The central space complete with 'floating rooms' and climbing wall I was very fortunate last week to go on the BCSE (British Council for School Environments) study tour to the Netherlands. The whole trip took just two days with five very different schools being visited.
I suppose the most memorable was the award winning Facilitair Centrum Niekée in Roermond. Niekée is based in a spectacular new 8000m² building and is really a very funky modern learning environment. It really is a dynamic learning environment. Students think it is a very cool building, and to be honest so did we. It certainly created lots to talk about and the architect talked us through the reasons for this unique design.
This is a vocational school that previously did not have a great reputation. The new building has transformed this. Students come from all over, attitudes, attendance and attainment has really improved. They are engaged and motivated. People want to attend and stay. Students follow a project based curriculum and the school specialises in Technology and Business Studies.
With floating classrooms in the central hall, a non conventional layout, transparency across levels and flexible furniture, climbing wall in the centre of the school Niekée is everything but a traditional school. Around the sociable central space on the ground floor are homebases and workrooms whilst pods project from the first and second floors. Each pod is of a different material, from glass, steel, wood through to gold fabric.
Visiting new environments is a great way to learn from colleagues all around the world. The BCSE study trips play an important contribution in helping inform a whole range of stakeholders. A great experience BCSE and thanks.
(I am sure I will post more stories and photos at a late date)