BRE and a team of construction industry experts and educational suppliers are carrying out a 'Changing Rooms' type makeover of an Ealing School this week to mark National School Environments Week.

They will transform three key areas of Southfield Primary School during a five-day project to show how educational spaces can be changed to provide better learning and teaching opportunities for pupil and staff.

"There is more to this project then improving the look of the school," said Chloe Halfhide, BRE, which provided consultancy support and advice on the designs and proposals for the two rooms. "The classroom environment - including such issues as lighting levels and acoustics – can make a big difference to learning and teaching success. Also, addressing a number of environmental issues in this practical way provides a valuable learning experience."


A successful school makeover was part of the first National School Environments Week held in June last year, when the staff room and library at Liscard Primary in Wallasey received the makeover treatment.

"I worked alongside Year 5 and 6 pupils carrying out workshops on different aspects of sustainable development, including climate change, water use, waste and transport," said Ms Halfhide.

"School buildings are sometimes described as the "third teacher", and we ignore the built environment at our peril," said Ty Goddard, Director of the British Council for School Environments (BCSE), which is overseeing the Week.

"The makeover will bring together limited resources with unlimited imagination and show how a learning environment can be altered beyond recognition."

Partners are also discussing offering re-designs for the junior dining room, the infant library, and another outdoor space; this will ensure the school has exciting designs it can use in the future. Final plans and changes will be agreed pending consultation with both pupils and staff.

BCSE members include: Acoustic Design Ltd, Alexi Marmot Associates, Atkins, Baily Garner, BRE, Buro Four, Buschow Henley Architects, EC Harris, Gensler, RyderHKS, Saint-Gobain Ecophon Ltd, Steljes and Willmott Dixon. They will provide construction and design expertise to the school, as well as materials and other educational supplies.

Work formally began on the makeover on Tuesday 24 June, with a ‘reveal' ceremony to be held on June 27.

(JM)