tailieunhanh - Safe seats of learning - How good school furniture can make a difference

Today’s student population is technology driven and there is an ongoing need for learning spaces and furniture to meet these rapidly developing demands. Students no longer rely on printed materials as their primary resource for learning. Instead they make frequent and steady use of digital information in support of their studies and research. IT has fundamentally transformed the educational environment and its integration into the curriculum is redefining the perception of a quality school. The selection and planning of furniture has responded to this evolution. As new hardware and software is introduced, it is important to provide the necessary ergonomics and. | Foreword The British Council for School Environments recognises the right of young people to learn in an environment which is safe healthy and achieves the highest quality possible. We must all be committed to improving the quality attractiveness and health of the learning and communal spaces in our schools. Environmental factors have significant effects on pupil and teacher wellbeing. Poor quality lighting ventilation acoustics and furniture all have a negative effect on student achievement and health. What we value in our homes we should value in our schools. What we wouldn t accept in our workplaces should not be part of our schools. Good school furniture can and does make a difference. As parents and pupils campaigned against turkey twizzler type food so they will campaign against turkey twizzler type furniture. We must ensure that money spent on furniture is fit for purpose. The UK has suppliers willing to innovate and we must continue to invest in and design fit for purpose and flexible furniture. Poor ergonomic design of classroom chairs can affect concentration handwriting and general well-being. We welcome the work of FIRA and this landmark document Safe seats of Learning . Ty Goddard Director British Council for School Environments We as a nation are embarking upon a major investment in our schools and teaching methods - but our school furniture design has changed little from the post-war era. It s not just about aesthetics - good furniture has a positive effect on both children s health and their classroom development. This call to action comes from FIRA Furniture Industry Research Association in response to requests from government purchasers parents teachers and children to make a change. Safe seats of learning FIRA March 2008 Introduction The present climate in schools is one of change and development. The Government has a vision of high quality forward-looking school accommodation that will improve opportunities for students and produce a .