DEVELOPMENT
A NEW HOME FOR ENGLISH – ' AN ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL SPACE '
SEATING AND STUDY SPACES
Purpose-built , aesthetically pleasing open zones and collaborative spaces
The long-term plan to create 12 House Rooms around the School ’ s second Quadrangle , St Andrew ’ s Square , has begun in earnest , commencing with the relocation of the English Department to the Lithgow Centre , which has freed up six rooms in the Language Centre to , in time , convert to House Rooms .
Purpose-built , aesthetically pleasing open zones and collaborative spaces have already had an impact on the delivery of the English curriculum to students in the Lithgow . The new environment well reflects the ‘ conversations of learning ’ philosophy which has underpinned the rationale behind all the major building works that have occurred at Scotch in recent times , and which we see play out so effectively in the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science and the Spencer Centre for Design and Technology .
Mr Ryan Johnstone , Head of English , anticipated that the move closer to ‘ the heart of the School ’ would facilitate ‘ an opportunity to renew the faculty ’ s connection with the boys and other departments ’, but the new spaces have clearly surpassed even his expectations :
‘ The new English home is an absolutely beautiful space ; its inviting curves and soft wood panelling contribute to a wonderful sense of serenity ; a number of boys have commented on how peaceful and inviting it is .
‘ The English team has been delighted to see the boys immediately gravitate to the new space : from the early morning Year 12 study groups , to the late-afternoon conference room debates and one-on-one discussions with teachers , it would seem the space is delivering in exactly the ways the department had hoped , encouraging interaction and engagement . Meanwhile , the staff are very pleased with their spacious new staff room , intimate Library , comfortable conference and meeting rooms and leafy views over the Meares .’
PATTY WALLACE-SMITH
44 Great Scot Issue 160 – September 2020