In our school we have special activities for recesses. Our aim is to decrease bullying during the school day. In the wintertime the pupils are not outdoors that much but when it’s warmer all the following activities are possible. The warmer the weather the more pupils are participating and spending time outdoors. Many pupils really enjoy playing various outdoor games during their 30-minute recesses. These activities also help them to concentrate during the lessons since they’ve had the chance to do sports, run and be energetic.
The recess area consists of the courtyard, football field next to the school, front yard and the nearby "Girls’ park”. In the courtyard there is a badminton net and a possibility to play other outdoor games (playing e.g. volleyball has happened). In the “Girls’ park” there is a basketball field and a smaller football field. Our recesses are 30 minutes long, which makes doing sports a lot easier since pupils don’t run out of time as easily.
There are some staff members whose work is to guide pupils’ social skills and for example to take care of pupils’ recess activities. The education counsellor - kasvatusohjaaja - of our school is in charge of these activities.
Basketball in the gym
This was our most popular activity during the winter. Most of our ninth-grade boys participated every recess they had. Education counsellor trainee took charge of this and it was huge success. This was the first time in our school when recess basketball was organized continuously. During high-school matriculation exams the gym was closed and the pupils were very disappointed to hear that.
Table tennis tournament
Education counsellor trainee organized also table tennis tournament. Tennis table was located in the hallway and even though only two people can play it at the same time there is always a big crowd watching the game. Not all the players took part in the tournament but if they wanted they could compete against each other. Sometimes tournaments and games have lasted long after the school day is over and otherwise empty hallways are echoing because of cries of victory. Table tennis has been popular amongst every middle-school grade but very few girls have found it.
Football in the fields
Several seventh-grade boys spent many recesses even during the winter in the “Girls’ park” playing football. Similar group of ninth-grade boys enjoyed the same sport in the football field next to the school. Many of these boys play football weekly in a team. Unfortunately grade groups haven’t mixed nor have there been many girls playing football.
Disc golf in the courtyard
The school has some frisbees and also a disc golf basket. Few pupils’ spend some time there playing or practicing. However - once again - all the pupils enjoying this sport have been boys.
Badminton in the courtyard
The only recess sport that is more popular amongst girls is badminton. Since the field is in the courtyard outdoors wind causes some problems every now and then. Usually the pupils’ don’t mind it that much because they’re playing just for fun not to win. There have been also some high-school students playing badminton with middle-school pupils which we’ve found extremely nice. The older and younger pupils have had a very good time together even though they’re not always that into sports.
