“We are so fortunate to have access to such a beautiful historical building at the heart of our campus and to have the opportunity to transform it into a contemporary workspace,” says Neil Burch, Senior Master who has seen Bradfield’s academic offering evolve over the last few years.
“It has been fascinating to be involved in the design process and to see the concept evolve as a result of staff and pupil feedback. This tight collaboration will ensure that St Andrew’s, a mix of study environments, will support the pupils’ learning throughout their time at Bradfield.”
St Andrew’s will transform the study environment for pupils, so it’s absolutely right that they have a say.
Julia Bond, Capital Programme Manager
It is not just the staff who need a say but the pupils too as they will gain so much from the transformative experience of using St Andrew’s. Now that we are at the stage of bringing those concepts to life in the building, Julia is once again reaching out to staff users included in the original studies as well as inviting some Sixth Formers to attend a series of workshops to help shape the delivery of the design concept. As Julia points out “St Andrew’s will transform the study environment for pupils, so it’s absolutely right that they have a say.”
It means a lot to know that our opinion is valued and will make a difference in the outcome of the project.
Bella (M), Sixth Form Pupil
The workshops have given pupils the ability to influence the furniture proposals which are fundamental to the way in which the different spaces within St Andrew’s will be used and recently visited the newly refurbished Reading University Library for inspiration.
Knowing that she was going to be part of the process, Bella (M) took the initiative and sought the opinion of girls from all different year groups in her boarding house. “I was keen to make sure that my contribution was as valuable as possible, so I polled everyone in my House for their views on what a good study space would be like and brought their views to the table. I am delighted to be able to play my part in the process. It means a lot to know that our opinion is valued and will make a difference in the outcome of the project.”
It has given me excellent insight into what having a career in design entails in practice.
Tom (C), Sixth Form Pupil
Meanwhile Sixth Form Design pupil Tom (C) saw dual benefits to his involvement in the process. “It was great to be involved, not only from the perspective of having the ability to influence our future study space, but also to see the level of thought that was going into the design process. I am studying Design and this is a great opportunity to be part of the processes that I have been studying. It has given me excellent insight into what having a career in design entails in practice.”
