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KEY ISSUES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY SCHOOL Education is a recognised priority, not just for the Government, but also for society as a whole. It is the key to preparing the nation for the emergence of the knowledge economy and its increased demands for skills and human capital. Despite their importance to successful education, many school buildings are of poor design, are dull and uniform and have an institutional look. To succeed in raising educational standards and improving attainment levels we need to examine how to make our existing schools better and ensure that new school buildings are well designed and built. If schools are to provide excellent educational facilities for the next 20 to 30 years, designs for new school buildings and major adaptations need to take account of current and likely future developments in education and technology. Schools, LEAs and designers need to be aware of key drivers for change in schools, including the likely impact of a more diverse curriculum; new ways of learning and the impact of ICT; opening up the school to other pupils and the community as a whole and the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs into mainstream schools. As new school buildings will serve their communities for many years to come it is important that they are high quality, attractive buildings. Design quality encompasses a number of issues but should include sustainability, flexibility and adaptability, and value for money. Part 1 outlines the issues mentioned above which all need to be considered when briefing for and designing school buildings to ensure that they are fit for their purpose and enjoyable to use. The sections are as follows: 1.1
Schools and the changing curriculum |
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