A fle xible learning space
Exploring the relationship between
the classroom space and the
learning that takes place within it.
Established in 2017 as a means to facilitate teacher-
led research into effective school practice, our
Institute of Teaching and Learning has been exploring
the notion of a correlation between the physical
environment of a classroom space and the learning
that takes place within it.
As a result, one of the new rooms in our Global
Study Centre is defined as a ‘flexible learning space’.
This means that it is designed to facilitate varied
classroom arrangements and provide support for
different teaching and learning approaches, depending
on the subject, topic and the size and type of class.
GSC2 is a room in which single triangular desks, on
wheels, can be placed in varied configurations – from
formal rows to small or large groups – in any kind of
manner. Desks are ‘writable’; this means that students
can use pens to make notes on them (which they
subsequently photograph), work collaboratively,
draw pictures, graphs, spider diagrams or flow charts
– whatever facilitates their learning in the most
effective manner. The room also includes a writable
wall, which allows students and teachers to make use
of a large space that goes from floor to ceiling. The
teacher can therefore be more creative, students can
work together to explore, experiment with or develop
ideas – and their learning made more visible for the
teacher to see and provide immediate feedback.
In GSC2 the teacher is free to lead from any particular
position, but also to move around the room, working
with and in support of students, in order to encourage
a sense of independence and autonomy – a degree
of ‘ownership’ over the content and skills they
are learning. The teacher can also make use of a
portable digital device to deliver particular content,
demonstrate skills, or interact with students live as
they also substitute pen and paper for a screen and
electronic pen.
To date, the room has been used by every subject,
and feedback has been hugely positive. Teachers have
enjoyed the freedom it has given them to consider
learning in their subject in multiple ways; students
have valued the opportunities it has provided for
more active and collaborative types of learning. It
has been used both in normal lesson time as well as
after school – sometimes by students on their own
for meetings or examination revision. It has also been
used as a space in which tables and chairs have been
done away with altogether – for drama, dance, or
other kinds of more kinaesthetic learning.
GCS2 is fundamentally intended to provide staff and
students with a new way of working together that
will almost certainly inform the development of other
new learning spaces through the school. Its presence
restates our commitment to the most innovative
practices and provision of the most effective way to
teach and to learn.
Mark Beverley
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2018-2019
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