Purpose and Aims

This policy aims to ensure that:
• There is a consistent approach to the learning environment across the Institute, reflecting the high expectations that staff and pupils have for learning and progress.
• The learning environment promotes an inclusive and collaborative approach to learning so that all pupils are supported in achieving their potential across the curriculum.

General expectations

Organization:

All classrooms and corridors should be kept clean, tidy and free from clutter. Classroom and Institute timings should support student value and respect their learning environment and make a contribution to keeping it clean and tidy.

Language:

All classrooms should be “language rich” environments in order to promote and extend student’s understanding and use of language. Displays should include key words and statements, open ended questions, prompts and scaffolds related to the curriculum or to highlight key learning points. Where appropriate, dual language labels should be included.

Resources:

All resources should be clearly labelled and organized to that they are readily available to the students in order to promote independent learning and choice. Resources should include appropriate course materials, models, pictures/photographs, videos, etc. to support the student’s learning in relation to the curriculum areas and current topics.

Classroom layout:

The physical layout of the classroom should support and promote inclusive, interactive teaching. It should allow for flexibility for working in different contexts (e.g. individual work, paired work, small group work as well as whole class teaching). This is to ensure that speaking and listening and collaborative learning are at the centre of teaching and learning. Every student should be seated so that they have a clear view of the interactive whiteboard/main teaching area. Audio/Visual arrangements are to be made also to promote interactive teaching/learning

Implementation

Teachers establish and maintain a positive learning environment by ensuring a common understanding of the principles of The Code of Conduct: Respect – developed through extensive collaboration between members of the Institute community. They actively teach the principles through activities and the Positive Education program.

Students have the right to:

• Be treated with courtesy and respect
• Work in, and enjoy, a safe, secure and clean environment
• A learning environment that is free from disruption
• Achieve their educational potential
• Have their property respected
• Be proud of their achievements

Students have the responsibility to:

• Show courtesy and respect to others
• Keep our environment safe, secure and clean
• Ensure that there is no disruption to Another person’s learning environment
• Develop their potential and assist others in doing the same
• Respect student, staff and Institute property
• Be proud of their achievements Ensure their actions do not discredit the Institute community