We Never Stop Learning Using lessons learnt from Post Occupancy Evaluation to create better wellbeing outcomes for studentsDr Caroline Paradise, head of design research

What do we mean by ‘wellbeing’?

Source:

World Health Organisation. Social determinants of health. [2014 Apr 9].

Environment Impacts People

Measuring the impact on wellbeing

Impact on teachers

Source:

File on 4, Absence Protection Ltd 2014

Source:

Heschong and Mahone Group, 2003

Learning experience:

a large scale school study

determined that when natural

light levels are good the

improvement impact on

student progression is:

Impact on students

Source:

Barrett et al, 2015

Impact on students

16%IMPACT ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CLASSROOMS HAVE A

SEMH

Psychological wellbeing factors can have an even greater impact

for children with more specific emotional or behavioural needs.

Associated behavioural & emotional responses;

• immature social skills

• withdrawn or isolated

• challenging, disruptive or disturbing behaviour

• anxiety or depression

• personal conduct including aggression

• self-harming, substance abuse, eating disorders

Winnie stats graphic

Social, Emotional & Mental Health

+1%OF SCHOOL PLACES PROVIDED SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH SEMH DIFFICULTIES

IN THE UK

Collecting the evidence

We can only get a true understanding of how students and staff respond to different learning environments if we go back and find out after the build is completed. We can do this by undertaking a Post Occupancy Evaluation.

Springwell AcademySEMH school, Barnsley Local AuthorityLessons learned from a Post Occupancy Evaluation of Springwell Academy

Design Process

Key components to design process: Collaborative design process Led by end users Used ‘day-in-the-life’ scenarios

School’s Vision:To provide a nurturing, safe environment with socialisation, family and community at the centre of the learning experience

Physical Parameters: Daylight

Environmental design needed to reinforce nurturing, home-like feel

Physical Parameters: Daylight

Lessons learned:

• Good level of natural light throughout school

• Felt to provide a pleasant environment

• Blinds not as effective at preventing glare

Physical Parameters: Thermal comfortLessons learned:

• Good air quality

• Ventilation control

• Distraction for some students

• In response - a more passive solution

Psychological Parameters

Psychological Parameters: Connectivity

A courtyard scheme was chosen due to its simplicity and separate quadrant principle for each Key Stage, whilst at the same time linking them together with a communal heart to the school.

Psychological Parameters: Connectivity

Lessons learned:

• Homebases create a

nurturing environment

• Good display space

supports a sense of

belonging

• Courtyards could be more

effective as teaching

space

Psychological Parameters: Interaction

AWARENESS INTERACTION GROUP WORKING

Heart space to encourage group activity and interaction and provide a strong central hub.

External spaces located at the heart of homebases to provide high visual connection

Classrooms provide a variety of spaces for interaction whilst maintaining high level of proximity.

Lessons learned:

• Break out spaces work well

• Room layout supports good social environment

• ‘S’ shaped classrooms:

• Positive

• Provided different areas within classroom

• Allows space for quiet time

• Good for younger students

• Negative

• Gives students places to hide

Psychological Parameters: Interaction

Psychological Parameters: Flexibility

The central drama ‘Heart’ space is designed as an open flexible

space, used for classes, group and school performances and

informal socialisation.

Lessons learned:

• Space works well, fully integrated into curriculum.

• Students respond well - creates a calming environment

• Heart space in heavy demand – too flexible

Psychological Parameters: Flexibility

Applying the lessonsFuture SEMH schools, Leeds LA

We are now applying the lessons learnt from Springwell

Academy to a series of new Social, Emotional & Mental

Health schools across Leeds.