Kilwaughter Minerals Helps Transform Learning at Larne Grammar School

Kilwaughter Minerals has helped to significantly enhance the educational experience of pupils at Larne Grammar School by providing funding for two innovative projects through its charity partnership with Brighter Futures.

Together they have supported the creation of a new sensory room at the school and the transformation of an existing pond area into an immersive outdoor sciences classroom.

These spaces help improve pupils’ wellbeing, boost their academic achievement and help them develop essential life skills, creating a more holistic, enriching and inclusive educational environment.

Caroline Rowley, Business Development Director at Kilwaughter Minerals, said:

“At Kilwaughter, we are committed to educational outreach, fostering community wellbeing and improving sustainability, and these projects are testament to that commitment.

“We’re very proud to work with Brighter Futures and to support Larne Grammar School in this way as the school is closely aligned with our values around sustainability and biodiversity. We’re delighted to contribute to the growth and development of such a forward-thinking school.”

Equipped with colourful, interactive and textural elements, the new sensory room is designed to create a calming and stimulating environment for students. These features include beanbags, ambience and mood LED lighting, a calming sound system, piano, fidget toys, and sensory play items.

The second project involved the regeneration of an existing pond area, transforming it into a vibrant outdoor sciences classroom.

Alana Steele, Learning Support Coordinator at Larne Grammar School, said:

“The new sensory room has significantly enhanced our SEN programme at school. It offers a safe and calming space for our students with special educational needs, helping to improve concentration and general behaviour, and to promote inclusivity.

“The room also helps students by encouraging creativity and self-expression as well as supporting motor skill development and musicality.”

Hilary Pyper, Head of Biology at Larne Grammar School, said:

“The new outdoor sciences classroom offers a unique and invaluable resource to our students as they complete on-site fieldwork.

“There are so many benefits of outdoor learning - including physical activity, fresh air and hands-on learning with nature - many of which are just not available in most schools.”

Gregg Humphrey, Trustee at Brighter Futures, added:

“It is an honour for Brighter Futures to work in partnership with Kilwaughter Minerals in its generous support of these transformative projects at Larne Grammar School.

“These initiatives demonstrate the power of corporate social responsibility in creating a positive impact on the lives of young people in the community. By investing in education and community wellbeing, we can help make a lasting difference.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Dearbhla MacDonald, Lighthouse Communications [email protected] or Tel: 07703 294050

Notes to Editor

About Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd

• Established in 1939, Kilwaughter Minerals Limited is a quarry and mineral processor headquartered on a 187-acre site in Larne, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland
• Kilwaughter’s brands include Kilwaughter Lime, award-winning K Systems and K Rend, with K Rend being the UK and Ireland’s largest silicone render manufacturer
• Kilwaughter was recently named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies for the third consecutive year, as part of the prestigious awards programme led by Deloitte Ireland.
• Kilwaughter has recently become part of the multi-national Saint-Gobain group, which is a world-wide leader in light and sustainable construction solutions.