Used wooden cable drums from Forth Valley College are becoming a symbol of learning for school and nursery children across the area – thanks to a bangin’ idea from a staff member.
The College’s Commercial Training Department - especially the CompEx Hazardous Areas and Electrical Safety training section – use a lot of cable in the duration of their courses and the wooden drums need to be sent away for recycling.
However, Alistair McKean, FVC’s Training & Business Development Manager realised that the wooden cable drums could be the ideal item for creative and imaginative children to help them learn and play.
Alistair, said: “The department goes through about one or two cable drums per month and we previously put them into the wood skip.
“On speaking to my wife, a Primary 1 teacher at Moray Primary School in Grangemouth, I suggested that they could use the wooden cable drums to support indoor learning and outdoor play, so dropped them off to the school last year.
“After seeing what they had created, my sister-in-law a teacher at Laurieston Primary School and my wife’s best friend, a teacher at Westquarter Primary School and my daughter’s nursery at Kinnaird Primary School, all requested a wee cable drum drop off!
“As you can see from the photos what they are using them for is really impressive.
I am delighted that Forth Valley College can help create exciting learning spaces at local primary schools with the recycling of the used cable drums.”
Elaine Campbell, from Laurieston Primary School, said: “The cable drums kindly delivered to our school are used daily in our playground. They are currently being used as part of our 'loose parts play'. Loose parts play is about providing children with an environment that encourages them to discover things, experiment and develop their curiosity. We encourage pupils to use their imagination and creativity while outdoors to create their own toys and games in their outdoor learning environment.
“As you can see from the photographs, pupils have been creating obstacle courses, using them for seating areas and as part of sporting activities. Thank you again to the team at Forth Valley College for supplying us with these resources. It is great to be able to work in partnership with local businesses.”
A spokesperson for Westquarter Early Learning and Childcare Nursery, said: “A huge thank you to the Commercial Training Department at Forth Valley College for kindly donating their old cable drums to our nursery. The cable drums have been a fantastic addition to our nursery garden and have been used for a number of fun and exciting learning experiences, most recently a potion station. The drums have also been used inside our environment and with a little TLC, have helped to create cosy, inviting and open ended spaces for children to explore. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!”
Any FVC staff that would like to collect and drop some cable drums off at their local primary school or nursery school, please contact Alistair on – alistair.mckean@forthvalley.ac.uk
