The design of schools
Working with Year 7 pupils at Greensward College, Hockley, I realised once again how little we consider pupil's opinion on their learning environment.
We wanted pupils to discuss and give feedback on a questionnaire that we had prepared for our work with the Design Council. This project sets out to allow pupils, teachers and governors to evaluate their school environment with regard to lighting, furniture, desks, chairs, storage, atmosphere and the like. The online tool then presents ways in which improvements can be made to the school with links to resources to support them in making such improvements.
The pupils enthusiasm to reflect and share their opinions about their school was staggering. Later I asked... "If this kind of questionnaire was put on a website, what would make pupils such as you want to use this tool?"
Their response was to be expected...."Nobody ever asks us about what we think of school, this site would allow us to have our say"
I realised then, just how how little we consider pupils opinion about the design of their current school, nevermind the school of the future. I've began to think why this might be:
- teachers, senior management don't consider pupils to be able to share their thoughts and opinions.
- schools are frightened to give pupils a voice....anarchy ensues!
- matters relating to the school is the responsibilty of those who run it(!)
any others?
I imagine school councils creates the forum to allow pupils to have a voice in matters related to their school.
Comments
visitor
19 September 2004 - 7:25am
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Stephen Powell
I agree with your general point, but doubt that many teachers also get the opportunity to have input to school designs. I suspect this is still controlled largely by LEA, their archtects, and regulations!
visitor
20 September 2004 - 7:26am
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Malcolm Moss
Some (admittedly few) schools do have a genuine school council. Students can raise their own issues and comment on proposals. The biggest ogres are the building regulations and LEA staff who have limited perceptions. The regulations operate on a limited view of pedagogy and describe minima which become maxima to keep costs down. I know from experience the regulations offer no support to those who challenge orthodoxy.
visitor
24 September 2004 - 5:43pm
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Lisa Munton
The comprehensive school my two eldest children attend is only two years old, and I think was paid for through the PFI initiative - and it looks just like a prison inside! Every aspect of the design of the main building makes it look like something out of Prisoner Cell Block H (http://www.woottonbassett.wilts.sch.uk/) Some areas like the library, music/theatre facilities and ICT facilities are excellent, but the classrooms themselves are very small with just enough space for desks and chairs - it would have been wonderful for the children to have more say in the design. An identical school was also built in Malmesbury, about 10 miles from here, so it wasn't an accident it was designed like that! However as other readers have commented, in the experience I have from my own school it seems to be the wishes of the Headteacher, the LEA and the school's budget which dictates the design rather than those people (staff and pupils)who spend most time there.
visitor
4 July 2005 - 10:22pm
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C J's Craft House
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