Walls go up – classrooms calm down

The Government is investing a further $31.3 million to create calmer, less disruptive learning spaces in more than 600 classrooms at nearly 90 schools, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.

The investment will fund practical changes such as installing internal walls to create clear, defined classroom spaces, while design work will begin for a further 755 more complex classrooms at approximately 80 schools.

It follows strong demand from schools wanting to move away from noisy, distracting open-plan classrooms, with nearly 200 schools across New Zealand submitting expressions of interest since the fund was first announced.

This latest funding builds on the $10 million allocated to 40 schools last year.

"This is about closing the door on the failed experiment of open-plan classrooms," Ms Stanford says.

"Last year, I announced that new schools would no longer be designed as open-plan learning environments. Schools have been clear that these environments can be noisy, distracting and difficult to manage. We have listened, and we are acting.

"Every child deserves a classroom where they can focus, take part and succeed, and every teacher deserves a space that lets them do what they do best - teach."

For some schools, the work will be as straightforward as installing internal walls to create clear, defined classroom spaces.

For others, projects are more complex and require design and building work, including upgrades to fire safety systems, heating and ventilation, accessibility, and existing building services.

"We are taking a staged approach so simpler projects can move quickly, while design and planning get underway for the more complex work.

"This is practical, targeted investment that makes a real difference for students and teachers," Ms Stanford says.

Regional breakdown

The regional breakdown below shows the teaching spaces included in the first stage of funded modifications.