A new shelter for young people at Sandown High School proves popular. Ed
The winter weather may be on its way, but it won’t be a problem for pupils at the Isle of Wight’s Sandown High School.
The completion of a brand new 23 metre freestanding pyramid canopy at the school will ensure students can forget about the wind, rain and snow and enjoy the outdoors all year round.
Home to more than 1600 pupils, the school has been a specialist sports college since 2004, and became a specialist science college in 2009.
Healthy school
After achieving sporting success, high standards and pioneering leadership and performance academies, the new canopy is key to promoting activities within the school’s Healthy School status.
Business Development Manager Kate O’Neill explains, “We commissioned the canopy to provide an area where our students can relax at break times as well as using it to expand the dining block facilities and encourage more students to take up the school’s healthy meals option.
“The canopy will be used by students in all weathers, it will give them a sheltered place to meet up and enjoy their breaks. It is also being used as part of a plan to contain litter on site as students are being encouraged to use the area for lunch breaks and to dispose of any rubbish responsibly.”
Fundraising for extra seating
Pupils and staff at Sandown have been fundraising for seating areas under the canopy and are planning a school project to build planters and create landscaped areas to enhance the new addition.
With all schools encouraged to promote outdoor recreation and leisure, Sandown High is delighted at the response to the new canopy.
