The sky is the limit at the new primary school in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight
The old school wasn’t the best environment for the young pupils at St. Francis Primary. Constructed in the 1950s the buildings were originally designed for secondary students with the windows positioned for taller students so it was difficult for the younger pupils to enjoy the beautiful outside landscape. In 2010 the local authority approved plans to build a new school, and after three years of planning and construction the doors opened in February 2013. The new school includes 33 longlights of VELUX Modular Skylights. Head Teacher Angela Hewkin is enthusiastic remarking that the new interior represents a leap into the future: “We now have a truly 21st century feel to the school.”
The reason why ideas are called bright
Research shows that a child’s ability to gather and process knowledge vastly improves, when they are taught in a bright and ventilated environment. Since the opening Angela Hewkin has made her own observations, which agrees with this research. “It’s a good learning environment and the children appreciate the light space and the climate controlled effect, whatever the weather – hot or cold. We now have a growing changing school, and I am impressed with the learning outcomes. Children do seem to be more alert in the classrooms towards the end of the day, especially when we have hot summer weather. The air seems a lot clearer.” Angela also noticed that the absenteeism rate seems to be better with fewer pupils absent due to sickness. “Attendance has improved since the new building opened, but this isn’t just down to the changes, although I’m sure it has had an influence. Feedback from new parents’ open days tells us that they do want their children to come to the school.”