Case Study London

Introduction

Following the highly successful makeover of social spaces at Liscard Primary School during National School Environments Week 2007, 2008 saw an amazing transformation of learning spaces at Southfield Primary School in the London Borough of Ealing.

Southfield Primary School was built in 1906 with additions to the building in the 1970s. It is a 2FE primary school which serves a diverse area of west London. On the surface the school has a wide range of learning spaces, but many of these need modernising or are difficult to manage. Charlie Morris,the Headteacher, has been working hard to update spaces in the school and a major project is planned over the summer to replace the school windows but there was still much to be done to further develop the teaching and learning spaces.

Areas Chosen

1. The Attic

The school has two attic spaces. One, which was originally the Headteacher’s office, is used for storage of costumes and props. It includes a large central space and three smaller spaces. With a major clear out and good storage, this space has the potential to be transformed into a drama room or music practice area. The school was keen to make this a useable space and with a fresh look and some imaginative planning to become a vibrant learning area.

2. The Outdoor Classroom

The school has done much to create stimulating outdoor social areas for pupils but, as with many urban schools, it lacked green space. A fenced off area of the playground contained a pond and wildlife space. It was overgrown and under used. The school was keen to transform this area into an external classroom to provide a stimulating space to study science.

3. The Junior Dining Room

The Junior dining room is a blank canvas – an under used space which lacks stimulation but which the school would like to see as a vibrant area which could be used for much more than eating. One issue is the fact that the school needs to keep the space in use during School Environments Week, so the challenge would be to rethink the area without causing significant inconvenience.

The Result

Many thanks to the following companies/Organisations who made the project work:

Buro Four Project Services LimitedAlexi Marmot Associates
ESA McIntosh
Ecophon
Buschow Henley Limited
Steljes Ltd
Building Research Establishment
London Borough of Ealing
Southfield Primary School