Our Lady of the Missions pupils hack their way to better learning spaces

The group of P5-7 pupils have been working with Scottish Government agency Architecture and Design Scotland to explore how they can design and improve their learning spaces through a series of “space hacks’.

During these sessions the pupils analysed and tested out new ideas – using cardboard boxes and other simple materials. Through the process they learned about design as well as collaboration and team work.

Following the space hack a designer took the pupils’ ideas and created the computer files that will become the finished product.

The pupils will be on stand-by at the Whisky Bond with wood glue, spanners and nuts and bolts to put the pieces together. The class will see their designs come to life from a drawing on a computer, to a set of booths and tables that they can take back to the school.

Speaking on behalf of Architecture and Design Scotland, a spokesman said: “Our space hacks is part of our way to demonstrate that you get great results working with the learners directly. You can make a big difference to a learning space without major investment. We find this sort of work helps the learners build confidence, learn about different career and work prospects while making a direct difference to learning spaces. We are delighted to be able to support this school and also to be able to share the designs with any other school that would like to use these smartly designed pieces of furniture.”

Our Lady of the Missions’ Headteacher, Catherine Dillon Ruddy, said: “Our partnership with A&DS has had the aim of enhancing spaces to better meet the needs of learners and teachers. The creativity of the pupils produced many unforeseen solutions/approaches to use of space, building on the scope of proposals in the initial A&DS report.

“The idea of a specialist hub for specific types of learning/activities was well received and appeared to help reinforce specific behaviours in relation to the function of the space and the activity to be engaged in, within that space. The pupils are now well versed in the productive use of flexible space and the nature of multifunctional use . Parents informed us some children getting their parents involved in hacking space in their own homes. We are now in the Production phase with the pupils being able to articulate many of the Developing the Young Workforce links.

“This has been an excellent opportunity for the application of skills.”