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Transformation at Aberdeen’s Cordyce School

AN ABERDEEN secondary school which offers a lifeline for youngsters with behavioural difficulties have been given a new lease of life thanks to a community investment programme run by city business, Deloitte.

30 staff from the professional services firm in Aberdeen swapped their business suits for overalls and got their gardening tools at the ready to help transform the buildings and grounds at Cordyce School in Dyce.

The school provides education for around 40 pupils with additional support needs, arising from social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Deloitte employees put their gardening and construction skills to good use. Green-fingered staff also brought parts of the dilapidated garden area up to date and painted garden furniture and the school’s outdoor classroom, to ensure they are used as much as possible over the summer.

Derek Henderson, Office Senior Partner for Deloitte in Aberdeen said: “The school offers a holistic support service, not just simple education, so the availability of outdoor facilities which establish interest and provide learning opportunities for the students, plus homely areas within the school, is key to their work.

“We are absolutely delighted to be supporting the school and that by contributing a bit of time and energy we can go some way towards helping restore the once impressive grounds and garden areas to their former glory and providing the pupils with a more modern facility which helps meet their needs.”

Head teacher at Cordyce School, Maureen Simmers said, “We are very grateful to Deloitte for their support and appreciate all of the effort that went into making this garden makeover possible.

“It’s incredibly important that the children have somewhere that they can relax, play and have fun learning, out with the classroom. This project ensures that we can provide a welcoming haven for the children to escape to at breaks and in between lessons.”

Deloitte made a contribution of nearly £10million to the community in the UK during 2010, including more than 44,000 hours of volunteering and nearly £6 million of discounted and pro bono services to the community. Deloitte’s community contribution is focussed on four key areas of activity: The Environment, Skills and Education, Disability Sport and Charitable Giving.

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