Sibford School discusses how rethinking its Sixth Form spaces – with design input of students – positively impacts the 16+ learning experience
Sibford School educates children from Nursery through to Sixth Form over a 50-acre rural campus on the edge of the Cotswolds. Located just over an hour from Central London, it was founded by the Society of Friends in 1842. The Quaker ethos of respecting, nurturing, and valuing the individual remains fundamental and underpins what is regarded as a Sibford Education today.
“We are a supportive community, with small classes and attentive staff that offer individual support in making successful post 18 applications. Although we are primarily a day school, full, weekly, and occasional boarding gives further flexibility to many families of children in our Sixth Form,” says Co Head of Sixth Form Helen Gormley.
In 2022, the school invested substantially in a Sixth Form centre refurbishment. The aim was to create a space that better worked for students – one providing a balance between collaborative working areas and individualised workspaces, also catering for the individual needs of each student.
The project was undertaken with TaskSpace, a company well known for innovative education interiors, and has been designed to inspire and engage both students and staff. It was imperative that Sixth Form students were heavily involved in the design process. They made a variety of valuable contributions, such as selecting their preferred furniture items and colour palette.
“Having a space where students feel encouraged and motivated to work independently is so important”
All students learn in different ways, so to ensure that all learning styles are catered for, the Sixth Form Centre provides a range of study areas, both independent and collaborative. This means that students can select their preferred method of learning – be it soft chairs, sofas, desks or café tables. This means that groups can naturally share and extend their learning together.
“We are proud of our recent extensive Sixth Form refurbishment. This is an incredible working space for our students to learn and grow as individuals,” adds Helen Gormley. “Independent study is the key to success for any Sixth Form student, so having a space where students feel encouraged and motivated to work independently is so important.”
Social time is important for the full enjoyment of Sixth Form life as it facilitates positive working relationships and creates friendships. So, to ensure that all students can make the most of their educational experience, the renovation includes a modern, university-style café. “The Centre has been designed in a way that encourages a university style of learning and a seamless transition into professional life beyond Sibford,” says Co Head at Sibford Sixth Form Darren De Bruyn.
“We look at Sibford as an environment that taps into the individuality of a student. It is a place where staff understand the needs and aspirations of each student,” he adds. “This intimate and supportive space is a platform that allows students to be the best they can be – whatever their interests and strengths are and wherever their dreams and aspirations take them.”
Sibford School sibfordschool.co.uk
Further reading: Wellington College on sixth form independence
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