Sound advice for improving student wellbeing with Sound Reduction Systems

13 Feb 2020

The case for designing and building schools in a way that contributes to positive student wellbeing grows ever stronger as new research comes to light, as Sound Reduction Systems explores here…

The company puts the case forward that improving acoustics in the learning environment is a very powerful and simple way to make improvements to a school’s existing bricks and mortar?

The leading UK manufacturer offers a wide range of solutions which are guaranteed to enhance any learning environment and improve student wellbeing.

Diarmaid Lawlor, director of Place with Architecture & Design Scotland, who has been one of the most vocal advocates of design for wellbeing in education, sums it up well:

“The foundation of learning is wellbeing. Healthy social and emotional development in childhood and adolescence has been shown to be positively associated with better educational outcomes. The quality of our environments directly affects the experience of wellbeing,” he commented

Whilst design for wellbeing has to consider the whole school complex – including the outdoors – the quality of indoor spaces such as classrooms and communal areas is critically important for everything from teaching engagement to socialising.

The main acoustic issue indoors is sound reverberation, which can be tackled effectively using the Sonata range of acoustic panels from Sound Reduction Systems.

Students disengage when they cannot hear their teachers

A healthy learning environment is one where children can feel relaxed and comfortable, without disruptive behaviour. Unfortunately, when students have difficulty hearing what their teacher is saying, they are likely to ‘switch off’ and in some cases misbehave.

Whilst this can result in lower attainment levels for a whole group, there is growing awareness that this kind of environment can also contribute to students feeling stressed and affect their mental health.

Special attention required for SEND students

The effects of excessive noise are more severe for children who have greater sensitivity to noise – those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

It is important to recognise noise impacts can be significant on children with ADHD or autism in particular, and be more challenging for students with a hearing impairment. By not addressing these sensitivities, schools could inadvertently be failing on their inclusion goals.

With the government committing an extra £780 million in 2020/21 to help children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to reach their potential, improving acoustics in schools has to be a priority from this budget. Funding is set to be available from April.

Arrange a Free Site Assessment

Key to addressing poor acoustics in schools is assessing the current building conditions. That’s why Sound Reduction Systems offers a free assessment.

The company’s experienced acoustics specialists will visit your school or college and conduct a thorough survey – you will then have a detailed report outlining our recommendations.

To arrange a Free Site Assessment, call 01204 380 074 or email [email protected]

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