Page 7 - DEGW Annual Review 2009/10

Schools large groups
(up to double-classes)

Providing school children with choice

of spaces to support their specific resources individual/paired

small groups learning spaces
learning needs
problem-solving speaking and listening reflecting
resources Resources designing/making discussing
thinking
research
debating
thinking
debating small
groups

Education systems have traditionally focused Today, the central hall – a main thoroughfare

on efficiency and scale, making little allowance linking different parts of the school – has been

for individual needs or aspirations. Today, it transformed from an under­used gym space active zone quiet zone

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is increasingly recognised around the world into central learning hub. collaborative learning individual learning

that providing a learning experience that is Coloured windows and ceiling­hung banners – speaking and listening – discussing

more customised can markedly improve define three zones based around different group – thinking – reflecting

an individual’s knowledge, understanding sizes and activities, allowing noisy, busy activities – problem-solving – thinking

and skills. – designing/making – debating

and calmer, more studious work to take place – researching – researching

West Hill Primary School, one of ten pilots in the simultaneously. West Hill Primary School

UK Government’s Space for Personalised Learning

Fixed and moveable items, including co­ordinated

(S4PL) research study, has become a nationally

furniture and bespoke joinery elements, help

recognised leader in demonstrating the possibilities
a

‘We’ve got so many different of this approach. achieve high degree of flexibility to support

collaborative

and personal learning in varying
learning environments, all The research study, led by DEGW, aims to group sizes for each zone.

within this one space, and understand the spatial implications of creating

the flexibility to adapt those more personalised learning experiences. At West Storage walls have been integrated along

learning environments to Hill, the challenge was to deliver a physical solution perimeter walls with magnetic finishes throughout

meet the needs of a to support the school’s own personalised learning to allow maximum surface usage for learning,

displaying

and expression.

particular task or lesson. vision by developing a strategy and change

It provides children with the management programme for the design and As the study continues, results from West Hill

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opportunity make choices, implementation new type of learning space and the other pilot schools are continuously
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and think ‘yes’, this is the within the school’s listed Victorian building. being shared with educationalists, designers

way want to learn, this is Working with pupils, teachers, parents and and strategists across the UK education sector
I

the way I learn best, and the school governors, the DEGW team used and beyond. This ensures that school building

programmes

can incorporate best and next

then move into the space a variety of consultation methods to look at the practice they proceed. On completion the

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that meets that need.’ philosophies personalisation and resulting new study expects to deliver a briefing and design

ways teaching and learning. A concept design

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Laura Malyn that could be swiftly implemented at an affordable methodology support schools and local

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Year One Teacher, West Hill cost, using only the Devolved Formula Capital authorities developing local solutions

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Primary School, London available the school, was then created. themselves they move from mass

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educating personalised learning.

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