Time outside helps youths by encouraging risk-taking, increasing physical activity, developing resilience, improving social skills and enhancing creativity. In high school, students use school grounds almost daily, yet little is known about the effect of their design in shaping student behaviour and wellbeing. 

The ‘Schoolyard Greenprint’ is a research study investigating how schoolyard spaces can better support teenagers as they navigate the intense emotional, social and physical changes that accompany adolescence.  Led by the Â鶹´å of Canberra, this work will lead a national conversation around the value and role of schoolyard spaces within secondary school environments. The work relies on the insights and knowledge of schoolyard designers and planners, managers and users to identify the types of schoolyards we currently have, want and need.  This knowledge and evidence will be synthesized into a resource to guide the development of school grounds that support the creation of positive outdoor experiences for high school students.

Research funding is provided through Frontiers developed by Hort Innovation with co-investment from Landscape Foundation Australia and contributions from the Australian Government.

For more information or to contact the study team please email:  Gweneth.Leigh@canberra.edu.au.

Research Team:

• Dr Gweneth Leigh – Chief Investigator and Research Fellow, HRI
• Professor Rachel Davey – Director, HRI
• Director Linda Corkery – Landscape Foundation Australia
• Dr Claire Manning - Senior Project Coordinator
• Hannah Richardson - Senior Project Coordinator