Morpeth School uses flowerpot to build new pupils’ team spirit

The new first-year pupils at Bethnal Green’s Morpeth School marked their first week at secondary education by playground team-building balancing a ball on a flower pot.

They spent an afternoon tackling a challenges to develop problem-solving and working together.

“Secondary school is a big step up from primary,” headteacher Jemima Reilly said. “They’re expected to think more independently which needs problem-solving skills and an ability to plan and communicate.”

The youngsters had to balance a basketball on the flowerpot with 12 tight ropes attached, shifting it from spot to spot without dropping it if just one pupil slackens their rope.

They also had to manoeuvre a ball around a tabletop maze, avoiding strategically placed holes, and crawl into a canvass tube without falling over, all organised by a company specialising in educational activities, Wise Up Team Building.

“These activities help equip them with classroom skills,” the head-teacher added. “They also get to know other pupils they’ve just met.”

The school helps develop skills outside the classroom with a programme of participation, leadership and community action.