A South Tyneside school is celebrating after securing Lottery funding for a new outdoor gym.
Park View School in South Shields was granted £10,000 from the Big Lottery (Awards for All) for the new equipment which was officially opened this week by successful entrepreneur Mark Earnden.
Mark is an author and businessman and was the founder of the award-winning Food Education Company. Mark has now combined his business knowledge with his education experience to launch innovative businesses, including TSYMCO Purchasing, FoodForCare, StudentBusinessFactory and The Autism Food Club which aims to turn scientific research around food and diet into family meals, especially for those with autism.
The gym, which has been installed at the special school by Playfitness, features equipment including a chest push, a leg press and body twist and will be used by students between the ages of 11 and 16.
Headteacher Chris Rue said: “This is a fantastic resource that I am sure will be well used throughout the teaching day by our PE staff and students and will hopefully contribute towards successful completion of GCSE and Btec courses in PE.
“I hope that this equipment is just the start of things to come for Park View School in our efforts to make a fit-for-purpose curriculum that is diverse, personalised and engaging. I know the students can’t wait to get out there. A big thank you to School Business Manager, Val Gray, who worked so hard to secure the funding.”
The school, together with the nearby Beacon Centre, is now fund-raising to add to the sporting facilities on the site. The money raised will be used to provide floodlighting and a new 3G pitch at their Multi Use Games Area.
Chair of the school’s fundraising committee, Councillor Gladys Hobson, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the school has secured this funding.
“This outdoor gym really enhances their school environment and I’m sure will soon become a popular and well-used asset.
Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, added: “It is more important than ever for our schools to be leading the way in terms of promoting health and fitness so this equipment will go a long way in maintaining students’ interest in exercise.”