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Lauriston Primary School |
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Lauriston Primary School is a small single-storey, Primary School in Hackney, London. For a number of years the school has had a reputation for providing an excellent education. However the school's 'Beacon Status' was achieved in spite of the schools built environment. One infant year was taught in an inadequate temporary classroom. Another temporary classroom was used as a music room. Nevertheless JWA noted that there were a number of positive aspects to the schools overcrowded nature: all the staff knew all the children. This reinforced the bond of a 'community of learners' that is a primary aim of the school. JWA proposed to extend the infants part of the school and demolish the music room. In the reception class the children are still taught primarily through play, so a flexible space was planned with four distinct areas, namely: a large wet area, a 'home corner' for imaginative play, a quieter carpet area and a main teaching space. An 'external room' was also created; this area is separated from the main infants' playground with its own fence and gates. One existing classroom needed to be adapted so as to provide internal access to the new classroom. Here a simple screen of standard steel shelving is used to separate corridor from classroom. Some areas are filled in with solid panels others are left open. This provides longer views within the new classroom to give the illusion of additional space. Space in the corridor is also used to provide a science based wet area and a dedicated computer area. These areas double up as specialist teaching zones for small groups or one to one tutoring.
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