The Big School Makeover has produced significant transformations in schools across the country from Newcastle to Devon. In 2008 the Big School Makeover went to an Edwardian School in London. Predominately a refresh of five spaces, this project also incorporated elements of reuse and refurbishment.

An art classroom underwent a significant transformation with a mezzanine level being added to make full use of the space both horizontally and vertically. The mezzanine with new ICT equipment became an i-media space above a fully equipped art classroom. A significant refresh of the attic, previously used for storage, created a space that could be used for a new purpose. A light and bright drama and music area was created by replacing the windows, removing partition walls and redecorating.

A refresh in the dining hall led to the creation of a colourful and bright space with large orange flowers painted on the walls and graphics of fruit on canvas panels.

The importance of the external space should not be forgotten and in this case an overgrown, no-go area was redeveloped into an outdoor classroom with hard and soft landscaping and bench seating around a pond. In addition, the school’s interest in chess was incorporated in the fifth space through the provision of a giant outdoor chess set. The difference that these relatively small changes have made to the school is marked. Two years on the new music and drama spaces allow end of term performances to be rehearsed and the art and outdoor classrooms are well liked and used by the students. The dining hall has also been a success with school meal uptake increasing by 40%, which ataff attribute solely to the refreshed space.

For more information visit: http://www.bigschoolmakeover.org.uk