Learning Resources Centre
ICT Suite
Combining the latest technology with advanced learning
Intelligent Designs
Envoplan’s Learning Resource Centres are testament to our intelligent designs and our knowledge of the latest technology in line with the importance of learning.
In light of recent global events educators are now more and more recognising technology as a great way to improve engagement, and schools are constantly looking at how they can best create areas for students to maximise their learning in all subjects.
Ahead of the curve
Your school’s resources must:
- Be carefully and sensitively installed
- Show an awareness of the children’s requirements
- Enhance your students' learning across the board
We understand that staying ahead of the curve is not easy but we make the process as painless as possible. Investment plays a large part in remaining relevant; spending on technology in schools hit a staggering £900 million by the end of 2020. Our Learning Resources Centre designs will add value to your school whilst giving your students every benefit to study with maximum learning opportunities.
What is a learning resource centre?
Often replacing the more traditional school library, the learning resource centre provides:
“a suitable educational environment that allows learners to benefit from any kind of learning resources.”
It is a place where students and teachers can come together to practise independent learning through a variety of online and physical tools and facilities.
An inspirational learning resource centre should always offer more than just a modernisation of the school library. When correctly designed, the LRC should serve as a hub for school life.
It should not only promote practices of good learning, but nurture community, aid socialisation, and develop the skills that your pupils need to thrive in the modern world. Our designs do all that and more.
The impact on learning
Brian Edwards undertook a comprehensive study examining the changing role and design of resource buildings.
He completed critical evaluations of international case studies exploring the principles of learning design.
His work drilled down into the fundamental impacts of learning resource centres on academic achievement and he discovered that when properly implemented they can become: “dramatic enclosures for knowledge dissemination, research, and learning.” He particularly praised the ability of the learning resource centre to: “encourage the sharing of knowledge and to welcome the spoken word between individuals and groups.
Why is the LRC so relevant in modern education?
“Libraries used to be for reading books. But these days, they seem to cater to everything but. In most libraries, readers are second-class citizens.” Samuel Williams, Spectator
Schools now recognise the importance of integrating technology to work alongside other media such as books, magazines, and journals.
And this is where the importance of design is most relevant. Learning resource centres should be planned as separate entities with careful consideration paid to the specific requirements of your students and the space in which they will operate.
It is crucial that schools place learning resource centres at the heart of their environment; allowing communication, collaboration, and creative skills to thrive. The best learning resource centres inspire the best learning and create the best results – it really is as simple as that.
The impact on learning
Brian Edwards undertook a comprehensive study examining the changing role and design of resource buildings.
He completed critical evaluations of international case studies exploring the principles of learning design.
His work drilled down into the fundamental impacts of learning resource centres on academic achievement and he discovered that when properly implemented they can become: “dramatic enclosures for knowledge dissemination, research, and learning.”
He particularly praised the ability of the learning resource centre to: “encourage the sharing of knowledge and to welcome the spoken word between individuals and groups.
What to include in an LRC?
Clearly defined areas allowing for flexible learning opportunities are key to making an LRC work.
There should be a range of the usual electronic resources, access to web-based information and facilities, and adequate places to work individually and collaboratively with the latest in technology for your ICT suite.
A range of furniture should be included to make your LRC an inspirational place in which to spend time either on solo learning, group work or class projects – whatever your space needs to be.
And don’t be tempted to throw away the books. A recent study discovered that: “the time children spend reading a book instead of a tablet results in higher levels of literacy and a greater likelihood that they will read more.”
There is still a place for the printed word in the LRC and we celebrate books by ensuring they are a feature and focus of your area.
Social development
The importance of the LRC on social development and interaction.
As well as being an invaluable place in which to learn, the LRC plays a far more important role as a centre for social interaction. By providing a range of seating spaces in which users can communicate and socialise, the LRC encourages conversation and aids the personal development of the entire school community.
Who should use it?
There should be no barriers to accessing the LRC.
Whilst timetabling might be necessary to ensure that everyone who enjoys the space can do so safely and effectively, all ages should be able to access the benefits of this inspirational space.
Some schools use their LRC in breaktimes, some just for class learning. Whatever you need it for, Envoplan will design the perfect solution for your school.
Safeguarding and wellbeing
An important consideration for schools designing a new learning resource centre is the safety and protection it offers to all of its staff and pupils.
In the past, libraries have been considered safe havens for those looking for a break from the stresses and strains of school life, so this should be an important factor with the introduction of the LRC.
Pupils must be able to find sanctuary in the environment whilst feeling safe and protected.
Staffing the LRC
Brian Edwards identifies that:
“the role of staff is to aid navigation through types and modes of knowledge, rather than exercise security or sit behind a desk.”
An effectively utilised learning resource centre helps staff to gently guide the pupils towards making the most of the available facilities.
In the first instance, this might simply involve signposting students towards resources, areas in which to work, or suggesting reading materials to aid their studies.
But as the LRC develops, staff should be challenging children’s thinking in order to develop independent learning and critical thinking.
Think we’re a good fit?
If you’ve got a school refurbishment or interior design project you’d like to discuss with us, please get in touch.
Simply call +44 (0) 20 8997 9656 or email us.
Case Studies
Kingsley School Learning Resource Centre
We worked with the Kingsley School to design and deliver a thriving library —a space where, according to their Headmistress, “Everybody wants to come, learn, grow, read, and be together.”
St. Stephen’s School Boarding
Embarking on a transformative project to expand its capacity and enhance the student experience
St. Mary’s School Cambridge
We worked with St Mary’s School, Cambridge, to design and deliver a series of thriving classrooms.
Woldingham School – Sixth Form Centre
This cutting-edge sixth form centre has directly led to a very positive impact on learning outcomes and wellbeing.
Peterborough School
The Vision With the support of their governors, the Peterborough School embarked on an ambitious project to reimagine their early years classroom, envisioning a reception …
Farnborough Hill
Designing and Delivering a Flexible Classroom and Multifunctional Sixth Form
Tormead School – Sixth Form Centre
This cutting-edge sixth form centre has directly led to a very positive impact on learning outcomes and wellbeing.
Halliford School – Learning Resource Centre
Halliford School worked with Envoplan to create a brand-new Learning Resource Centre for students, staff, and visitors.
Marist School – Sixth Form
The Marist School embarked on a project with Envoplan to redesign their sixth form, driven by Headmistress Jo Smith’s vision of a bright, purposeful, and multifunctional area that fosters academic and personal growth.
Sherborne School For Girls
Sherborne School needed additional study space due to the increased number of pupils for Sixth Form entry.
Edgbaston School For Girls
Edgbaston Sixth Form Centre approached Envoplan with a challenge to refurbish its existing learning space.
St. Christopher’s School
St. Christopher’s Prep School for Girls isn’t any old school. Over 140 years ago, the school was founded as a small establishment in Hampstead, run entirely by Miss Roberts in her father’s drawing room.