Published on:
20
June 2014
A school estate review that will ensure 21st century learning opportunities are available for young people in Clackmannanshire is to be carried out by the Council, a report to the Education, Sport and Leisure Committee has explained.
The review will be guided by the Council's vision for Clackmannanshire schools which signal the high value placed on buildings which;
- people and communities can enjoy using and can be proud of
- are well designed, maintained and managed and which encourage
continuous engagement with learning
- are far more than just 'educational establishments' where quality of
environment supports an accessible range of services and opportunities and which enrich the communities they serve and the lives of learners and families
A number of key considerations will be part of the review, to ensure that all schools include access to suitable indoor and outdoor learning and sporting facilities, play areas within a safe environment, a suitable dining area, a flexible resource area, suitable library and research facilities and accommodation that supports the active engagement of learners in the learning process.
The committee heard that population projections based on future housing development within the local development plan means that there will be a growing school population. Spare capacity exists within some areas of the primary school estate, however it is not located in areas where there is a large predicted increase in the school-based population.
Schools are at the centre of their communities, and the review is an opportunity to build greater community partnership and in so doing so enhance and enrich facilities available to local communities.
The report stresses that the creation of a flexible, adaptable workforce with key skills and attributes are the foundation for economic success in Clackmannanshire, and to make this happen our communities will require access to lifelong learning resources. Schools can work in partnership with other agencies to provide the resources to support this process.
Education, Sport and Leisure Convener Ellen Forson said: "We are determined to do everything possible to ensure that our young people get the best possible education to help them have successful lives and careers.
"Learning in a quality environment which is designed to provide a 21st century learning experience is an important part of this process, and changes in technology have opened up new opportunities and potential for enhancing and broadening learning. This review will help us to evaluate how our schools measure up to meet these challenges, and I hope that the community will give us their views."
A series of engagement events with key stakeholders are planned in the coming months, and a further report will be presented to a future committee.