Donard Senior School

Following the success of the Donard Junior School inclusive playground in 2024, attention turned to Donard Senior School. As part of KOMPAN’s ongoing framework arrangement with the Education Authority Northern Ireland, we were invited to create an age-appropriate outdoor fitness space to help senior students develop essential skills, confidence, and independence. KOMPAN worked in partnership with the Education Authority Facilities Support Service and the Head of Donard Senior School to identify the school’s aspirations and student needs. Together, we designed a safe, inclusive outdoor gym area that aligns with Donard’s focus on teaching lifelong skills of wellbeing and self-regulation.

The outdoor gym was created to encourage students to navigate and support physical health, improve gross motor skills, along with increasing confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement. By integrating regular physical activity into the school day, students benefit from both the physical and emotional rewards of exercise. The space features a mix of strength and cardio outdoor gym equipment, carefully chosen to suit the needs of older pupils, featuring our Leg Press, Chest Press, Cross Trainer Pro and City Bike Pro.

The installation of the outdoor gym equipment at Donard Senior School provides more than just physical benefits. It supports holistic development by enhancing their students, physical health, emotional wellbeing, social interaction and learning outcomes. Now, Donard’s senior students have a dedicated outdoor gym space where they can move, learn, and thrive within an inclusive environment designed to meet the needs of every pupil.