BSW Timber sets benchmark for practical learning at Grantown Grammar School

BSW Timber has donated timber from its nearby mill in Boat of Garten to construct a number of benches at Grantown Grammar School, as part of a practical learning project and joint initiative to improve outdoor social areas for students and staff.

Pupils in the school’s S3 year group were involved in constructing the benches, with the support of peers who integrated the project into their maths classes. They studied the measurements required to assemble the benches as well as the associated costs of hypothetically buying in the required materials and selling on the completed product.

As well as providing improved social areas for students and staff, the benches will form an outdoor classroom in the summer time, used for subjects including maths, science, PE, art and geography.

Kenny McGougan, head of technical learning at Grantown Grammar School, said: “The project has provided a real hands-on project for our students to get involved in across a range of subject areas. From sourcing the wood at the saw mill to producing the finished product, we’ve studied all aspects of the production process. Bringing subjects to life in such a practical way increases the impact of learning for our students, and we’re grateful to BSW for providing the timber for the benches.”

David Mills, mill manager for BSW Timber at Boat of Garten, said: “It’s a pleasure to have been able to support the staff and students at Grantown Grammar, and to have encouraged them to use local materials to improve their school environment whilst learning applicable skills at the same time. We look forward to hearing about how the children are using the benches for outdoor education and recreation as we approach the spring and summer months.”