The SCIL building – some reflections

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When creating a new multimodal, multimedia ‘library’, our best decision was not in creating an iconic and distinctive building, but to realistically appraise the ‘book situation’ and decide to create two satellite mini-libraries for K-6 and send about 90% of the Years 7-12 collection to the classrooms. There the books are used. In a library they sit in shelves not borrowed.

This in turn creating an amazing opportunity – to take a flexible open space and turn it into a true playground for learning. The result – our SCIL Building with its interwoven learning spaces led by pedagogy, not technology. The space itself can shape the learning pathway and help teachers make the jump to the 21st century context. And the kids love it!

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Learning and living in the Zone - after 33 years in schools, I think I have finally seen an approach that truly personalises and differentiates learning. Ironically the answer does not lie in creating smaller classes, rather - one class of 180 students, 6 teachers, one flexible space, lots of creative, collaborative teamwork and planning … and the result - learning in abundance.

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Student responses to changing the feel of the classroom via changing the type of expected furniture:

1.      “The lounges suggest that we should be working together – so we do”

2.       “We can easily have whole class conversations – and everyone listens”

3.      “When we work in groups, it is easy to form and re-form them”

4.      “It makes school feel more like home”

5.      “When we watch a video, I don’t automatically think of how uncomfortable it is going to be because of the rigid chair back”

6.      “I want to get to class quickly to get a nice chair”