Secondary school students' perspectives and use of three school grounds of varying size, content and design

Abstract

School grounds can have multiple values, and especially sufficient size, green elements, variation, integrated design and participatory development have been described as positive qualities. However, many studies have focused on pre-school and primary school grounds, while less is known about school grounds for adolescents. This study explored how secondary school students experience and use school grounds of varying size, content and design. The study included one class in year 8 (aged 14-15) at each of three schools in southern Sweden. A questionnaire with mainly open questions was distributed, followed by both individual interviews and walking interviews with four students from each class. The results show that school grounds were appreciated, but also that many chose to stay indoors. Large surface area and varied content, with ball courts, greenery, seating and multifunctional equipment, were valued, but a school ground design with integrated and pleasant settings, allowing socialising and activities, particularly support use by secondary school students.

Keywords

Adolescents; Children's perspectives; Green space; Landscape architecture; Schoolyard; Teenagers

Published in

Urban Forestry and Urban Greening
2018, Volume: 30, pages: 115-123 Publisher: ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG

SLU Authors

• Jansson, Märit

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Abdulah, Maroa

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG4 Quality education


UKÄ Subject classification

Landscape Architecture


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2018.01.015

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/95126