Pupils at Dunbeg Primary School will soon have a new outdoor learning area to enjoy thanks to a fabulous example of community spirit.
Staff, pupils and parents have worked together to reclaim an area of overgrown woodland on the school grounds, improving on the popular outdoor learning area at the school by expanding its size and offering even more learning opportunities for the children. The school named the project ‘Pitch Perfect.’
Drainage has been upgraded and new gravel laid, with the last remaining area to be finished off being a previously boggy patch that was almost impassable without welly boots. Now the entire pitch will be available for sports and outdoor learning.
Head teacher Marny McCulloch said: “Parents and staff joined forces over a weekend to bring this bit last of land back into use and we couldn’t be more grateful for their efforts. We were very fortunate that a number of local businesses also donated equipment and materials to make this job possible. Special mention must go to parents Callum MacPherson and Brendan McGuckin and businesses including Jewson, West Coast Tool and Plant, TSL, McLaren of Craig Plant Hire and Contracting, Breedon Group and Beaver Timber. A huge thank you from all of the staff and pupils at Dunbeg Primary.”
With the work now completed, grass seed has been planted and the full pitch will be available for the school sports day once the grass has grown, while work will be able to continue on gravelling an exciting woodland path for the children.
Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, Policy Lead for Education, added: “This was a brilliant example of community spirit and I would like to add my thanks to everyone who contributed. We are very excited about the opportunities for outdoor learning that this will provide for the pupils at Dunbeg Primary.
“Outdoor learning is a key feature of all schools in Argyll and Bute as it has a number of benefits. Being outdoors develops positive feelings and memories around school, it develops skills for life and creates a positive, can-do attitude.”