VIEW FROM THE CLASSROOM


organisations such as Google and Skyscanner. The traditional workplace is a thing of the past, and our library reflects that. Schools have an obligation to prepare pupils for the real world. Exam results are only part of the story, the Thinking Space, with its strong resource base and spaces for collaboration will help engage young people and help them to tackle real-world problems.


5. How involved were your students in the planning? Pupils played an integral part in the development process. At their request, a number of playful features were also included, such as artificial grass flooring and LED strip lighting. We listened to our pupils throughout and the result is a modern, dynamic space that everybody at the school enjoys being in. By listening to our pupils and taking their opinions on board, they are more invested in the outcome.


6. What are some of the features of the space? The facility includes an experimental teaching room, known as the “Think-Tank”, with white tables and walls that pupils can write on. This is confidence building and is incredibly liberating for pupils, as when they make a mistake, they can just rub it off. Teachers are able use this to develop innovative teaching and learning practices. Whilst the redeveloped library still contains plenty of books, pupils are able to use their digital devices to access the school’s many online subscription content platforms. Instead of tables, we have “thinking pods” where students can work together and collaborate. We are also lucky enough to have a separate Junior Library which offers a small, intimate space for group storytelling and encourages a love of books from the early years onwards.


7. How have the pupils responded? It has changed everything, in the best way possible. Being able to write on the walls encourages pupils to be much more creative and original with their ideas. There has been a huge increase in the amount of information generated, shared and discussed. School facilities can sit empty in the evening and pupils have taken on


board the opportunity to utilise the Thinking Space after school. Our S6 year group have taken on the challenge of starting their own charity and will utilise the Thinking Space for events and other activities.


and teachers. However hard, there’s still sometimes a fear factor when it comes to pupils being open contributors – they don’t want to fail. Being able to write on walls and collaborate with pupils and teachers takes that away. Through teaching, we encourage young people to ask questions and make connections, to think critically and imaginatively, and to reflect and evaluate. The Thinking Space is the perfect environment for that. By opening their minds, we encourage them to


follow their own pathways to knowledge and truth, and to approach the world with curiosity.


8. What do the teachers think of it? This environment removes many of the trappings of the classroom and any barriers between pupils


9. What benefits do you hope the school will see as a result? We always ask our young people to think for themselves, be creative and imaginative, and to search for knowledge and truth with inquisitive, open minds. This space will help them do that. The normal limitations of a school library are gone. They can explore as far as their minds will take them. The space will give us the opportunity to open our doors and work in partnership with local groups. We want to encourage more collaboration between state and independent schools and help to create partnerships. Our Open Day takes place this month, on


Saturday October 29, and we anticipate prospective pupils and parents will be extremely impressed by the facility.


10. How might other schools implement similar spaces? The Thinking Space has had a hugely positive impact on the school, its pupils and its teachers. The reaction for pupils will be an instant reward for introducing some, or all, of these features. It is multi-purpose so there is unlimited potential for these spaces. At Kelvinside we’re always looking to share ideas and share best practice, so would always be happy to speak to any other organisations about our experience or host a visit.


uwww.kelvinsideacademy.org.uk October 2016 www.education-today.co.uk 19


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