Sorrell Foundation Pupil Design Brief Witton 2008

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    The PUPILs BRIeFWIT Ton PaRk hIgh schooL

    sur 2008

    We WanT PeoPLe To knoW

    WeRe PRoUd oF oUR schooL

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    The aim of the Sorrell Foundation is to inspire creativity

    in young people and to improve the quality of life through

    good design. The Foundation creates and prototypes

    new ideas, and joins up public-sector departments such

    as education and health with the UKs world-class design

    community. It aims to deliver immediate benets while

    creating models with long-term value.

    For more information see

    www.thesorrellfoundation.com

    The Sorrell FoundationSomerset House

    Strand

    London WC2R 1LA

    Tel 020 7845 5860

    Fax 020 7845 5872

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    Contents

    Summary

    Local Community Context

    The Process

    Common Issues

    Dinner Halls

    Learning Spaces

    Reception Areas

    Social Spaces

    Toilets

    Uniform

    Other Common Issues

    The Future

    Thank you

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    conTenTs

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    Pupil brief boards | Blackburn Enterprise Centre, Blackburn | The Brief4

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    Launched in 2000, joinedupdesignforschools explores how good design

    can improve the quality of life in schools by listening to the voices of

    pupils the consumers of education. It inspires pupils by putting them

    in the driving seat, giving them control and responsibility as clients.

    Thousands of pupils have already conrmed the 12 most common

    issues that they say, if resolved, would greatly improve their school day.

    Through this experience they develop work and social skills such as

    problem-solving, reasoning, communication and teamworking, which

    lead to increased self-condence and self-esteem.

    Joinedupdesign for BSF adapts the process to help give pupils a say

    about what happens to their school under the Building Schools for the

    Future programme. A client team of pupils follows a process of research

    and discussion to articulate how their school could be improved

    through design, identifying the three most important issues they wouldlike to see addressed. In a creative workshop, the pupil clients create

    boards using words, images and materials to describe what they want

    for 6 of the 12 common issues. The client team engages with classmates

    and peers to decide which six issues are most relevant to their school.

    The pupils take ownership of their brief, presenting it to as many audiences

    as possible. Head teachers may wish to share the pupils ndings with

    the architects assigned to the schools BSF project. For the best results,

    architects and designers attend the key joinedupdesign for BSF meetings,

    and continue to involve pupils through the planning and constructionstages of the development.

    A pupil client team was appointed from Witton Park High School in

    Blackburn. The pupils attended a Challenge Day in London on 17 June

    2008, which included an inspirational visit to the South Bank to see

    the British Film Institute and Royal Festival Hall, the Psycho Buildings

    exhibition at the Hayward Gallery and for a ride on the London Eye.

    They carried out research in Blackburn, before meeting at Blackburn

    Enterprise Centre on 11 July for a creative workshop, at which the nal

    pupil briefs were produced.

    Pupil clients chose Toilets as their most important issue, followed by

    Social Spaces and Learning Spaces. Toilets in the school should have

    a modern look and be clean and comfortable, with wide cubicles and

    a large sink area to give pupils more space. The team would like large

    mirrors, automatic ushes and drinking taps in their toilets. The facilities

    should also be well ventilated and cleaned regularly. Pupil clients asked

    for somewhere to socialise and eat outside and they want lots of room

    to play football. They would like colourful, modern shelters and sturdy

    benches for meeting friends and picnicking. Indoors, they proposed

    cosy lounges for different year groups and a separate chill zone for

    entertainment and relaxing. Team members are frustrated by old-fashioned

    classrooms and want to make learning spaces colourful and stimulatingfor teachers as well as students, with attractive carpets or wooden

    oors and lots of natural light. They also suggested new learning facilities

    such as a lecture theatre, auditorium and cricket pitch.

    This pupil brief describes in detail the process the client team went

    through, and records their ideas and requirements for six of the

    common issues. Reproductions of the visual brief boards produced by

    the pupils are shown, next to a written account of how the pupils saw

    each issue and what they asked for.

    sUmmaRy

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    Witton Park High School has 1,052 students aged 1116. It is a specialist

    Business and Enterprise College with Investors in People accreditation

    and a Learning and Skills Beacon among other awards. The school

    is located in a residential area close to Witton Country Park, on the

    western side of Blackburn.

    The school dates from 1968, when the Blackburn Grammar School

    for Girls and Witton Park Modern School joined to form a mixedcomprehensive. The former school buildings now function as two wings

    of Witton Park High and have recently been refurbished. The school

    has a City Learning Centre on-site, to which pupils have access both

    during and after school hours for study support.

    Witton Park is generally viewed positively by the community and it has

    established a number of relationships to encourage interaction between

    students and local people. Charity projects include work with Arthritis

    Care and Save the Children, while environmental projects are

    undertaken in partnership with the Groundwork Trust. Witton Park

    maintains strong links with local feeder schools and partner secondary

    schools, as well as local businesses through the Young Enterpriseprogramme. There is an active Police Cadet Force whose members

    regularly attend community events.

    The school is located in a challenging area and has pupils from a variety

    of socio-economic backgrounds. The school is proud of its can-do

    culture that aims to give all pupils maximum opportunities. Students

    regard the new developments at their school with excitement,

    recognising that it is an excellent opportunity to raise the schools

    prole in the community and benet from the new facilities.

    LocaL commUnITy conTexT

    Witton Park High School, Blackburn

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    17 June 2008

    The Challenge

    The Sorrell Foundation Young

    Design Centre at Somerset

    House and South Bank, London

    Pupils were introduced to their

    role as clients and learned about

    the BSF programme. After nding

    out about school design and past

    joinedupdesignforschools

    projects from the Whats Next for

    Schools?exhibition, client teams

    discussed how each of the 12

    common issues relate to their

    school, and how these issuescould be resolved in future. They

    gave presentations about the 3

    common issues that, if addressed,

    would most improve daily life in

    their school. Pupils visited

    inspirational spaces including the

    BFI, Royal Festival Hall , Hayward

    Gallery and the London Eye.

    18 June 10 July 2008

    The Conversation

    Witton Park High School

    Blackburn with Darwen

    Borough Council

    The pupil clients developed their

    ideas through further debate and

    research. They looked at how

    buildings and spaces were

    designed in their local area and

    went to see nearby examples of

    outstanding architecture. The

    team talked to local people about

    the schools reputation and

    discussed the project with theirpeers, before meeting with local

    authority architects who showed

    them early plans for their school.

    Throughout this stage, the team

    gathered information by

    photographing their school and

    its surroundings, taking notes

    and making drawings.

    11 July 2008

    The Brief

    Blackburn Enterprise Centre,

    Blackburn

    On the brief-making day, the

    pupil client teams made boards

    showing what they wanted for

    each common issue. At a creative

    workshop, images, drawings,

    words and material samples were

    used to explain what the pupils

    thought was important for each

    area. Illustrators, architects and

    facilitators helped the clientteams to articulate their ideas.

    The top three issues, voted for

    by the school community, were

    presented to other pupils,

    teachers, architects and the

    Sorrell Foundation team at the

    Blackburn Enterprise Centre.

    5 November 2008

    The Celebration

    Blackburn with Darwen

    Borough Council

    The pupil client team shared

    the results of the process by

    presenting their pupil brief at

    a special celebration event for

    the ve Blackburn schools

    that have participated in the

    joinedupdesign for BSF

    programme. By the end of the

    process, the pupils had presented

    their ideas to other pupils, theirHead teacher, teachers, school

    governors, architects, local

    authority members, BSF

    Managers and the other client

    teams from Blackburn.

    The PRocess

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    coLoUR

    Pupils tell us their schools

    look drab and boring, which

    doesnt inspire them to learn.

    They say colour should do

    different things around the

    school: calming colour in

    learning spaces, and bright,

    stimulating colour in social

    spaces, receptions andcorridors. Pupils are usually

    proud of their school colours,

    and would like these to be

    used more widely. Many are

    enthusiastic about colour-

    coded navigation systems to

    guide people around the school.

    commUnIcaTIon

    Pupils tell us about badly

    designed websites, non-

    existent signage and a lack of

    information about events, clubs

    and timetable changes. They

    ask for a clear, useful website,

    with contact information, news

    about school achievements,

    and links to homework sites sothey can learn from home.

    Pupils want visitors and new

    pupils to be able to nd their

    way easily using a system

    of maps and bold, consistent

    signage. They also want to

    communicate with parents and

    local people about what goes

    on in the school through

    exhibitions, display boards

    and newsletters.

    dInneR haLLs

    Pupils complain of cramped

    dinner halls with long queues.

    They want a calm, civilised

    lunch break with a range of hot

    and cold food, including healthy

    options. They request a choice

    of indoor and outdoor dining

    spaces where they can eat

    alone or with friends. Pupils askfor a quick, efcient system for

    getting food. They want plenty

    of bins to keep the space clean.

    LeaRnIng sPaces

    Pupils say they want classrooms

    that will inspire them to learn.

    They want clean, exible spaces

    with calming colours, good

    acoustics, and blinds that will

    keep the sun off interactive

    whiteboards and keep them

    cool. Pupils want adaptable

    furniture so that they can workindividually, in groups or as

    a class, and they want plenty of

    ICT facilities. Libraries should

    be quiet, with enough seating.

    Students also tell us they want

    to remove distractions and

    clutter, which means lots of

    storage to keep spaces tidy.

    RecePTIon aReas

    Receptions are often described

    as unwelcoming and cluttered.

    Pupils want a warm, friendly

    atmosphere with a clear layout.

    It should be easy to see the

    receptionist, and to nd your

    way around the school. There

    should be a waiting area

    for visitors and parents, withcomfortable sofas and

    exhibitions of the pupils work.

    Pupils also want clear, relevant

    information about important

    events and achievements

    displayed on a message board.

    RePUTaTIon & IdenTITy

    Pupils want to express the

    uniqueness of their school, and

    they want a reputation for

    good work and achievement.

    They ask for positive

    communication through

    newsletters, the website, open

    days and press coverage. They

    also understand that the visualappearance of the school,

    including the logo and uniform,

    have a strong effect on what

    people think of them. Pupils

    want to show off good

    schoolwork and make links

    with the local community.

    The common IssUes

    Falmouth Primary School,

    Cornwall

    Kevin McCloud

    Summerhill School,

    near Dudley

    Graphic Thought Facility

    Acland Burghley School,

    London

    SHH Architects

    Falmouth School, Cornwall

    Urban Salon Architects

    Hythe Community School, Kent

    Ben Kelly Design

    Fortismere School, London

    Interbrand

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    sIxTh FoRm sPaces

    Pupils tell us that a Sixth Form

    should feel like a distinct but

    integral part of the school. The

    atmosphere should be grown

    up and inviting, with separate

    spaces for study, socialising and

    relaxing. Pupils want smart,

    comfortable furniture in robust

    materials, and colour schemesthat show the space is different

    from the rest of the school.

    Students also ask for a bold

    way of announcing the presence

    of the Sixth Form through

    signage, or even a sculpture.

    socIaL sPaces

    Pupils dont want to spend

    their breaks in bleak

    playgrounds. They say they

    concentrate better in lessons

    if they spend breaks either

    unwinding or letting off energy.

    They want somewhere that

    feels different from the schools

    learning spaces, with lots ofbright colours and soft

    furnishings. Outside, there

    should be opportunities to

    exercise and shelter from

    the weather. Pupils also want

    plenty of hard-wearing,

    comfortable seating, both inside

    and outside.

    sToRage

    Pupils report not having

    enough storage for their

    belongings, which sometimes

    means they have to carry coats,

    bags and PE kit all day. Adequate

    storage could make a big

    difference to pupils, who say it

    must be big enough for two

    bags and a coat. Lockers couldbe customised and grafti-proof.

    Pupils insist lockers must be

    very strong, with robust locks.

    Specialist storage for musical

    instruments and sports equipment

    should also be provided.

    sUsTaInaBILITy

    Pupils recognise sustainability

    is very important to their

    future, and want their schools

    to do more. They want

    efcient energy systems, using

    electricity from renewable

    sources. They want to save

    energy in their schools by

    turning off equipment, lightsand heating when not needed.

    Heating should be adjustable

    in each room. Students want

    schools to recycle more, and

    use sustainable materials. They

    ask for bike sheds to encourage

    cycling to school, and more

    green spaces to help them

    learn about nature.

    ToILeTs

    Pupils say their toilets are

    boring at best, and lthy at

    worst. They want clean,

    hygienic facilities with lots

    of natural light and good

    ventilation. Automatic sensors

    on ushes, taps and driers

    would prevent germs spreading,

    and there should always beplenty of soap and tissue.

    Broken locks, doors and taps

    should be mended quickly.

    Pupils want to stop vandalism

    and bullying in their toilets,

    suggesting CCTV or frequent

    checks, as well as a design

    that has no hidden corners.

    UnIFoRm

    Pupils agree it is important to

    look smart for school, and they

    understand that uniform makes

    an important statement about

    their school. Pupils want a

    uniform to feel proud of, that is

    comfortable, hard-wearing and

    affordable. They want clothing

    that is exible enough forsummer and winter wear. Not

    all pupils want to wear ties, but

    they sometimes want their

    uniform to show form group

    and year status.

    Heart of England Business &

    Enterprise School, Coventry

    Eldridge Smerin

    Treviglas College, Newquay

    Marks Bareld Architects

    Plumstead Manor School,

    London

    Priestman Goode

    Mounts Bay School, Penzance

    Phineas Manasseh Architect

    Barlow Roman Catholic High

    School, Manchester

    JudgeGill

    Aldercar Community Language

    College, Nottingham

    Paul Smith9

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    Differentareasforhotfood,self-service,

    healthysalads,vendingmachinesandbuffet-

    styleeating

    Anoutdoorextensiontoincreasecapacity

    andgivepupilssomewheretosocialiseinthe

    freshair.

    Anewqueuingsystemtoreducewaitingtime

    andovercrowding

    Moderntablesininterestingshapeswith

    morechairs,sothateveryonecansitdown

    The client team explained that their dinner hall is used for assembly

    and that there is not enough space. They described the dcor as

    plain and dull, adding that it is all one colour, which is not attractive

    and that the paintings on the wall do not make sense. Overcrowding

    is a problem; pupils complained about very long queues and that you

    cant always sit down. This is made worse by square tables that arehard to sit around so there is not much space. The group was also

    frustrated by dirty oors, a bad smell and the limited menu.

    The pupil clients want to divide the dinner hall into brighter, more

    attractive areas and suggested that there could be a different area for

    each year group. The serving space should include zones for hot dinners

    and self-service, with a salad bar, buffet area and vending machines. They

    chose images of open, airy spaces in light green colours with plenty ofplants, to show what they want.

    To ease congest ion through the dinner hall, the team suggested different

    queues for each year group and more seating so everyone can sit

    somewhere. They are keen on having an outdoor eating area, like an

    extension of the canteen as well as modernised tables that are different

    shapes. New ooring is also needed, as the existing oor gets dirty easily.

    Royal Festival Hall | South Bank, London | The Visit

    Its not really somewhere youd want to spend your lunch!

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    Colourfulclassroomswithwoodenoors

    orattractivecarpetsandlotsofnaturallight

    Bettersportsfacilitiesincludingagym,

    cricketpitchandnewchangingrooms

    Plentyofcomfortablecomputerworkstations

    inanenlarged,upgradedlibraryandITroom

    Swivelchairsandtablesindifferentstyles,to

    makelearninginclassroomsmorecomfortable

    The client team explained that they have traditional classrooms, with

    wooden benches and stools. They complained that all classrooms look

    the same boring and all cream, with paint that peels off . Pupils were

    annoyed by chewing gum being stuck to the undersides of tables, dirty

    oors and that their PE changing rooms are dusty and dirty.

    Pupil clients want modern classrooms that get your attention. There

    should be no pastel colours only stimulating and bold colours to

    make classrooms jazzy, funky and vibrant. The group wants classrooms

    that are easy to concentrate in and stimulating to teach in, that could

    be decorated according to subject and set out in ways that involve

    everyone. Swivel chairs, nice tables and either wooden oors or nice

    carpets would make learning more pleasant, as would windows which

    open to allow plenty of fresh air in.

    The team recommended a number of new learning spaces for their

    school, including a theatre or lecture room a media or photography

    room and an auditorium for bigger assemblies. The school should have

    more computers, including laptops, desktop PCs and better furniture

    in the IT room to make using it more comfortable. Pupils would also

    like a new, bigger library, with plenty of computers and cubicles for

    private study. The client team are eager to have new sports facilities,

    including a gym, cricket pitch and improved changing facilities.

    British Film Institute | South Bank, London | The Visit

    We need to jazz them up!

    .3pupils chosen issue

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    Alargeopen-planreceptionwithasignthat

    saysWelcometoWittonParkSchool

    Separatewaitingareasforvisitorsand

    studentswithroomsforcondentialchats

    Automaticdoorstomakethespacemodern

    andwelcomingandfullyaccessible

    Friendlystaff,efcientserviceandacoffee

    machineforvisitors

    The pupil cients are frustrated that the reception area shares space

    with the dinner hall and that they are not allowed to use it. They

    complained that the south wing reception area is cramped and tiny

    and think that having two reception areas is confusing. The team

    described the atmosphere as unwelcoming, stressing that it takes

    a long time to be served and that staff can be unfriendly.

    The client team said that they want people to know that they are proud

    of their school, asking for a modern, spacious and welcoming entrance.

    It should be big, bright, open and colourful, with funky ooring and

    a sh tank in the wall to give the space wow factor. Their ideas for

    the space include rainbow colours with bold, clear signage and lots of

    natural light.

    Team members suggested separate rooms for visitors and students and

    meeting rooms where visitors could meet privately with staff. They are

    certain that visitor experiences would be improved by friendly staff

    and quicker service, as well as a coffee machine to use while they wait.

    Sliding windows and automatic doors would ensure that the space is

    safe and secure at all times.

    British Film Festival | South Bank, London | The Visit

    A sh tank in the wall would give it wow factor!

    15

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    Aloungeforeveryyeargroupandalarger

    chillzonewithgames,pooltablesand

    entertainments

    Colourful,transparent,modernshelters

    withsturdybenchesforsocialisingoutdoors

    Aninternetcafwithfreeaccesstolots

    ofwebsites

    Accesstotheschooleldatbreaktimes

    forballgamesandexcercise

    There is nowhere to go! pupils clients reported, adding we need

    something! They described how pupils resort to just walking around

    the school at playtime, which is tricky and restricting with the one-way

    system, and that there is nowhere to sit down and relax even when

    it rains!. The team complained that benches get vandalised and that

    because there are no nets or goals for football, pupils have to usejumpers. They are unhappy with the number of CCTV cameras around

    the school, saying that it feels like Big Brother!

    Outdoor social spaces are a priority for the pupil clients. They suggested

    a shelter and plastic chairs, so you can chill outside and dont have to

    stay inside if it rains. Shelters should be colourful and modern; a clear

    material, such as glass, could be a possibility. The team is keen for areasto be set aside for outside eating; these spaces should have robust

    benches that dont snap. Pupils should also be able to use the school

    eld for football as it is really big.

    Indoors, the client team would like to chill in different lounge rooms

    for different year groups. They suggested a larger chill zone for relaxing

    during break times, with games and a pool table. The group requested

    an internet caf that does not block so many websites as well as

    vending machines for snacks.

    National Theatre | South Bank, London | The Visit

    Theres not a lot to do at break time people play football

    or just walk around

    .2pupils chosen issue

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    Toiletsthatareclean,spaciousandcomfortable

    withmorecubiclestoreducewaitingtime

    Airfreshenersandsmokesensorsinstalled

    tomakethetoiletsmellbetter

    Bettermaintenanceandcleaningsothat

    toiletsarenicetouse

    Automaticushesandtaps,andaseparate

    tapfordrinkingwater

    Pupil clients described their toilets as disgusting. They complained

    that they are really small and that there are only three cubicles for

    everyone that has to use them, resulting in pupils getting squashed

    against the walls. The team is frustrated that there is no toilet roll

    and a bad smell in the toilets, as well as broken locks on the doors,

    and sometimes no doors! They reported a problem with vandalismand people putting makeup on the mirrors, also mentioning that

    although a grafti artist did a mural on one of the walls, it was a mess!.

    Colour is a problem; the group explained that the boys facilities are

    dark grey and blue and the girls colours are horrible pink and green!

    The client team wants toilets that have a modern look, are clean,

    spacious and comfortable and much brighter. They should have

    plenty of wide toilet cubicles and space near the sinks to minimiseovercrowding, as well as better ventilation and air fresheners to

    improve the smell. Maintenance is important to the team; they requested

    strong cubicles to protect against vandalism and regular cleaning to keep

    facilities hygienic. Smoking in the toilets should be banned, and the team

    suggested enforcing this by installing a smoke sensor.

    Pupils recommended some basic improvements to the toilets, including

    lights which work, taps which work ideally automatic, bins in the

    toilets and soap to improve hygiene. They explained that automatic or

    touch-ushes, big mirrors and drinking taps would also improve theirexperience of the toilets, as would plugs and sockets for straighteners.

    The team insisted that new sinks should not be stainless steel, which

    was an unpopular material and that the toilets should have vending

    machines for sanitary products.

    Whats Next For Schools?exhibition | Somerset House, London | The Challenge

    Theyre too small you get squashed against the walls

    .1pupils chosen issue

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    Astricter,morematureuniformthatisthe

    sameforeveryyeargroup

    Separateuniformsforsummerandwinter

    toensurecomfortallyearround

    AsingleuniformforPEthatincludescosy

    tracksuitsandhoodies

    Betteraffordabilityorauniformthatis

    providedbytheschool

    The client team explained that there is a different-coloured uniform

    for each year group in the school, which makes it look like a primary

    school! They complained that polo shirts look too young and that the

    green, light blue and dark blue colour scheme is boring. Pupils were

    glad that the PE uniform is being redesigned but unhappy with the fact

    that the boys have to wear shorts for PE.

    Pupil clients said that it is good to wear a uniform as it represents the

    school, but asked for it to be redesigned to look more mature. They

    are keen for it to be stricter, the same for everyone and incorporating

    elements that can personalised. The cost is an important issue so the

    team suggested that the school should either provide the uniform or

    that they make it more affordable.

    The client team suggested a different school uniform for summer and

    winter, as well as a new PE kit. They decided that this should be a

    single, unisex PE uniform that every pupil has to wear and that it should

    include tracksuits and hoodies so that students are comfortable.

    Creative workshop | Blackburn Enterprise Centre, Blackburn | The Brief

    If we dress mature we feel mature

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    coLoUR

    Howisitnow?

    The same colours used

    throughout the school, making

    pupils feel bored

    Peeling paint makes the school

    seem uninviting

    Howcoulditbe?

    Bright, interesting and unique,

    with a modern look

    Colourful furniture and

    patterns on the walls

    Vibrant but not overpowering

    Classrooms that reflect

    different moods and have

    silhouettes of famous peopleon the walls

    commUnIcaTIon

    Howisitnow?

    No maps around the school

    so it can be hard for visitors

    and new pupils to find their way

    Teachers sometimes forget

    to give out messages

    Howcoulditbe?

    Big, bold maps around

    the school

    Noticeboards in every

    department

    A Tannoy or radio system

    to keep pupils and teachers

    up to date

    After discussing all 12 common issues on Challenge Day, the client

    team chose to focus on six issues they decided were most relevant

    to their school, for which they developed visual brief boards. Here

    we show what the pupil clients said about the other six issues. They

    explained how it is now in their school, and suggested how it couldbe in future.

    oTheR common IssUes

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    RePUTaTIon & IdenTITy

    Howisitnow?

    Not always a positive reputation

    with the local people

    Some students cause problems

    Howcoulditbe? Pupils should improve

    their behaviour

    Teachers need to enforce

    discipline so pupils

    do not give the school

    a bad reputation

    sIxTh-FoRm sPaces

    Howisitnow?

    No sixth form at the school

    Howcoulditbe?

    Having a sixth form would

    attract pupils to the school andgive it a more impressive image

    A sixth form could have its

    own building and facilities,

    including a common room

    Sixth-form classrooms that

    are set out like a working

    environment

    sToRage

    Howisitnow?

    The lack of lockers means

    students have to carry their

    bags all day

    Books in classrooms are often

    hard to find as there is noset place to keep them

    There is no CCTV in the PE

    changing rooms so students

    property gets stolen

    Howcoulditbe?

    Safe, accessible lockers that

    are built into the corridors

    and opened with a code

    Lockers that can be customisedand have enough space for

    books

    sUsTaInaBILITy

    Howisitnow?

    Lights are inefficient and

    often left on overnight

    Classrooms are cold in the

    winter and too hot in

    the summer

    Howcoulditbe?

    Air conditioning in the

    summer and sufficient

    heating in the winter

    Solar panels to provide

    energy for the school

    Recycling programmes

    Wider windows to increasenatural light entering the

    classrooms and reduce

    electricity consumption

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    This document contains information from pupils that will make a valuable

    contribution to the future development of Witton Park High School. The

    pupil client team has made extensive suggestions and recommendations

    during debates and presentations, and every pupil has helped to develop

    the brief. The publication of this document marks an opportunity forthe school community to extend the conversation, so that pupil voice is

    heard throughout the planning and construction stages of the Building

    Schools for the Future project.

    For the pupil clients the publication of this brief, describing how they

    want their school to be improved, marks the beginning of another

    process. Through continued engagement with the Building Schools for

    the Future project, the client team can also contribute to the pragmatic

    decisions about what can be realised within the allocated budget. This

    can be an exciting period of conversation between the pupil clients andthe management teams appointed to redevelop their school. Extended

    discussion can help to clarify the client teams priorities, while the pupils

    gain useful skills in negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making.

    The Head teacher, Senior Management Team, Board of Governors and

    Local Authority have a responsibility to ensure that pupil voice is

    incorporated into the Building Schools for the Future project at every

    relevant stage of the journey until completion. Pupil clients can learn

    about the planning and construction process, attend meetings, make site

    visits, and act as ambassadors for the project. New pupil clients can beselected as older ones leave the school. When given the opportunity

    and responsibility, client teams can contribute to clear-headed, practical

    decisions in the best interests of pupils in their school.

    The FUTURe

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    Thank yoU

    With many thanks toPupil clients, Head teacher and lead teacher

    from Witton Park High School

    Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council,

    BSF Learning Transformation Team

    Project coordination and promotion: Kate Bond,

    Ben Greenwood, Heather Owen and Saskia Rose

    Photography

    Ben Blossom, Graham Carlow

    Film

    Beardwood High School media students

    Workshop support

    Sheetal Kabawala, Daniela Lobina, Emer OBrian,

    Jack Roche and Ian Varnes

    Inspirational visit locations

    British Film InstituteHayward Gallery

    Royal Festival Hall

    London Eye

    Visual Resources

    Hatchette Filipacchi Ltd

    Cond Nast Publications Ltd

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