24 May 2007 This news release issued by Grounds for Learning

Auchtertool Primary School is celebrating the latest improvement to its school grounds. With the help of a grant from ExxonMobil’s Greener Grounds Programme, they have just installed a new log seating area in their playground allowing pupils to spend more time learning outside their classroom walls. The area is also proving to be very popular at playtimes with younger pupils using the seating as play equipment.

Mrs Liz Johnson, head teacher, said: “We are delighted with our new native wood seating. The children have had great fun playing on them - they have added a real dimension to our playground.”

Jo Hobbett from Grounds for Learning, added: “Auchtertool Primary have transformed their playground with planters, herbs, nectar plants, a wildlife pond and lots of planting for biodiversity. The new seats will help them make the most of these new resources literally by taking the classroom outside.”

Notes for editors:
Grounds for Learning is the school grounds charity for Scotland running a programme designed to help Scottish schools develop and use their schools grounds for positive play, learning and growth and connecting children to nature in their formative years.

The Greener Grounds programme is supported by ExxonMobil and provides advice and practical help to selected schools in Fife. It helps schools transform their grounds into greener, more interesting places to learn and play, and grow up with more connection with the natural world.