inspiring spaces for education
SAM - Education Building Consultancy assist in the development of excellence in respect to school buildings
With the recent turbulence in education and the development of new methodology in pedagogy and curriculum modelling, along with organisational restructuring of the schools; new practice has emerged that has transformed teaching and learning. Subsequently, this has affected the purpose and the organisation of schools. Some of these changes will be with us for a long time, other less significant ones will grow and develop. The resultant factor is that schools will need to provide more services and the buildings will have to reflect and absorb these adjustments. This is where SAM Education Building Consultancy can maximise your potential, secure superiority, provide longevity and build resources that are fully adaptable for future generations and methodologies.
Architects
Assistance and support in designing the bid for tender from the client brief (LEA or School). Applying room structure to meet current pedagogic and curricular models. Investigating the potential for multiuse areas and therefore maximising the floor space usage. Analysing the allocation of non-curricular spaces to assist in the flow and operation of the school. Advise other aspects of the school build – Secure fencing, CCTV, Fixtures Fittings and Equipment, Traffic management planning, Examination spaces and Community input and demands.
Constructors
Work with clients after the contract is secure, to develop the build to meet the specific requirements for the school. Liaise with the school to develop the FFE package. Spot potential design flaws and work round solutions.
LEA/Schools
Assistance in designing the brief from Building Bulletins or relevant guidance. Introduce new design trends to assist in the effectiveness of the administration and performance of the school. Communicate with the School to analyse curricular demands and the rooming allocation. Develop the FFE package. Analyse/Endorse controversial and difficult elements of the school design. Review the community requirements and provide manageable solutions to use. Futureproof the design to allow for flexibility and durability. Suggest aspects that will save on maintenance and damage prevention.
Cefn Saeson Redevelopment Case Study
It’s amazing how a £30m project can transform the lives of so many. Staff and pupils have an inspiring building to work and thrive in. The community have a school that enhances wellbeing and esteem. I had a wakeup call that took me from 35 years of teaching and leadership, to realising my true vocation.
About me and my experience
With 35 years in Secondary Education, I have worked as a Head of Department, Head of Year, Assistant Head teacher and finally attaining a Deputy Headteacher position. In all these positions there have been differing responsibilities and challenges that have led me to understand fully the working of a school – from pastoral requirements, academic structure, new curriculum designs and pedagogic approaches. In my last position as a Deputy Headteacher, I was responsible for Curriculum Design, Timetabling, Examinations, Premises maintenance and the general day to day management of staff and pupils.
From a practical perspective, I have always been involved in building from an early age, I applaud quality in construction and innovative and functional design. Within school, I had responsibility for technical room refits, development and refurbishment of sports fields and Astroturf, and adaptations to an aging school to maintain a coherent provision for staff, pupils and the community.
In 2017, my school was given the green light for a rebuild. My role was to guide the school to obtain the best facility we could imagine. I worked with the LEA, Architects and the Contractors to create what I consider to be the best school in Wales. It was this enlightening process that led me to change my career path and set up SAM Education Building Consultancy. An educationalist fresh from the world of current education.
