Playground Buddies
Upper II (Year 5) girls are given the opportunity to spend a term or more being a 'Playground Buddy'.
Wearing their bright yellow sashes, the Buddies organise the playground equipment, teach younger children how to play new games and help girls to settle minor disputes. Training takes place in the summer term with Upper Is (Year 4), so they are ready to begin their job in the Autumn term.
In Key Stage 2, the playground equipment is used on a weekly rota called 'Craze of the Week'. Each week the equipment varies, from circus games to an assortment of balls; from ropes, elastics, cats cradle to hoopla and Jacks. Girls in Key Stage 1 have a huge assortment of balls, tricycles, ropes, bats and scooters.
Much of the equipment was bought using money raised by the girls themselves through a sponsored skip.
Here are some thoughts on what it means to be a buddy, written by girls in Upper II:
'I think being a buddy is really good because you get to help people and get to know them. You also get to learn new games and teach the games to other people. Being a buddy has made me not shy anymore. I have come out of my shell. It also has made me get some more friends. I'm really glad I took up the job as a buddy.' Abi UIILG
'I like being a buddy because you help other people, and the people you do buddies with are always friendly and helpful. I was new in September and being a buddy has let me get to know more people and you get to know some games and teach them to other people. I am quite shy so being a buddy has helped me. Although some people prefer being a buddy in the Key Stage 1 playground, Key Stage 2 is fun as well.' Charlotte UIIYG
