Community use of school sports facilities

P.Pulis

Oct 24th 2009, 10:59

The use of school sports facilities by the community is a step in the right direction. It maximises the utility of expensive investments and open new sports possibilities to certain sectors of the community.
However one must be careful not to do this at the expense of ignoring the specific needs of schools where Physical Education(as distinct from Sports) is concened. While KMS, Local Councils and Sports organisations are often consulted regarding their needs and priorities when school sports facilities are projected, schools (ie schools administration and P.E. Teachers), are often not consulted.
One must acknowledge that Physical education in schools follows a structured programme. The achievement of these targets depends very much on the type and quantity of sports facilities in schools. Special importance must be given to adequate indoor facilities, both to accommodate indoor sports and to cater for rainy days. Other facilities are needed to fulfill the SEC P.E. Option syllabus (eg, sand pits, shot/discus throwing areas and proper tracks). The location of these facilities within the school also makes a difference in the planning of lessons.
The skills of a good architect need to be complimented with the expience of teachers .