Learning is extending far beyond the traditional classroom at Dhoon School.

A new artifically grassed area and log cabin classroom have been officially opened at the far side of the school’s grounds.

Head teacher Max Kelly said the idea came from a need to redevelop the unused area: ’Given that Dhoon School is surrounded by gorgeous Manx countryside, a new facility was proposed which would give rise to a wonderful opportunity for the children to access the countryside much more regularly and meaningfully as part of their education.’

It will be equipped with big planters for Manx flowers, bird tables and mini-beast trails and hunts.

The resources will help the children learn about the countryside and outdoor science.

And outside of school hours the area will be opened to the community, from people stopping off on a hike to an outdoor classroom with adult community groups.

Mr Kelly said the community use was an important aspect. Dhoon School is one of only 149 ’Centres of Excellence’ for inclusion in the British Isles.

Mr Kelly thanked everyone who helped with the projet: ’Huge thanks must go to the Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside and the Environment who provided Dhoon School with a generous donation to enable this facility to progress from plans to reality.

’We also recognise the contribution of the Maughold Social Club who provided funds which have enabled us to run power to the log cabin and put down vinyl flooring, and to the NFU who have donated funding towards the new eudcational equipment and resources.

’Local company, Groundcare, also did a fabulous job in installing this facility and have finished it to a high standard.’

About 100 people, including parents, pupils, parents, staff, governors and guests attended the opening on Tuesday.

The ribbon was cut by John Faragher of the Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside and Environment.

The ceremony also saw the name of the log cabin unveiled. Isabella Kerruish, aged eight, provided the winning entry with Balla Childer, an Anglo-Manx fusion which translates as ’Place for Children’.

Isabella said she got the idea by talking to her grandad.

Judges said the entry reflected the purpose of the facility, the Manx community and the Maughold/ Garff area.