Student Participation
Students have their Say
BSF commissioned the Sorrell Foundation for a programme to support pupils in the creation of a pupil design brief for Stevenage schools.
Over 40 pupils from Stevenage BSF schools were invited to work with architects, artists and consultants to create a design brief for the new or remodelled schools in Stevenage.
 The pupils attended two interactive workshops at the Young Design Centre in Somerset House. Each school prioritised three areas in their schools and came up with a range of ideas on how they can be improved. Not surprisingly toilets, social spaces and canteens where featured by most of the schools, with excellent suggestions on how to make them places that inspired and motivated pupils to learn and make school more enjoyable!
The project concluded with a celebration event in Stevenage where parents, headteachers, architects and county councillors were among those invited to hear the presentations and see the results of the film made of the process. The architectural brief used for the building or remodelling of the schools.
Some of the young people's ideas for Stevenage schools of the future:
- Sheltered space outside to eat lunch
- Chewing gum board
- Sensors for taps, driers, soap, flushes in the toilets
- Fruit vending machines
- Punch-bag area
- Display area for art in the reception
- Chill out pods in the school for each year
- More windows for natural lights, skylights
- More uniform options e.g. skirts or shorts
- Improve website – animation, colours, pictures, helpline, guidelines, games – to involve children with special needs
More information on the Sorrell Foundation:
The Sorrell Foundation proposal for Stevenage:
Other Useful Links
- www.teachers.tv
Includes a programme from the DfES explaining the concept behind BSF and the huge opportunity it offers secondary education plus case studies where pupils have been involved in the design process.
- www.hertsdirect.org/yrccouncil/hcc/csf/childrenstrust/
The Hertfordshire’s Children’s Trust framework brings together the legislative requirements, best practice research and key issues relating to different professions and agencies covering all forms of work that involves children and young people in decision making processes.
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