YOUNGSTERS at two East Lothian secondary schools will be continuing their learning experience outside the traditional classroom after a near £8,000 funding boost.

Haddington’s Knox Academy and Dunbar Grammar School both received £3,938 for outdoor seating and tables.

The cash boost came through Community Windpower and BeGreen’s joint Covid-19 crisis fund.

The two grants were quickly approved, which allowed the schools to purchase the equipment required to use the space as an extra resource.

The tables and chairs allow all classes to use the outdoor area, while they will also be used at break and lunch time by all students, to enable them to have fresh air and help improve their health and wellbeing.

Staff at Knox Academy reviewed its outside space and identified a large internal courtyard and areas of hard pacing, which could offer both lessons and a place for children to spend breaks and lunch.

Meanwhile, it was a similar story at Dunbar’s secondary school.

Claire Slowther, headteacher at Dunbar Grammar School, was delighted with the funding boost.

New outdoor furniture is now in place to help students at Dunbar Grammar School

New outdoor furniture is now in place to help students at Dunbar Grammar School

She said: “On behalf of the whole school we are really thankful for the generous support from Community Windpower and BeGreen.

“The funding allowed us to purchase five high quality outdoor seating units, which we would have struggled to otherwise finance.

“Despite the cool autumn temperatures, our students have been extensively using them and enjoying the different setting for classes.

“We have had classes outside working and every break and lunch the seats are full of students relaxing and enjoying some food.”

Diane Wood, community benefits director at Community Windpower, which operates the Aikengall windfarms in the Lammermuir Hills to the south of Dunbar, was delighted to be able to help out.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see the success of what our funding has helped the school achieve for its pupils and staff.

“By providing children with an outdoor space in which to both learn and relax, it can have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

“We didn’t hesitate when Dunbar Grammar School explained what it was planning to do with the funding, because it’s important we support all members of our communities during this Covid-19 pandemic.

“While the outdoor space might be used a bit less during winter, I’m sure when spring arrives the outdoor seating units will be once again used constantly throughout the school day.”