About Schools

School Visits

Classroom Layout

Where is the teacher's desk?

Is it the focal point of the classroom?

How much is it used and what for?

Does this vary? Is that to do with the needs of the age group or the style of individual teachers?

Tables or desks?

Grouped for 4/6/8 pupils?

Singles or pairs?

In rows?

What implications does that have for what pupils can do in a lesson?

Different areas for different purposes?

Reading/writing/library?

Water and sand?

Quiet area?

Imaginative play/dressing up/home corner?

Craft?

Carpet?

What are the changes in classroom design as pupils get older? What do secondary school classrooms look like? Why?

Display

What goes on the walls?

How much is pupils' work?

What is the standard of the backing/mounting etc.?

Resources

What resources do pupils have access to themselves?

What can only be accessed via the teacher?

How good are the pupils at getting what they need and getting on with the task?