They're bringing the outdoors indoors at Holmfirth High School.
And even though the official opening ceremony took place in a downpour, they are delighted with the success of The Lookout project.
Many thousands of pounds have been raised by the school Parent Teacher Association to help fund the project and there have also been donations from local firms and organisations.
The latest was a donation of £1,000 from Sainsburys, who have just opened a Sainsburys Local store in the centre of Holmfirth. The money they donated has helped to pay for furniture in the unit.
The new unit called The Lookout was officially opened by the Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Paul Kane, who was joined by the Mayoress, Susan Bedford. He cut the ribbon to formally open the facility and also planted a plum tree which had been kindly donated by the contractors, Eurolink.
A school spokesman said: “The school expressed their thanks to the PTA who had worked tirelessly to raise a substantial amount of money which went towards the purchase of the building.
“Although the rain came, it did not dampen the very positive mood of everyone present.
“Students and staff are extremely excited about this new, innovative facility and are looking forward to it being used extensively over the coming months”.
The classroom is designed to support outdoor learning and will be a base from which teachers can lead lessons which feature painting and drawing outdoors, environmental studies, orienteering, horticulture and drama.
The classroom doors open out onto the school garden and create a fantastic learning space which is self-sufficient with a toilet and kitchen facility.
It is also hoped that the ‘Lookout’ can provide a base for out of hours community use.
