24 | PROMOTION: SOL ARDOME | FACILITIES
W:
www.ie-today.co.uk
ATTRACTING HIGH-FLYERS A school’s buildings play an important role in defining its brand identity, says Martin Hayday
British independent schools have enviable reputations thanks to outstanding results and notable alumni. Indeed, a school’s reputation is defined by its history. But what defines its future? Well, a big determinant in an
independent school’s future is its ability to atract gifted and able pupils. This generally means winning over their parents by convincing them that you can give their child the very best start in life, and school buildings play a major role.
Part of the brand Today many schools use iconic modern buildings to distinguish themselves. These landmarks act as a calling card and have become part of a school’s brand. All this is possible because school buildings are seen as indicative of an institution’s overall ethos, its approach to learning and in particular its tech-savviness. Personally I love the buildings that grab
your atention straight away and test your senses. They make a very bold statement.
University-grade facilities A phrase I hear a lot nowadays is ‘university-grade facilities’. That’s because schools and colleges are keen to provide a taste of university life to learners at a young age. Whatever you do, don’t ignore this
important factor. It is a powerful selling point that hits all the right notes with ambitious would-be pupils and their parents. In 2014 Bournemouth University
“IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE BEING LEFT BEHIND, THEN YOU PROBABLY ARE”
commissioned a Solardome Capella as part of a major strategy for investment in the sciences. Now known as the BioDome, it enables students to conduct high-quality fieldwork on campus, a capability long sought by academics. The BioDome is a striking addition to
the main campus, where it sits among the main buildings in a central courtyard. It enables students to undertake high- quality environmental research by manipulating climatic conditions. At night it is illuminated by grow lights, making it stand out as a glowing example, both figuratively and literally, of innovation and scientific excellence. Right now students are using the
BioDome to research plant physiology to learn more about their biology and ecology. One such activity is analysing
the effect of non-indigenous carnivorous plants on the local insect population. Demonstrator in Biological Sciences,
Dr Elizabeth Franklin, said: “This particular project is the latest in a long line of experiments in the BioDome. The facility provides a stable atmosphere for us to run these tests. It’s important that we’re not limited by the need to conduct experiments outside during the summer season only.”
More success I’ve seen some truly inspiring projects since I’ve been at Solardome Industries. These include biodomes for an award- winning Eco-centre in Manchester, a rooftop garden learning space at a school in central London, and an advanced biology lab in Notingham. My job has taught me that actually
you can have what you want. All you have to do is choose. So next time you are thinking about
how to send a prospective student and parents away with the right impression, take a moment to weigh up whether your school estate marks you out as a leader in education. There’s no doubt that recruiting
is a tough business. If you feel like you’re being left behind, then you probably are. iE
Martin Hayday, Solardome Industries T: 023 8066 7890 E:
sales@solardome.co.uk W:
www.solardome.co.uk/education
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51