Keysborough Gardens Primary School is a vibrant, fast-growing school of over 400 students. With a strong focus on engagement and wellbeing, their leadership team is always looking for meaningful ways to connect students through play.
When we brought three portable Gaga pits to the school for a full day of games and activity, the results were immediate and powerful. This was not just a Gaga Ball session. It was a complete playground transformation that turned the schoolyard into a space bursting with creativity, movement and joy.
“From a School Camp Favourite, They loved it”
"I was familiar with Gaga Ball from school camps, but I hadn't seen or used it myself in the school environment" PE Teacher Mark Blundell says. "I was so excited to give it a go, there was joy immediately on the kids faces"
At Keysborough Gardens, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and contribute meaningfully to their community. It’s a philosophy that pairs perfectly with Gaga’s focus on inclusive, student-led play.
Bringing Gaga Ball to Keysborough Gardens
From the first bell, Years 4 and 6 hit the ground running. Armed with the OG Gaga Ball, the ever-popular Gaga Goose and our brand new Gaga Paddle Battle, students rotated through a buzzing circuit of games that pushed energy levels sky high.
But this was not just about classic Gaga Ball.
This day was about showing just how versatile our portable pits really are. We introduced students and staff to a growing collection of new games designed to be played in and around the pits, including team challenges, obstacle dodging, tag-style hybrids and movement-based activities that kept pupils guessing and moving.
Gaga Games ambassador Salih leading the cheers as Year 4 students throw their full energy behind the action.
Where Leadership, Inclusion and Fun Collide
“It’s great to see students who don’t usually love sport jumping in and playing alongside the keen athletes. Everyone’s involved, and that’s what it’s all about — making play inclusive, fun and fair for every student.”
For many students, this was their first time experiencing Gaga. Within minutes, they were hooked. Teachers watched as even the quieter pupils jumped in. Some who usually held back during PE found their moment to shine.
There was a buzz in every corner of the playground. Pupils were dodging, diving, laughing and encouraging each other. They were learning to lead, take turns, and most importantly, they were having fun.
“It’s not just a Gaga pit — the possibilities are endless. We’ve used it for net games, invasion games, skill-building and team challenges. It’s flexible, inclusive and built for all ages. The students are leading the play, and that’s exactly what Curriculum 2.0 is about.”
— PE teacher, Mark Blundell
Why This Day Mattered
This was not just a fun day of games. It was proof of what can happen when schools give time and space to meaningful, inclusive play.
Gaga Ball, and the expanding family of games built around it, brings:
✔ Movement with purpose
✔ Games with meaning
✔ Connection through play
✔ Leadership through fun
✔ Inclusion without compromise
Our portable pits work in every environment. Indoors. Outdoors. Across ages, year groups and learning needs. Schools do not need to overhaul their space to make an impact. They just need the right tools.
Keysborough Gardens showed what is possible when you go all in.
More Than a Moment of Play
What happened at Keysborough Gardens wasn’t just a big day, it was a powerful example of how the right kind of play can shift energy, build confidence and bring a whole school together.
When play is inclusive, student-led and built to grow with your learners, it becomes more than a game. It becomes part of the culture.
Considering Gaga Ball for your School?
Discover how easy it is to set up your own pit with Gaga Games and transform recess, lunch and PE classes into an exciting, inclusive experience!
