build on their previous learning experiences. Sharing the Learning events start in Junior 1 and continue across children’s Junior School careers, giving them the chance to share their knowledge with their families.  

“With pupils reaching the end of their Junior School journey in Junior 6, we wanted to create a context where they could utilise the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired in school so far in an enriching and meaningful way. This inter-disciplinary learning allows pupils to work collaboratively, taking learning beyond the classroom. The hands-on, real-life experience of being a part of an enterprise project which has value and meaning is memorable. Children are given opportunities to make connections in their learning, transfer skills and learn from one another. In addition, it helps pupils as they prepare to make the transition to Senior School in August for our Primary 7 year, Transitus. 

“Finally, I’d like to add just how grateful we are to the Parent’s Association for their donation which will allow us to make Team C.A.L.M.’s vision a reality.” 

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For more information about the Junior School, or to book a tour of the School, please contact Admissions on admissions@hsog.co.uk or call 0141 942 0158 and ask for the Admissions Team.