The corridors are another issue with the current layout as people would have to squeeze through each other in these congested places in order to get to their lessons on time. Widening them to offer greater mobility would be a solution to the problem. These solutions are ways in which I think would improve students’ moods and help them to enjoy the day more (as well as teachers).
Classroom design and facilities
In the case of classrooms and facilities, there doesn't seem to be enough in the current layout, causing some lessons to be moved to places which would not suit them. As a result, some students would be less inspired to learn and disruptions from moving about too much can cause a loss of concentration. Classrooms also seem to be scattered across the school grounds so journeys between lessons are long and unnecessary.
With the new layout, I suggest moving lessons with similarities closer together, and moving the classrooms into one area. This would shorten journey time and gain space in areas that could be used for other things. Students would benefit from this due to time that is saved and added to breaks and lunch, improving them more.
Recreation areas and sports facilities and the wider community
The current layout of the school, although has space for sports areas, has few access points to them. Furthermore they are at the back of the school so journey times are long (if you have P.E. and you come from the front entrance)
To simply address this problem it would be essential to have an extra gate placed near the afro turf to grant access to the sport facilities, this would require additional teachers to watch the gate at lunch times and break times but I believe this would be a beneficial to everyone including visitors and P.E teachers.
Other schools who are participating in sports at Acland Burghley can be granted access to the school without disrupting other pupils and be directed straight into the sports ground.
Study areas
When a student thinks of study area they often refer to the iL@b; a place where a pupil can work, research and study with a vast amount of knowledge and resources at their disposal. This is a perfect place for any student to focus on their work. But what has seen to be a present problem with the iL@b is that it is restricted to certain year groups that are divided into different days. If the iL@b was expanded and more staff placed into it then possibly it could enable all pupils who if in need of use of the iL@b can receive it without the restrictions of a certain year group on certain days. If any student can use the facilities at any lunch or break time the stress of homework and coursework would positively decrease.
Decoration, lighting and display areas.
Although all of the classrooms have been decorated, the outside of the school has not been painted for many years. The paint is peeling and in places the guttering in broken or missing completely. The windows also need replacing because their frames are made of wood and these are rotten. Double-glazed windows would look smarter and make the classrooms a lot warmer. This would save the school money on heating bills in the long term.
Signs should also be placed on the outside walls of the school building. These should direct school visitors to the reception and to relevant school departments. This would be helpful for strangers to the school who have never been here before and also to the pupils in Year 7 who need a lot of support finding there classrooms during their first few weeks in school.
Conclusion
When I first joined this school 3 Years ago I felt an instant connection to the buildings, teachers and students. Everyday I felt compelled to learn and I truly enjoyed it. Sadly as I grew older I noticed its undeserving flaws, it would be my pleasure to persuade you Mr Shew and the Governors to enhance the future education of children which will attend Acland Burghley. Being a head teacher wouldn’t it be your utter most important responsibility to improve the school life of hundreds of children? I wholesomely believe that these ideas can create the perfect environment for students and teachers alike. Pupils will appreciate your actions until the day you retire, if only you could follow my recommendations.
Thank you
