Celebration time at Shields school after Lottery funding success

A South Tyneside school is celebrating after securing Lottery funding for a new outdoor gym.
Park View School has secured Lottery funding.Park View School has secured Lottery funding.
Park View School has secured Lottery funding.

Park View School, South Shields, was granted £10,000 from the Big Lottery for the new equipment, which was officially opened by successful entrepreneur Mark Earnden.

Mark has now combined his business knowledge with his education experience to launch businesses, including TSYMCO Purchasing, FoodForCare, StudentBusinessFactory and The Autism Food Club, which aims to turn scientific food and diet research into family meals, especially for those with autism.

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The gym, which has been installed at the special school by Playfitness, features equipment including a chest push, a leg press and body twist and will be used by students between the ages of 11 and 16.

Headteacher Chris Rue said: “This is a fantastic resource that I am sure will be well used throughout the teaching day by our PE staff and students and will hopefully contribute towards successful completion of GCSE and Btec courses in PE.

“I hope that this equipment is just the start of things to come for Park View School in our efforts to make a fit-for-purpose curriculum that is diverse, personalised and engaging. I know the students can’t wait to get out there. A big thank you to school business manager Val Gray, who worked so hard to secure the funding.”

The school, together with the nearby Beacon Centre, is now fundraising to add to the sporting facilities on the site. The money raised will be used to provide floodlighting and a new 3G pitch at their Multi Use Games Area.

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Chairwoman of the school’s fundraising committee, Coun Gladys Hobson, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the school has secured this funding.

“This outdoor gym really enhances the school environment and I’m sure will soon become a popular and well-used asset.”