Through the 'Grants for Good' funding programme, one school in the Wellington region has been able to achieve a long-held desire for the Awhina Learning Resource Centre to have its own basketball hoop where students can play, socialise and de-stress in a safe environment.
Sport is an excellent way to increase not just physical abilities but also mental and social skills. Dozens of studies show how beneficial basketball, in particular, can be for those who practice it. And as Upper Hutt College knew, those benefits expand far beyond the physical.
For students in the Awhina Learning Resource Centre at Upper Hutt College, life can be challenging at the best of times. Students here have a range of conditions, from Downs Syndrome and mild cerebral palsy to global development delays, autism and ADHD. Teacher in Charge Katie Ayrton wanted to find a way to support these students to let off steam in a safe and meaningful way.
“It was the students themselves who were asking for the basketball hoop initially,” says Katie. “Previously they had been using an old dilapidated netball hoop, so it was not ideal.”
Working with the Head of Faculty and Head of PE, Katie searched for grants to help fund such an item, knowing the standard school funding would not stretch as far as this expensive item. “We were wanting a concreted-in structure that was hard-wearing and robust.”
After much web searching, the pair came across 'Grants for Good' and submitted an application. Katie acquired quotes for the necessary components and installation and researched what would be required. They were delighted to hear they had been successful, and in the school summer holidays of January 2023, the hoop was installed right outside the special needs classroom.
“The results were almost instantaneous,” says Katie. “The students started using it immediately and there was a definite change in atmosphere amongst the students.”
What’s so heart-warming about this project is the integration that eventuated with mainstream students. “Everyone wanted to be part of the action around the basketball hoop,” says Katie.
“The students of Awhina were no longer so isolated. Our basketball hoop has become the cool place to hang out at lunchtimes, bringing crowds of students to Awhina. Our students have rapidly made friends with mainstream students, who love to include them in their lunchtime fun.”
The mainstream students are also benefitting, as they have learnt that difference is not all bad, and have learnt to appreciate the achievements of all.
Katie and her colleagues have noticed a considerable decrease in outbursts in the classroom, and students are generally more settled. “Plus, of course, there is now the motivation that if you finish your work early, you can go shoot some hoops.”
For Katie, the Grants for Good application process was very straightforward, and she was grateful when there needed to be a slight change due to supply issues just before the installation phase. “The team at Grants for Good were very understanding and amendable to my suggested change.” Katie goes on to encourage others to apply for the grants, saying, “Don’t be afraid to be imaginary – think outside the box!”
The school is now looking ahead to further integrative student projects, including painting the ground with the correct basketball court markings. Teachers and students are also looking at how they can further integrate mainstream and special needs students in the garden programme. “We’re always looking for ways to integrate the special needs students. It’s all about achieving inclusivity and creating a flow of all students in and out of the unit.”
Below are some photos taken by Katie Ayrton while students were enjoying their time at their own basketball hoop.
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