"With large year groups, the popularity of the tables meant students were lined up to play! More tables means more active students."
Rebecca Hoad, Coordinator of Academic
Administration, St. Ignatius College Riverview
Whereabouts in the school are the tables located - and can you tell us about the space?
The [new] table has been located in a central playground area next to our two other tables purchased in the previous year. This allows for a hub of ping pong, with the opportunity to play house competitions or year group elements, whilst also allowing our co-curriculum sport to utilise at times.
The fourth table is going on our junior campus, close to our Year 7 and 8 boarding house to allow after hours and greater weekend use of the table.
What does the school do about racquets and balls?
Racquets and balls are left on the table – this did create a little spontaneous play between classes, but manageable. We then have supplies in the deputy’s office, which creates an opportunity for casual discussion and pastoral check-ins. Houses have their own equipment as well, to bring down. Students can bring their own, but more use them if the equipment is left. Students have even used handballs, tennis balls and basketballs on the table to create a different approach to what they have available to them. The quality of the table means we are not worried about damage.
Has the school (or even its students) run any tournaments, competitions or masterclasses (perhaps with a local table tennis coach)?
We have run house competitions with both internal and external tables both student body and staff led. We also have it as one of our co-curriculum sports. But would love a masterclass opportunity – great idea. With the third table, it may also be an opportunity to be a PDHPE activity. As a class could now be active and utilise it.
What was the driving factor to purchase an outdoor ping pong table - and has this been achieved since its installation?
Driving factor was providing a different activity for the students to break up some of the unwanted activity at lunch, it also allows some of those students that are struggling to find peers, a place to socialize and find a group of peers.
We have internal tables but the [un]sturdiness of these and having seen the [the POPP tables] in community spaces, thought it was a great addition. We installed our first one before Covid and this was one of the only sports that students were initially allowed to play, so it was popular. Many parents then purchased indoor tables for at home when lockdown hit, due to the fact that it was a talking point at school. This supported the financing of the second table and then our third to create a hub. With large year groups, the popularity of the tables meant students were lined up to play. More tables means more active students.
What has been the best thing about the tables and / or outdoor ping pong in the school?
Providing a different activity to students and a new skill – one that they can develop in different ways at home. It is a relatively easy sport/activity to support at school. The quality of the table reassures us that it is money well spent. The tables will last a long time and they look good. Easy to clean and absolutely solid – teenage boy proof!
