Banff Academy project will transform courtyard into health and wellbeing space
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Banff Academy has launched a project to redevelop its currently unused courtyard area.
The school is working with the local community to transform the space to improve its facilities.
The redevelopment has been requested by pupils as well as staff across all departments and will form part of its Covid recovery plan.
The courtyard will become a health and wellbeing space supporting the school's resilience to and recovery from the pandemic.
Acting principal teacher of additional support for learning Claire Levett said: "This is an enclosed safe space that will be accessible for all learners, staff and the wider community in different ways, while also working sensitively with our native wildlife.
"We have started to work with community groups, organisations and businesses to create this new area.
"In the centre of the courtyard there will be a multi-functional dome. This is where we can have meetings, invite the community for sessions and will act as an extra learning space.
"This large outdoor area will be divided up into four quadrants.
"The first will be a health and wellbeing garden for staff and learners to access at various times.
"A gardening space will allow the school to run a programme linked to national awards and qualifications. This is where we hope to work with community groups, local businesses and organisations.
"There will also be an outdoor classroom which will allow pupils and staff to learn in a different environment.
"Finally there will be a sensory play area and all-weather gym which will provide recreation space which the school community can use.
"This area will be sustainable and maintained predominantly by Banff Academy learners.
"We have already been successful in being awarded Young Scot funding which we recently applied for. This has allowed us to fund our outdoor classroom quadrant.
"We can’t wait to make this project happen for the school and the wider community."
