Students from our Learner Development department have turned leftover materials from last year into an exciting hands-on learning experience by designing and building their own portable mini golf course. While the activity may look like a game on the surface, it was designed to help students develop practical skills in science, mathematics, and teamwork.
Throughout the project, students explored key principles of geometry and physics. They investigated how angles affect the path of a golf ball, how friction can slow the ball down, and how the force used to strike the ball changes the distance it travels. By testing different designs, students gained a deeper understanding of how these scientific concepts apply in real-world situations.
Using the design process, each team carefully planned their mini golf hole before construction began. Students sketched ideas, measured materials, estimated sizes, and discussed how their designs would work in practice. Accurate measurement and estimation were essential to ensure the course pieces fit together and functioned correctly. It was a joy to watch the teamwork which took place, with students dividing responsibilities and solving problems together as challenges arose during the building stage.
Not only did our students plan and construct the golf course, but they fundraised throughout, allowing them to purchase artificial grass for the course. Two separate cake sales raised a further £64, which the students spent on bedding plants and bags of soil to add the finishing touches to the course.
Collaboration was key in this project and our Painting and Decorating students also got involved, helping to add a splash, or two, of colour to the project. Similarly, our Independent Living Skills class cooked a celebratory breakfast on completion of the project, which was enjoyed by all. Our Pathways class also rolled up their sleeves and baked a delicious cake for the opening ceremony. The setting was looking great, all thanks to the efforts of our Gardening class, who tidied up the area and made it more welcoming.
The sun made an appearance for the official opening of the course, which was attended by our Principal and other members of staff.
