Projects: Oak Field School

Shane Williams signs autographs on paper, arms, legs and school shirts!

new signing for legend Shane

Over 200 children from three schools gathered to celebrate the opening of the new MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) at Oak Field Primary School in Barry, funded by a £15,000 grant from Wooden Spoon Wales.

Pupils from Oak Field, Ysgol Gwaun y Nant and Cadoxton greeted guests with Welsh songs and former Wales international Shane Williams joined in with a game of tag rugby. Shane, who won 87 caps for Wales and scored a record 58 tries, signed loads of autographs on paper, arms, legs and school shirts. Deputy Head, Kelly, said: “The children’s relationships are stronger from playing games together and having so many different sports going on. It’s not just football anymore. “In the winter our grass field is out of bounds because it’s a swamp, but with the MUGA we have space all year round. “Enrichment has increased because the children have lots more options. All our children can now begin the day with Active Start to get them ready for learning.”

“The new space is all bright colours and a soft surface, astro turf, so if you fall over, it

doesn’t hurt so much.” Zeyna

One of the pupils, Zeyna, tells us how it has changed breaktimes for her: “The new space is all bright colours and a soft surface, astro turf, so if you fall over, it doesn’t hurt so much.” The MUGA is used for afterschool clubs, as well as break times and lunchtimes, enabling them to play any sport or game in the space. Another pupil, Harrison, explained: “We can play basketball, football, hockey, rugby, netball, tennis and playground games. My favourite part of the day is play time in the MUGA. Fish and chips is our favourite game and I like dizzy dinos – you spin around!” Zeyna said: “We look forward to coming to school more, and after we’ve run about, we’ve got our energy back for learning in the classroom.”