How Can Inspired Learning Spaces Better Support Health, Wellbeing and Additional Learning Needs? Bassaleg present at the Education Wales Building Conference June 2024
The importance of creating inspiring learning spaces that support health, wellbeing, and additional learning needs cannot be overstated. This topic was explored at this year’s Education Building Wales conference, where Bouygues UK's Operations Director for the South West and Wales, Stephen Davies, chaired an enlightening session on this subject.
The discussion featured insights from Head Teacher, Victoria Lambe and Deputy Head Teacher, Matthew Maughan from Bassaleg School, Charlotte Balcombe from Powell Dobson Architects, Carly Parramore from AtkinsRéalis, and a representative from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Their collective expertise shed light on the importance of paying careful attention to design when creating education spaces in which students and staff can thrive.
Bassaleg School: Believing and Belonging
Victoria Lambe and Matthew Maughan of Bassaleg School shared their school's journey in creating a new building, Adeilad Balch, designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of students and staff. Central to their ethos is the mantra "Believing and Belonging," which drives every decision at Bassaleg.
Victoria explained, "our vision at Bassaleg School is to create a place in which our students and our staff aspire to be the very best versions of themselves." The new building reflects this vision with design elements that promote well-being and inclusivity. Key features include clear wayfinding using colour differentiation, large areas of glazing for natural light, and transparent glass fronts to create a connection with the outdoors. "It was pivotal to create an environment in which our young people and our staff felt safe, cared for, and inspired to achieve great things," she added.
The design also prioritises professional learning spaces for staff and incorporates flexible, open spaces that facilitate collaborative learning experiences. The relocation of the Sixth Form Centre within the new building has provided significant benefits, creating a more cohesive and inclusive environment for students and staff alike; something which Head Students Olli Lewis and Izzy Faulkner spoke proudly of.
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