VIEWSVIEWS & OPINIO N OPINION


Hillcrest Shifnal School’s’s person-centred approach to education


Comment by LAURA SMITH, Deputy Shifnal School


RA ty Head at Hillcrest We offer a person-centred approach to


education which helps to bring out the best in our students. This relies on the teaching staff within our school knowing and understanding the pupils; their backgrounds, hopes, and plans for the future.Most importantly, it means that we find new and creative w needs every day and always


is the best approach for the student and how can we make that happen?’


This understanding of our pupils works well because it allows us to frame pupils’ strengths.Writing is often a difficulty for our


students, usually due learning around


to additional learning needs and a lack of time in education. To build competency and confidence in such areas, we base any writing exercises around students’ interests and involve hands-on practical activities and educational visits to motivate and engage students.We also favour the ‘Mantle of the Expert’ approach which uses imaginary contexts in which learners play the role of an expert team and take on responsibilities. Hillcrest Shifnal School’s small class s five students) means that we ensure all students hav


e a high quantity of izes (no more than these


teacher-led time.We create nurturing spaces fo through using small groups consisting of adults


and students who share r our students to thrive


positive, trusting relationships. This highly personalised approach to classroom teaching contributes greatly to our success.


Our person-centred learning tends to be especially effective with very young pupils, which is why we are thrilled to ha permission by the Department for Education to support Key Stage 1 students from the age of fi


ve. Periods of educational extend our provision to ve been granted


stability allow younger students to identify as positive learners - especially those who have been excluded from mainstream education or are otherwise unable to access it. For the first time, they feel that they belong to an educational organisation, which is a great foundation for rapid educational, social and emotional progress.


One student, J, is a great example of someone who has benefitted from our individualised programme.


ask ourselves ‘What ays to meet their


Before he arrived at Hillcrest Shifnal School, there was little understanding of J’s requirements and his statement highlighted Social, Emotional andMental Health needs. J’s assessments pinpointed specific literacy difficulties therefore we put an intervention in place to support this.


At Hillcrest Shifnal, J made excellent academic, social and emotional progress, transitioning successfully from primary to secondary and enjoying the newfound responsibility. Shortly after entering secondary, he became a Looked After Child. Nonetheless, thanks to liaisons between J’s tutors and foster carers, he continued to thrive at school. His developing friendships in the local community meant J felt ready to transition to his local mainstream provision. J is due to sit his GCSEs this year and is greatly enjoying his new school. J has many fond memories of Hillcrest Shifnal and we remain in close contact with him and his foste r carers.


By matching learning support to pupils’ needs and providing integrated therapeutic support, we can ensure the best possible outcomes for all our students.


Howto improve


conc entration in the classroomwith b ttetter acoustics


Comment by DAV Products (UK) Ltd


AVID ENGLISH,Managing Director, AJ AJ


Unwanted noise in the classroom can have a negative impact on the concentration and productivity of students and staff. Chattering pupils, scrapping sounds from chairs and tables, noise from the corridor and clatter from table tops all contribute to high noise levels. In addition to fatigue and headaches, noise can also cause deterioration in memory, speech perception, learning and reading comprehension. Therefore, it


is important to keep the overall noise level as low as possible to give students better conditions for calm and effective study.With the help of smart acoustic furniture, you can optimise the classroom to reduce noise and create a more pleasant learning environment. Relatively simple changes to the classroom can make a big difference.


Fit acoustic panels to thewalls and ceilings Fit acoustic panels to the walls and ceilings


An easy and inexpensive way to reduce the noise level in the classroom is to mount acoustic panels on the walls and ceilings to absorb sound. A study by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm showed that the installation of acoustic ceiling panels reduced the amount of


2 4 www .education-today.co.uk.co.uk www


time it took for the teacher to settle the class at the start of lessons by one minute and one second.Without acoustic panels, the class needed 2 minutes and 18 seconds on average to settle down whereas it took only 1 minute and 17 seconds once the panels were in place. Over a week, students enter the classroom 15 times (3 times a day, 5 days a week), meaning that 15 minutes of learning time is gained every week! Students also scored better on listening tests after panels were installed.¹ Sound absorbent panels with colourful and fun motifs don’t just improve the soundscape but also double up as a stimulating design feature in th e classroom.


Choose the right classroomfurniture Choose the right classroom furniture


Think about the furniture used in the classroom. If the budget allows, replace regular classroom tables with desks that have a sound-damping surface. The choice of chairs also plays a major role in creating the right acoustic environment. Selecting chairs on skids instead of four-legged chairs will automatically contribute to a quieter classroom as the skids cause less vibration on the floor. Sound absorbent feet can also be use d to prevent scrapping sounds .


Split the classroominto smaller spaces Split the classroom into smaller spaces


A good tip is to divide the room into different zones using sound- absorbent screens to halt the sound waves. Use floor screens and furniture, such as bookcases and storage cabinets, to build rooms within the room in order to separate noisier areas from quiet spaces. A sound- smart sofa with high sides is an affordable and functional way to create a secluded space, ideal as a reading corner or for private study. The demand for sound-smart products is greater than ever. Any soft materials including carpets, wall hangings, notice boards and even soft seating will help reduce noise levels in the classroom and could make a big difference to the way your students learn.


¹ Ecophon (2(2017) How to ga fro art


7) fr rom: http // tp://www.w.ecop rticles/2/2016/h w- gainin 15 mininutes of learn ophon.com/e /a /how-to-gain-15-mininutes-of- /en/about-ecophon/E O-magazin /e


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