Get teenagers outside

Secondary Schools

Equipment for secondary schools

"We don't play anymore!" This is a typical statement coming from secondary school children. But we know as we get older the way we play changes, focus now moves on to more physical activity and away from the traditional play seen in primary schools.

Through 50 years of creating playgrounds for secondary schools and researching children's play, we have gathered a unique understanding of how t(weens) play. All of our age-appropriate equipment reflects this knowledge.

Our playground equipment for secondary school students offers engaging activity spaces for young adults who want to hang out and expend energy, but no longer enjoy traditional playground equipment. Our secondary school playground equipment supports the health, learning and social inclusion of all teenagers and abilities, including those who no longer play or are mad about sports. It also provides safe spaces for them to be on the playground without compromising the comfort and activities of younger people children.

What equipment should you choose for your secondary school?

Choosing the right equipment for your secondary school will give your young adults more opportunities to be active. The NHS recommends teenagers should be getting a minimum of at least 1 hour of vigorous exercise per day.

There are so many ways a young adult can achieve this when presented with the correct equipment to do so:

Teenage Climbing Structures: Like the GALAXY™ climbing structures or climbing walls.

Dedicated Sports Areas: Choose Multisport areas to encourage team play.

Challenging Tope Towers Structures: Go for rope playground towers or a play system.

Dedicated Gym Areas: Go for gym structures like school fitness areas.

Playground Carousels or Swings: Choose spinners and carousels or innovative swings.

Hangout Areas: Create hangouts away from the main playground with hangout spots for playgrounds.

"If I were to give a tip to other schools looking to create an exercise-friendly environment, it would be to involve students in the process [...] As adults, we have a lot of ideas about what the area should look like, but you want to know what the kids want"

Antoin Hoovers, PE Teacher, Segbroek College

KOMPAN Play Institute gives you tips to increase t(w)eens physical activity

It is concerning that just 23% of 11-17-year-olds worldwide meet the minimum physical activity recommendations. This is especially troubling since tweens and teens have expressed a fondness for playful physical activity, including outdoor play and play areas. However, it's important to note that these spaces need to be designed to accommodate older children, not just younger ones.

You can read the latest research on tweens' love playgrounds by visiting KOMPAN Play Institute.

Or check out our playground planning resources for more information on playground planning.