Learning Environment

Summary of Findings

Pupil Voice
A group of pupils were involved in a walk-round of the school building in order to assess the spaces in which they learn. Pupils were given an opportunity to offer feedback on the learning environment both in class and in the corridors. The findings below are based on the results of this walk-round, given by the pupils involved.

Corridor Displays
 

• • A couple of departments had displays showing how staff got to where they are (what they studied and other previous jobs – pupils found this both interesting and helpful to see their career journeys).

  • Pupils enjoyed seeing departments celebrating success in the corridors – Pupil of Month/ beep test scores – they especially liked a display in MFL showing not just top performers, but also those who had made most effort/progress.

  • Pupils highlighted “where this corridor can take you” displays that showed career paths (some especially liked potential jobs, entry requirements and starting salary which gives real life examples)

  • Pupils enjoyed seeing displays of pupil work in the corridor, as well as seeing the benefit of seeing how other people do things, and what work looks like at different levels in the school (S1-6).

  • Seeing pictures up of trips and events helped them to see the variety of experiences available to them throughout the school.

  • Pupils found pictures showing what goes on in class were motivating and helped some feel less anxious about going in to class.

  • Pupils also commented on seeing pictures of the staff in the department at the start of the corridor and thought it would help S1, as well as help them to know staff that don't teach them.

Classrooms
 

• Views on seating arrangements were varied, with pupils liking different arrangements for different types of subject.

• QR codes that led to help or revision games were commented on in Science and MFL – these were not necessarily all used by them, but they appreciated being given the guidance in case they needed it.

• Pupils commented a great deal about how welcoming classes were that had made a small touch to make their classroom more personal. (Examples were given of a classroom with a rug, one with a lamp, plants, motivational quotes, the LGBT door plates that gave a fun fact about themselves). These were almost all just one simple thing that really changed their view of the classroom.

• Pupils found it helpful to be able to access Chromebooks for extended tasks.

• Displays of University courses and views of subjects on walls helped pupils to know different choices available to them.