« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Case Studies Building Our Future: Scotland's School Estate
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF AUCHTERARDER
Perth and Kinross Council has developed a fully integrated Community School that meets the educational, sporting, leisure and cultural needs of the community. It was built on the existing school site. A partnering approach with the developer achieved the council's objectives.
Outcome
This project has received acclaim both in terms of architecture and appropriate provision of educational life long learning and community facilities. The building is of very high quality design and construction to match the educational, learning and leisure aspirations of the council.
Lessons
Facilities on site are available for use by the school and the community during the day, evenings and weekends. The school environment is open and welcoming whilst maintaining a level of security appropriate to the provision of an educational service in a multi-functional environment. 
Contact
Alan Taylor
Lead Officer
Finance/Resource Services
Perth and Kinross Council
Pullar House
35 Kinnoull Street
PERTH
PH1 5GE
Telephone: 01738 476 225
Email: amtaylor@pkc.gov.uk
CONSULTATION WITH PUPILS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES
Following a provisional offer from the Scottish Executive to support a PPP investment package with a capital value of 80 million, Aberdeen City Council's 3Rs Project (Reorganise, Renovate, Rebuild) is set to rebuild or refurbish a significant element of its school estate over the period to 2007/2008. In tandem, the council is in the process of developing its school estate management plan.
With such important initiatives underway, the council felt it was essential to consult with all relevant stakeholders as early as possible. This consultation aimed to establish what, in general terms, the people of Aberdeen wished to see in educational buildings of the future.
A second stage of site-specific consultation is proposed for each major individual project once final programmes have been approved by the council in the context of prioritised need and overall levels of funding.
First stage general stakeholder consultation
- this exercise was conducted in partnership with the Robert Gordon University
- the main focus for adult stakeholders was an open questionnaire structured around six broad headings, reflecting elements of the new community school, and designed to uncover burning issues from individual respondents or groups
- the questionnaire was circulated widely to school and community based stakeholders including faith communities and community councils
- full and summary reports of the responses and conclusions were circulated widely
Pupil conference
The 3Rs Project originally intended to use a questionnaire to gather the views of pupils across the city. Instead it was agreed a workshop of youngsters might produce more imaginative responses. 
- full conference facilities at Pittodrie Stadium provided a stimulating venue and conference authenticity
- most youngsters from P2 - S6 were involved including those with particular support needs. Pupil Councils were represented on the day
- a range of teaching and support staff facilitated
- three key pupil activities were central to the conference:
- the questionnaire was translated into a pupil friendly booklet, providing main headings and discussion points to be used by the adult facilitators in structuring pupil discussion (in groups of 8-10 students). Responses were recorded on flipcharts for analysis
- pupils responded to pictures of inspirational designs of modern educational buildings around Europe and the UK
- delegates were asked to co-ordinate a further task at school involving the full pupil council. They drew up lists of likes and dislikes in terms of building design for their existing schools. They voted to identify the single best and worst features for each school. Pupils then expanded these using digital photography to show their ideas on how improvement might be made. These displays are an important part of the data collection process.
Outcome
In advance of the detailed site specific consultation with local stakeholders which accompanies any new build or major refurbishment projects, Aberdeen City Council has obtained a significant body of feedback from a wide range of consultees. This will prove valuable in informing the design process.
Lessons
- when major changes are being proposed to the school estate, every consideration should be given to seeking feedback from all stakeholders across a Council's geographic area, and not only those who may be associated directly with individual projects
- pupil consultation needs to offer genuine engagement for youngsters of all ages. A carefully planned and well-organised pupil conference day is one way in which this can be achieved
- the availability of impartial specialist advice can be invaluable when designing stakeholder consultation processes, for example in the key areas of questionnaire design and presentation of findings. An arrangement with a University or Institute of Further Education can be one effective way of obtaining this.
Contact
Alan Baxter
Aberdeen City Council
Woodhill House
Westburn Road
ABERDEEN
AB16 5GB
Telephone: 01224 346314
Email: abaxter@education.aberdeen.net.uk
« Previous | Contents | Next »