Pupils at Orchard Brae School could hardly contain their excitement when they saw their new specialised, accessible outdoor classroom and enhanced playing equipment.
The new outdoor facilities which expand the educational landscape at Orchard Brae have been created thanks to the school’s collaboration with Fairhurst, a UK wide engineering consultancy, and 20 other partner organisations in Aberdeen.
Orchard Brae School is a special school for children and young people with additional support needs. Fairhurst, along with the other business partners, understood the specific requirements that would help ensure that all of the children would have access to enhanced outdoor learning. They gave their time, expertise and equipment free of charge, often working at weekends in a genuine act of social responsibility and to give back to the community.
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, Aberdeen City Council, said: “This is a wonderful example of partnership working. By working together, everyone at Orchard Brae School, Fairhurst and the other project partners have helped to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for pupils at the school now and in the years to come.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Every act of support and generosity given by the many organisations involved in this project is a commitment to valuing inclusion, the young people of Orchard Brae and their educational journey.”
Elaine Thomson, Executive Head Teacher of Orchard Brae School, said: “Collaborating with Bob McCracken, Chairman of Fairhurst, and the Fairhurst team has been a privilege. Fairhurst’s understanding of our students ensures that the classroom will cater to the evolving needs of our learners. Further to the recent completion of this project we look forward to our students engaging with the inspiring space.”
Fairhurst values the opportunity to contribute to the local community. Bob McCracken, said: “The collective generosity of local development and construction companies towards this project has been truly overwhelming. We sincerely appreciate their willingness to come together and make such significant contributions.”
The families of Orchard Brae pupils are also delighted to know that through partnerships with local businesses with strong community values, this initiative will have a positive impact on their children's education and wellbeing.
The school’s key project partners led by Fairhurst, have gone above and beyond to make a lasting and invaluable contribution to the success of this outdoor project. The key partners are: WM Donald; Donaldson Timber Engineering; Fowler McKenzie; Balmoral Group; James Jamieson Construction; Aberdeen City Council; Skyform Group; CALA Homes; CTI Joinery; Friends of Orchard Brae; Taylors Industrial Services; Glenmoir Construction; Global Crane Services; GSS Developments; Hutcheon Services; Leiths Group; McIntosh Plant Hire; Ogilvie Construction; Landform; Scotia Windows & Doors.
Photo (from Left to Right): Stuart Thompson, Fairhurst Partner; Councillor Martin Greig; Councillor Jessica Mennie; Bob McCracken, Chairman of Fairhurst; Elaine Thomson (pink jacket), Executive Head Teacher, Orchard Brae School; with pupils and staff at the official opening of the school’s new outdoor classroom.