Everybody outside for class

Pupils at a primary school in Manchester will be enjoying outdoor science lessons this term thanks to BUPA.

Nine volunteers from the health insurer's offices in Salford Quays donned overalls and got stuck into the challenge of building an outdoor science classroom at the Wilbraham Primary School in Fallowfield.

Over two days the BUPA employees painted benches in primary colours, built a woodland trail and designed a planting area where pupils can grow their own plants and learn more about science within a natural habitat.

The challenge was the brainchild of BUPA staff on the Moving into Management training programme - a 10 month course designed for those taking their first step into a managerial position.

BUPA Community Connections supported the team's efforts by funding all the equipment and paint needed. Set up in 2001, BUPA Community Connections co-ordinates staff involvement and develops partnerships in the local communities that BUPA operates in.

Lisa Sadler, an assistant marketing manager at BUPA Health Insurance and also one of the volunteers, said: "The outdoor classroom looks great and we're all very proud of the team's achievements. We had a great time and I'm sure the children will have just as much fun learning about science in a unique way. I certainly wish we had an outdoor classroom when I was at school!"

Tim Hatcliffe, the school's head teacher, was delighted with the results and said: "We teach over 400 children between the ages of 3 and 11 and being able to take some lessons outside will really bring science to life. We want to give our BUPA friends a big thank you for all their hard work and for getting this done just in time for the summer term."