VIEW FROM THE CLASSROOM


View from the classroom T


his month, Education Today hears from Ian Munro, rector of Kelvinside Academy


in Glasgow, on the school’s development of its new “Thinking Space” – an area for students to develop a passion for thinking and learning.


1. Tell us about your school Kelvinside Academy is a co-educational independent day school in the West End of Glasgow which welcomes children from age 3-18 years within the Nursery, Junior and Senior School. The school first opened in 1878 and is housed in a Grade A listed building close to the Botanic Gardens. It’s a middle-sized school, big enough to put


out quality sports teams, run successful choirs and orchestras, and properly embrace teamwork through CCF and Enterprise. On the other hand,


it’s small enough for us to know and nurture each individual, whatever their strengths and weaknesses, to support them to fulfil their true potential. We are different because of our size, which allows for a warm and collaborative staff- pupil-parent relationship to develop. Our top academic pupils are on a par with the


best in the country, but it is just as important that we celebrate the successes of our pupils who are succeeding in other areas. Our goal is to inspire young people to excel in every aspect of life. We aim to foster open hearts and minds in our pupils so they can understand the world not just as it is, but as it could be.


2. You have recently unveiled your new "Thinking Space" - tell us about it The Thinking Space has been developed from the bones of our Fraser Library. It’s situated at the heart of the school and is central to our on-going commitment to develop young people capable of independent thought who are passionate about learning. The facility includes an experimental teaching room, with tables and walls which pupils can write on. It has all the features of a traditional school


library but it doesn’t feel like one. It is a place where pupils can both study quietly and unleash their creativity. It’s a peaceful, light and airy space where our young people can be comfortable, inspired and engaged.


3. What was the thinking behind it? It’s at the core of our ongoing commitment to develop a passion for thinking and learning. We


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are incredibly ambitious for our learners and believe it is vital that they develop characteristics that will allow them to flourish in a rapidly changing world. Qualities such as independence, collaboration and creativity are just as important as exam grades. The Thinking Space is the perfect place to develop these qualities. Teaching practices from the past won’t always work. Some learners excel in logical thinking and problem solving; some are practical learners; others think visually and creatively. We wanted to create a space that was malleable and inspiring for all pupils and teachers.


4. Where did the idea come from? When I joined Kelvinside Academy last year, the school was already leading the way in terms of digital learning, and we plan to build on that. Before taking on the role of rector at Kelvinside Academy, I was a Depute Rector at Shiplake College, Henley on Thames where I helped to put in place a similar initiative. Our pupils have a diverse range of interest and passions, and through an eLibrary they will be able to access more books that could ever he held in a physical library. Choice is a constant in pupils’ lives and we can’t ignore that. It is no longer enough to put pupils into


specific pigeon holes, we have to allow them to explore what genuinely matters to them, and embrace their natural inquisitiveness. Electronic devices are the norm for children, and we must move with the times and embrace the technology that they are comfortable with. The idea is inspired by the work environments of


October 2016


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