A SCHOOL WITHOUT BARRIERS

CRAMLINGTON High School in coastal Northumberland was famed for its innovative approach to new learning techniques, long before it gained its shiny new building.

When North East architects _space were asked to translate the ethos of head teacher Derek Wise into a learning environment which matched up to his vision, they set about designing a building where every child could learn at their own pace, and where coming to school would excite and challenge them in their teenage years.

Two thousand students have recently moved in to the Cramlington Junior Learning Village complex which, thanks to pioneering Faraday funding, is also home to a mini Eden Project-style biome.

A specialist science college, Cramlington JLV is a flexible, IT rich environment. It has been designed for children to learn individually or in cluster groups, but without the formal structure of dividing walls and children sitting in rows.

Peer-to-peer learning is encouraged through spaces that flow together, allowing classes to interact in breakout zones and up to 120 children to gather in the science learning plaza. The informality of the environment gives children the chance to go at their own pace, experiment, coach and mentor each other.

The looser, open plan classroom environment also allows for team teaching areas for large groups - all new concepts for the teaching profession.

However, head teacher Derek Wise has long been known as a pioneer and knows only too well the importance the physical environment plays in helping the teachers engage and inspire young people in secondary education.

Classrooms have “docking stations” rather than desks. Children sit in groups of up to four sharing two PCs. They are free to face in whatever direction is best for group or individual learning, as the tables can be unlocked and moved inwards for group sessions, or turned back to the wall for work in smaller groups or alone.

Andrew Grounsell, lead architect on the project and associate director at _space, says: “The success of our building can only be seen when the teachers and pupils begin reacting to their new environment. We are now watching with interest how they interact with the space, how new teaching practices emerge and flourish.

“Every part of the building has been designed with multiple use and flexibility for children and teachers to colonise as they wish. The heart of the building is a colossal street that can hold the whole school, or even be used as a cafe-style eating area.

“We have created a real sense of collaboration and openness, not least by ensuring that every staff room is set between classrooms and has completely glass walls so pupils can see them, and they can always be present for students.

“There is no ‘us and them’ attitude to the school, which helps children embrace learning and be more interactive with their teachers.”

Cramlington JLV is one of the first seven exemplar schools, and only one of 13 that successfully received Faraday funding.

These additional funds were spent on an outstanding biome complex, which will not only teach botany, biology, energy and the environment, but will provide a challenging backdrop for other subjects such as art and design or drama. This will be supported by an extensive landscaping phase next year, creating an external outdoor learning garden.

Head teacher Derek Wise says: “We are thrilled with our genuine 21st Century school. It's everything we wanted and it will allow us to realise our vision.

“The range of learning environments encourages different approaches to learning and teaching. We are yet to really exploit its potential but there is no doubt that it's an exciting place to be.”