Perth and Kinross Council Adapts to Improve School Environments
Perth and Kinross Council recently made changes to the design of school layouts in response to challenges posed by open-plan learning environments. The Council recognised that open-plan layouts were leading to distractions for both students and teachers, making it challenging for effective learning to take place. Consequently, new school buildings are now being constructed with doors and walls installed in classrooms to create a more conducive learning environment.
During a discussion at the council’s Review of Inclusive Practice in Schools, Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Robertson highlighted concerns about the negative impact of open-plan layouts on students, particularly those with behavioural difficulties. Robertson shared feedback from a head teacher at a local school, who expressed difficulties in managing distractions in open-plan classrooms, affecting both teachers and students.
Fiona Mackay, PKC’s Inclusion and Additional Support service manager, acknowledged the challenges presented by certain learning environments and confirmed that changes were being implemented in new school designs. She mentioned that recent school builds, such as Riverside Primary School and the upcoming Bertha Park Primary School, have incorporated lessons learned to ensure more suitable classroom layouts.
David Macluskey, the strategic lead for Education and Learning at PKC, also noted that improvements in school layout design had been considered in the construction of Perth High. The council is actively working on addressing existing challenges in schools with open-plan layouts through collaboration with Property colleagues as part of the Additional Support Needs Transformation Programme.
In conclusion, Perth and Kinross Council’s initiative to re-evaluate and modify school layouts demonstrates a commitment to creating more effective and supportive learning environments for both students and teachers. By incorporating doors and walls in classrooms and considering feedback from education professionals, the Council aims to enhance the overall educational experience and better cater to the diverse needs of students across its schools.