The days of pupils sitting in rows facing the teacher at the front of the classroom, wincing at the sound of chalk scratching on the blackboard, are long over.
Today's schools need to be vibrant places, equipped for the demands of the 21st century. They require flexibility of space, state-of-the-art resources and easy adaptability to whatever pupils might be working on. This supplement is the latest in a series looking at how the ambitious Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme is helping to prepare and equip schools for learning in a rapidly changing world.
It is being published against the backdrop of an Education Guardian conference, due to take place on November 26, which will bring together experts in the field to examine how design, architecture and sustainability can help to improve learning and inspire pupils.
The estimated £45bn programme aims to rebuild or renovate every secondary school in the country within 20 years. It is the largest capital investment programme for schools in the world, and the first major one in this country for 50 years.
But it is not enough to throw money at the problem of old buildings and below-par facilities. If BSF is to have the desired effect, it must be properly planned and executed.
Here, we look at the importance of good design when planning or remodelling a school, and what factors schools need to consider. We examine the process heads, governors, teachers and pupils have to go through to succeed in creating buildings that will suit their own particular needs and those of the communities they serve.
Schools have a vital job to do in helping to raise the next generation of environmentally aware citizens. We look at the need for "greener" schools, while weighing up the financial cost of sustainability on school budgets.
Crucial to BSF are the architects entrusted with delivering highcalibre designs. We consider whether the nation has enough qualified professionals to meet the project's requirements and timescales.
Of course, there is more to being a successful school than the colour of
the walls. But giving our teachers and children well-equipped and pleasant places to work in is a good starting point in the drive to raise standards.
