Learning spaces

The FlexiSpace initiative in Queensland is aimed at reconnecting disengaged students and supporting them to stay at school. Evaluations of the pilot and first phase of expansion provide early evidence of their effectiveness. Peter Kelly, Deputy Director-General at Queensland Department of Education, shares details of the approach, and the impact it’s having in participating schools.

The architecture and landscape design of the Mary Rice Early Learning Centre in Brisbane provides opportunities for children to experiment, discover, create and explore. In today’s article we speak to an educator and the architects who worked on the project to hear more about how the design of the centre facilitates learning and play.

A report from Education Services Australia has outlined a range of strategies for creating a gender inclusive STEM learning environment. In this video, we outline some of the recommendations on creating a gender-neutral learning environment.

There are many ways to approach decorating your classroom with wall displays. Here, we speak to Professor Peter Barrett about what the research says on how to utilise classroom displays to encourage student belonging and ownership.

Many opportunities lie in how teachers can use the walls, doors, ceiling and floors in their classroom to display student work and topic material throughout the school year. Here, we speak to Professor Peter Barrett about how to best utilise classroom displays to improve student learning.

An article published in the Journal of Professional Learning explores practical strategies teachers can implement in their classroom to support students with autism. The strategies include managing the physical environment of the classroom, the benefits of using visuals and treating changes in routine.

What is biophilic design? How does it differ from sustainable design? And why should schools be taking a lead from early childhood settings in adopting this approach for projects and programs? Architect and author Sarah Scott discusses biophilic design and its benefits in today’s article.

The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects announced the winners of the 2020 NSW Landscape Architecture Awards this month, highlighting the importance of landscape on play and learning. In today’s article we look at the school winners from the education and health category.

St Paul’s College’s new campus in Melbourne is transforming the education of students with additional needs. In this photo story, we take a closer look at some of the learning spaces, and hear from the principal and architect about what’s behind the design.

The Alfa Omega School in Indonesia is an example of architects working alongside the local community to come up with a functional facility that’s also easy on the eye, and the environment.