Schools and learning

Students have their say - The Sorrell Foundation programme

Over 40 pupils from Stevenage BSF schools were invited by the Sorrell Foundation to work with architects, artists and consultants to create a design brief for the new or remodelled schools in Stevenage.

The pupils attended two interactive workshops at the Young Design Centre in Somerset House. Each school prioritised three areas in their schools and came up with a range of ideas on how they can be improved. Not surprisingly toilets, social spaces and canteens where featured by most of the schools, with excellent suggestions on how to make them places that inspired and motivated pupils to learn and make school more enjoyable!

The project concluded with a celebration event in Stevenage where parents, headteachers, architects and county councillors were among those invited to hear the presentations and see the results of the film made of the process. The architectural brief used for the building or remodelling of the schools.

Some of the young people's ideas for Stevenage schools of the future:

• Sheltered space outside to eat lunch
• Chewing gum board
• Sensors for taps, driers, soap, flushes in the toilets
• Fruit vending machines
• Punch-bag area
• Display area for art in the reception
• Chill out pods in the school for each year
• More windows for natural lights, skylights