Ravenstone Primary School is an imposing Edwardian three-storey building set in playgrounds which include tarmac and grassed areas.

The school is large, but it is arranged to generate an atmosphere of intimacy for all the children.

Playgrounds

Ravenstone has an unusually large amount of playground space for an inner city London School.  Built over 100 years ago it is divided up into infant and junior sections.

In the past this proved to be a problem – an expanse of tarmac with no shade or stimulation for the 400-plus children who used it every day.  There was a strip of grass which dried up in summer from all the football matches and was too muddy to use in winter.

In 2000 the playground committee (PTA Sub-committee) was established to tackle this issue and make lasting improvements.

After much research and consultation with the children, plans were drawn up.

Here are some of the results of the committee’s work…

Adventure Trail

Located in the Junior playground, it was installed in 2003.
(Photo). 
The trail offers climbing-frames and ramps, swinging tyres, balancing beams and other obstacles.  The idea is to get around it without touching the ground.  Next time you visit the school, why not try to beat the record of 80 seconds?!

Rose Oak Amphitheatre 
 Built in 2003, this unique 60-seat structure is made entirely from oak.

Each child in the school produced a ceramic figure according to the theme “Tales and Fables from Around the World”.  These are actually housed within the frame of the structure.

This initiative was partially funded by government grants but we were also fortunate to receive generous support from the Rotary Club and Laing Homes.  In addition, the PTA raised significant sums from numerous events.

Climbing Wall

 

Also completed in 2003 and once again designed with input from the children.  There was also a donation from Sir Walter St John's Educational Charity; building and design was by Arts Desire.
See more pictures of the climbing wall on their site.

Peace Garden

Another area of tarmac that has been given a radical make-over.  The garden consists of a mosaic water feature, surrounded by winding decked pathways surrounded by numerous bamboo plants. The planting is now becoming well established since it was finished in 2003.

Library

Another facility that has recently been improved through PTA funding.  The school is grateful to the Foyle Trust who donated computer systems and lots of imaginative material to encourage reading.

One section is laid out as a conventional library whilst a separate area has been converted into a computer suite. 

The library has a nautical theme with fresh coloured panels, new sofas and curtains.

ICT Suites

Most classes are now equipped with white boards and there are computers in some classrooms.

There are dedicated computer suites consisting of numerous Internet-linked computers. Ravenstone provides plenty of opportunity for every child both to develop their computer skills and to use computers as research tools.