Pupils at Aberdeenshire’s Lairhillock School will now be able to breathe in the fresh air as they learn, following the opening of their new outdoor classroom.
The fabulous £24,000 facility was officially opened by Aberdeenshire Council’s director of education & children’s services, Maria Walker, on Wednesday, 17 June 2015.
The outdoor classroom is a hexagonal shelter within the school grounds, much of which is made out of recycled plastic. It which will act as a community facility and outdoor learning space for school classes.
The new outdoor classroom at Lairhillock Primary School
Funding for the classroom was largely raised by school’s Parent Council over an 18-month period. Donations were also given by some local businesses, including £1,500 from John Lawrie Group.
Head teacher Christeen Saward said: “Outdoor classrooms are common now, so our Parent Council started talking about what they could do to help us get one.It will be used for teaching anything on the curriculum, and contains a white board, benches and little tables.
“As soon the barriers came down, the children were in and out of it. They love it. We’re thinking about rotating it round the classes at break and lunchtime, and maybe getting a fancy dress box so the kids can make the most of it in the playground.”
Pupils enjoying the new outdoor classroom
John Lawrie Group financial director Charlie Parker said: “Lairhillock is open to the elements and the children are often out in all weathers.
“John Lawrie Group specialises in the recycling of metals and we are delighted to support this tremendous new facility which has been built using recycled plastic. It fits the school perfectly as it is an eco-school.”
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education, Learning & Leisure Committee, councilor Alison Evison, said: “Outdoor classrooms are a fundamental part of the Curriculum for Excellence and encourage children to have positive learning experiences in a variety of settings.
“Teaching outdoors makes the lessons fresh and exciting for children, leading to more engagement from the class and ultimately more learning.”
