Kelvinside Academy Rector, Ian Munro, in the Thinking Space

Inside the Thinking Space

Kelvinside Academy takes a leap into the future

Glasgow school transforms library into an innovative 'Thinking Space'

Posted by Stephanie Broad | September 14, 2016 | Facilities & buildings

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• #thinking-space
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Kelvinside Academy pupils returned to school at the start of the new term to see that big changes had taken place over the summer.

As well as a refurbished gym, an innovative Thinking Space inspired by organisations such as Google, and fit for Silicon Valley, was now in place of the old library. 

The refurbished Fraser Library was officially unveiled this week by Ian Munro, Kelvinside Academy’s new rector – the world’s youngest headmaster of an HMC school.  

Ian said: “The Thinking Space has already become the beating heart of the school. It’s at the centre of our ongoing commitment to developing young people who are passionate about thinking and learning.  

“Whilst the redeveloped library still contains a huge selection of books, pupils are making use of digital devices to access the school’s online subscription content platforms.  

“We are incredibly ambitious for our learners and believe it is vital that they develop characteristics that will allow them to flourish in a rapidly changing world. Qualities such as independence, collaboration and creativity are just as important as exam grades. The Thinking Space is the perfect place to nourish these qualities.”  

Pupils played an integral part in the planning and development process. At their request, a number of playful features were also included, such as artificial grass flooring and LED strip lighting. 

The facility includes an experimental teaching room, with tables and walls which pupils can write on. Teachers will use the space to develop innovative teaching and learning practices.  

Deputy Rector, Dan Wyatt is already beginning to see the impact of the Thinking Space first hand through his approach to group discussion in his history classes.  “Being able to write on the walls encouraged my S1 pupils to be much more creative and original with their ideas. There was a huge increase in the amount of information generated, shared and discussed”, he said.  

“It has created an uplifting and creative environment which has excited and enthused both pupils and teachers alike. We listened to our pupils throughout and the result is a modern, dynamic space that everybody at the school enjoys being in.” 

kelvinsideacademy.org.uk