Few organisations know how much space they have. They also do not know how much they need. Schools are no different. However, the amount and types of space, equipment and services in schools have a significant impact on a school’s ability to achieve high-quality education outcomes.
Schools with limited space leading to overcrowding, find it difficult to teach and for learn. Similarly, space that is not serviced or equipped appropriately limits its use. For instance, laboratories with lab equipment and computer labs without electricity do not enable effective teaching and learning of some science and computing topics.
Understanding space, equipment and service needs in relation to education outcomes is an important aspect of planning and managing school infrastructure. This aims to ensure there is sufficient space for each learner and educator to be productive. It also means matching the mix of spaces, equipment and services with the curricula and teaching and learning approaches to achieve education outcomes.
Optimising space, equipment and services in schools provides multiple benefits, including:
- Teaching and learning: Optimal mix of spaces, equipment and services enables a wide range teaching and learning outcomes to be achieved.
- Productivity: Sufficient space, lighting and ventilation for learners and educators improves productivity and teaching and learning.
- Flexibility and adaptability: Optimised spaces, equipment and services are designed to be easy to change and be responsive to achieving particular education or other outcomes.
- Operational costs: Security, cleaning and maintenance costs of surplus space are avoided.
- Fire and emergency egress: Avoiding overcrowding improves safety and emergency egress.
- Safety: Unoccupied, unsupervised and potentially unsafe surplus space is avoided.
- Attraction and retention: Optimal space, equipment and services can be used to attract and retain educators.
Understanding space requirements and optimising them in schools is covered in the STE Teaching and Learning Environments Course