Pupils at an Aberdeenshire primary school proudly showed off their new outdoor classroom yesterday.
The environmentally-friendly space at Lairhillock Primary School will allow children to enjoy their surroundings as they take part in lessons ranging from art to maths.
The classroom was built thanks to the efforts of the school’s parent council, who secured more than £21,000 for the project from local businesses, the community council and Aberdeenshire Council.
Maria Walker, the authority’s director of education, opened the classroom at its official opening last night, which was attended by parents, pupils and some of the supporters.
Head teacher Christeen Saward said the classroom was already proving popular with the youngsters even making use of it during break.
She said: “Outdoor classrooms are common now, so our parent council started talking about what they could do to help us get one.
“Lairhillock is open to the elements and we’re out in all weathers. We considered a poly-tunnel that might have blown away, so then they found a company that uses recycled plastic which fitted us perfectly as we’re an eco-school.
“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.
“It will be used for teaching anything on the curriculum, and contains a white board, benches and little tables.”
The school’s playground is a community facility, with football and basketball training and competitions being held there.
It means that the hexagonal classroom can also now be used by the wider community in the evenings or weekends.
Mrs Saward added: “The parent council did an amazing job. The classroom is fantastic.
“We invited local businesses and supporters to the opening, as well as some of our neighbours who might have an interest in it.
“It’s a great accomplishment for the parent council.”