AS part of its program to implement the recommendations of the Scottish Executive in the development of the new Curriculum for Excellence Aberdeenshire Council required to develop outdoor learning facilities at ten primary schools in the region. Caledonia Play was successful in the bid for the project and designed a series of outdoor classrooms to provide resources for active learning.

Working closely with Early Years practitioners the concept was to provide a natural environment to allow children within the Nursery and early primary years to experience a variety of activities from which to learn and develop social and motor skills. Experience has shown that children use their outdoor space more effectively if it contains elements that break up the space. Also where space is limited, often the case when it comes to existing play areas, it is beneficial to incorporate multifunctional pieces.

Following several site visits and consultations with the various staff involved the final design was agreed implemented for each school. At Kellands Primary School for example a Bespoke Outdoor Classroom was built to provide seating and a quiet space where lessons could be carried out. This was complimented with a series of planters to allow the children to grow their own plants and provide sensory experiences, a water play area and a musical Arbour. All the elements were designed to encourage imaginative play whilst supporting curriculum development. Finally for older children a trim trail was built to provide both fun and exercise.

To increase durability and withstand the average northern Scottish weather, dense, slow grown northern European timber was used which is treated and waxed. All timbers used are quarter sawn to prevent cracking and splinters, and are from FSC and PEFC certified sources.