Independent schools can lead the way in terms of providing superb environments for learning. Already often sited in beautiful areas surrounded by great sporting facilities and with access to a wealth of technology producing above average results, you may think that senior staff can sit back and feel confident they are already offering everything they can. Right? Wrong.
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Schools in the independent sector are successful precisely because they do not feel they have achieved perfection, even if to the outside eye it looks that way. One way that schools strive for continuous improvement is to refurbish current areas for the latest in design approaches.
This is what independent schools have told us they are looking to upgrade this year:
Library / tech: Schools in the independent sector are always looking at new technology as they know that by keeping one step ahead and continuously learning about digital steps forward, their students are the direct beneficiaries. Within the classroom itself, touchscreens, teaching walls and learning zones to encourage heuristic learning leads to greater success both in school and beyond, with libraries that go beyond classroom access into a world of advanced digital learning that promotes self-learning and study at all levels. Envoplan’s library designs include individual work pods, comfortable group seating, silent work corners, bespoke shelving, collaboration zones and soft seating nooks.
Sixth Form: Your older students are role models for the whole school in the way they dress, act and communicate. Our Sixth Form centres aim to create young leaders by giving them space that is inspirational, encourages maturity and lets all students thrive. Professional, smart educational areas will mean your students are proud to be a part of your school, focussed on doing their best and for younger students, increased retention rates when they get to the upper years of their schooling. At Envoplan, we design aspirational, motivational spaces for your Sixth Formers to study in, ensuring a calm yet professional atmosphere throughout to encourage positive behaviour and wellbeing along with top academic results.
Dining Halls: Interestingly, dining halls have far more of an influence on the school day than most school leaders realise. Generally just seen as a space for eating, the layout and mood settings of dining halls has a huge impact on keeping students calm, peaceful and with increased focus when they go back to lessons. Dining halls with good flow, comfortable seating and acoustics to lower noise will all increase concentration and engagement, meaning more hours of quality learning at all ages. The intelligent layout of our dining halls means students can spend more time doing what is important to them – sports, socialising, attending clubs – and less time trying to navigate old queueing systems, meaning they will feel happier, more ready to concentrate and have a much more productive attitude throughout the day.
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What is your school looking to improve this year?
