The design of POWIIIS Primary evolved after a great deal of consultation, research and review. Taking into account the position and requirements, a design was decided upon which reflects modern research findings for optimum learning for primary aged children.
The HEAD Project (Holistic Evidence and Design) was conducted by Salford University in the UK in 2015 and is the first time that clear evidence of the effect on users of the overall design of the physical learning space has been isolated in real life situations. This formed the basis for the design.
Pupils spend a large proportion of their day at school and consequently the physical characteristics of spaces does impact on their experience. The single most important finding from the research is that there is clear evidence that the physical characteristics of primary schools does impact on pupils’ learning progress in reading, writing and mathematics.
There are three main aspects of the design which affect learning, the first being naturalness.
Our design embraces all these factors. All areas are bright and have natural light flooding into them. The design allows for a natural air flow as well as providing adequate mechanical air conditioning which maintains both air quality and a suitable temperature. All classrooms have acoustic pin-board between adjoining walls and floating ceilings along with carpets in certain areas, all planned to reduce noise. The four specific classroom blocks allow the different age groups to not be disturbed by younger children. The breakout areas, in all blocks, that lead directly onto age appropriate playgrounds allow the pupils to easily access outside at any time.
The second design feature that affects learning is known as Individualisation.
Our design allows for flexibility with ready access to breakout areas, meeting/quiet rooms on each level, specialist rooms and also a range of reading areas. The classrooms will have floor to ceiling pin-board allowing pupils to easily display their work and pupils will also have their own storage drawer. The décor in each block will be age appropriate enabling each pupil to feel safe within their own environment.
The third design feature that affects learning is known as Stimulation
The interior design of the school has been carefully constructed with regard to these findings. The colours chosen for each area are age appropriate and, while the break out areas offer a greater degree of stimulation the classrooms are of a more simple design. This will allow the pupils to take ownership of the classroom by displaying their own work.
The whole design of POWIIS Primary has been developed with pupils’ optimum learning at its heart.