Outdoor classroom opened at Keiss primary school
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A Caithness primary school welcomed pupils, staff, families and visitors to the opening of a new outdoor classroom on Friday.
Keiss Primary School and Nursery head teacher Fraser Thomson said the school was also celebrating being awarded its bronze Rights Respecting School award.
He said: “In the terms ahead and years to come, the classroom will host opportunities for outdoor learning, play and events in our school and nursery community. In turn, it will inspire and support skill development, family learning and positive wellbeing in our community.
"Our classroom boasts the view of our coastline, Keiss Castle, the north edge of Sinclair's Bay and the North Sea. The space was a bare playing field 12 months ago. Our school and nursery grounds have underwent a huge transformation in the last two years with a state-of-the-art early learning centre, trim trail, Polycrub, football pitch and now an outdoor classroom.
“The classroom is a result of fantastic teamwork and partnership working. I would like to thank the parent council for all of their support in helping to source and provide funding for the classroom with Beatrice Offshore Windfarm playing a major role.”
David Shearer, community investment manager at SSE Renewables, said: “The new outdoor pavilion is really impressive and will enhance the outdoor learning and extra-curricular opportunities to benefit young people and families in the local area. The school parent council was supported by a grant of £10,000 from the Caithness Beatrice Community Fund and we commend the school and parent council’s hard work in helping to bring this worthy project to fruition.”
Mr Thomson also thanked Alan Paul at Highland Council for providing support and advice around the planning of the project and Logan at GMR Henderson for supporting the build of the classroom.
He said the afternoon also gave the school a chance to celebrate its commitment to ensuring that children’s rights are the top priority at Keiss Primary School and Nursery.
"The Rights Respecting Schools Award puts children’s rights at the heart of our school and nursery," Mr Thomson said. "The award recognises our achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and nursery.”
Mr Thomson also took the opportunity to welcome new school cook, Mrs Nadine Stewart, to the team before the school opened its doors for a fundraising coffee and cake afternoon in the school hall where more than 100 guests attended.
