Flexible Learning Spaces

A flexible learning space is just what it sounds like – a space to learn that is flexible. Think of it just like walking into a café and being able to choose which seat and table you’d be most comfortable at. This is what a flexible learning space allows students. Students are able to pick the table, seating arrangement or space that they feel would work best for them. Research tells us that students with flexible learning spaces perform better and are more focussed compared to sitting at traditional classroom furniture.Teachers at St Bernardine’s are providing high-quality teaching and learning experiences and will continue to do so. Flexible learning spaces provide innovative resources for teachers to reconceptualise what is possible.Flexible learning spaces do not mean that students will roam the classroom all day. They are still responsible for producing quality work. It does NOT take away structure, routines or classroom expectations and boundaries. Flexible learning spaces give students the opportunity to be comfortable and to maximise their learning. As a result, they are more open to learning, listening and achieving their learning goals. Students are still expected to follow the rules of the classroom.

How will Flexible Learning Spaces work within our classroom/school?

Students will not need to rush to get their preferred learning space in the morning. Learning spaces are chosen and/or allocated depending on the needs of the learner and the task. They can be determined or moved by the teacher/s at anytime. All students will have the opportunity to use a variety of learning spaces throughout the school day, week, term and year. Students will be explicitly taught the rules and routines around the use of the various learning spaces at the beginning of the term.Learning Intention:

To use our flexible learning spaces to help us grow and flourish as learners.Success Criteria:

I can work in a learning space that helps me do my best.

I can use each learning space in the appropriate way.

I can move if a learning space is not allowing me to grow.

I can take care of my learning space.

I can be moved at any time by any adult.

What can our Flexible Learning Space contain?

Desks and other furniture that can easily move to accommodate different needs and different activities

Areas that promote student and teacher communication and collaboration

Classrooms that encourage students to be active participants in their learning

Design that promotes a sense of inquiry, wonder and excitement

Classrooms where the teacher can deliver flexible lesson content – lecture style, group style, presentation style or activity style

Design that challenges students to think and do more

A space that places high value on the important of respectful relationships and partnership

Round, rectangular, oblong, irregular and kidney shaped tables; chairs and stools; kneeler tables and mats; soft furnishings; standing height tables and stools; tables with whiteboard surfaces and booths.

Flexible Learning Spaces include: Various tables of assorted sizes,

shapes and heights Chairs for tables, stools for

standing height tables and kneeler pads for kneeling tables

Soft ‘wave’ style chairs (which can also be tables and kneeling stations)

Ottomans that can be chairs, tables, storage and room dividers

Tidy tray storage for individual and group belongings

Teacher pod – not a traditional desk

Keep up-to-date on our school Facebook page – St Bernardine’s

Regents Park or Twitter feed - @StBernardines for updates and

pictures of the flexible learning spaces in action.

St Bernardine’s

Flexible Learning Spaces