The courtyard at Holy Family used to be all grey. It worked as a yard, but it wasn’t much more than that. Now it looks completely different. The space has been covered in artificial grass and the change is striking. The centre of the courtyard is a bright green surface with black lines running across it. These lines can be used in a few different ways. Pupils use them in games, and teachers can use them to help organise classes when they’re outside. It’s a simple detail, but it gives the space more purpose.

Around the outside, the colour steps up again. Blue and red lanes surround the green centre, creating a track that pupils can walk or run around. Some use it for exercise, others just for a quick stroll at break time. The mix of colours lifts the whole courtyard, and it feels lively even on a dull day.

The difference for the students is huge. Before, the yard was somewhere to pass through. Now it’s somewhere to stay. They use it for play, to run, or just to sit and chat with friends. The surface feels softer and more comfortable, and the colours make it far more inviting. Teachers get plenty from the change as well. The courtyard is easier to use, easier to supervise, and more flexible than it was before.

The artificial grass stays neat and tidy, so it’s reliable all year round without adding extra work. What was once a plain grey yard is now a space that gives pupils options. They can play games, exercise on the track, or simply relax with friends. It’s brighter, more practical, and feels like a proper part of the school now.