Guide for School Facility Appraisal - Essay Example

Reflection I have held for a very long time the notion that a school only requires basic needs such as furniture, which includes a few chairs and some benches just enough to start teaching in some buildings; a notion that was far being correct. My reading of the Guide for school Facility Appraisal has more than opened up a number of things hitherto unknown to me. I have realized that the very first and foremost responsibility of every school is to ensure safety and security for students, staff and visitors and that other facilities such as the needed equipments to help in the running of schools are just but additional requirements. That even though such facilities in schools provide some form of comfort, the perfect environment that guarantees the acquisition of knowledge, which is the fundamental purpose of every institution of learning, can only be ensured when security is assured. Indeed the opportunity to visit Parkwood high school with my team more than reaffirmed the very importance and/or the effect on the entire educational process. Since I am an international student, I have learnt a lot concerning school design systems and environmental related structures needed to build and run efficient schools; knowledge that I so desire to apply, or at the very least, transfer to my home country. From the information of Alqayed in addition to the knowledge acquired from the Guide for school Facility Appraisals, the observations in Parkwood School were more convincing evidence of what a school in the 21st century ought to have: the school is spacious enough for both current and future education needs; it is surrounded with huge tracks of green lands that can be utilized in erecting extra structures should arise. Accordingly, should the institution decide to increase its population, its location is perfectly placed to allow for easy expansion. The school also has a gate, which is rarely used, located along a public street; an opportunity that more than opens up easier access to the institution should such a decision be made any time in the future. The school was well-built without unnecessary additions; almost everything was well designed and well equipped to last for generations. The green spacing between the school buildings were perfectly thought out, allowing the use of chairs and benches for outdoor classes should such be deemed necessary. Classes are in good condition and greatly equipped. The parking, situated right next to the athletic club, is big enough to accommodate even the visitors; there are parking lot is divided, with spots for teachers, staffs and those for the visitors. It was also noticeable that the school had many nice drawings that gave a desirable appearance. The beatification begins right from the outside, with well-groomed, green gardens, which are spacious enough to accommodate lots of chairs for outside classes. Those walking from outside/inside can have their safe journey inside in a well-designed pedestrian path; paths which are also designed to accommodate people with disabilities in their tour around the school buildings. There is, however, a sharp bend that require caution while entering the school from the side gate, especially for the first time visitors. The weightlifting room was also not expansive enough relative to the population of the institution, with accessories such as towels, tissues, etcetera being inadequate. The trees besides the school buildings were from my observation, looked overgrown and thus could well be a danger during fire outbreaks or thunder storms. Structural integrity of the school is good, devoid of disintegrations and toxic materials in close proximity. Walls are filled with insulators to save energy; warming classrooms during the winter and cooling them in the summer. Interiors and exteriors of the walls have no cracks and the ceiling is not concave to avoid holding water when it rains. The existence of wide exits that allow students to leave quickly and safely was much recommendable in the institutional buildings. Notable, however, was the absence of special paths besides the stairs for people with disabilities. The mechanical and electrical characteristics of the school were observably well designed. There are enough light sources, well-put to benefit from the natural sunlight during the day. Certain paths, however, need more lighting to completely erase chances of accidents. Electrical switches, plugs and connections were well taken care of during installation. There are fire alarms, smoke detectors, water spraying systems in the ceilings, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, water hoses and instructional signs in all buildings, all designed to ensure maximum safety. Almost everything seems to be in good shape; a pointer to the fact that the institution has well grilled maintenance team who are up to the task. Floors were designed in such ways that are easy to clean. The presence of plugs everywhere makes it even easier to connect daily vacuum/electric cleaners while cleaning the floors. Outside the buildings, there are many electric switches, plugs and hanging light bulbs around all areas, especially entrances, exits connecting halls’ ceilings, allowing easier exchanges between the buildings. Talking of safety again, the designers ensured well in advance to separate the loading docks away from the walking paths for students coming in and exiting as well. There are many signs at the entrances and exits to facilitate communication with students riding in the buses. Sport fields were also located away from areas of students’ exit and from the buses area. Inside the school, the air conditioning and heating systems are mounted away from possible crowded areas. The school has three floors with a number of staircases, which were noticeably narrow and had no anti-slippery plastics. The school doors are grilled, opening to the outside, and fitted with alarm systems in addition to the emergency lighting and electrical exit signs that serve to ensure safety as alluded to above. To be certain, all doors, including those in the classrooms as well as offices open to the outside, allowing easier movement. The electrical wires are protected and out of reach for any unintentional pulling. All glass areas have suitable fences. In cases of emergency, all fire-safety gadgets are available around the school buildings, and such include fire extinguishers on the walls, water hoses, blankets and high sound and light alarms that work both manually and automatically in cases of emergencies. There are enough learning spaces in the school. As stated above, classrooms are not only spacious, but also have personal spaces inside the classrooms to preserve personal privacy. Study halls and laboratories are wide and efficient for social activities and are close to other educational facilities and are also away from noisy places. Just to mention, personal lockers inside the classrooms have enough storage capacities per student to keep whatever helpful for them, and so are for teachers in the respective staffrooms. There is no doubt whatsoever that Parkwood school was designed to standard requirements that appeals in almost all aspects right from the teaching to the recreational facilities. Nonetheless, the library space is not big enough to accommodate the growing population in the institution. Though well designed like other buildings, the computer lab also lacks the requisite number of computers relative to the number of students. The computers also need to be updated and renewed. The cafeteria kitchen is also too small to serve the school’s growing population that comprises of students, teachers and other personnel. The cafeteria needs expansion not only in the kitchen with requirements of additional drawers and the kitchen tools which are outdated, the chairs and tables also need to be increased. In terms of cleanliness and the designs, however, the food court and the place where students get their food from is perfect and has a suitable setting. It is also recommended that some classes buildings with very old air conditioning and heating systems be changed, for such have effect on effective learning capabilities of students. Otherwise, the sports areas are wide enough; volley ball, football and basketball fields are big and attractive, allowing students to practice comfortably. Music and arts rooms are well fitted with the required needs. Teachers’ lounge is good with the needed furniture and equipment. Similarly, the staff rooms are fully equipped. Administration, counseling and visitors’ rooms are all suitable and follow the standard designs as well. The school designs were well thought out In terms of educational environment, with strong and durable materials capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. The general design of the school is just but perfect, combining choice of colors for the classrooms, paths, sport rooms and food courts, aspects that more than keeps students’ attracted to the place. The locations of the school buildings among other scenery were all attractive to the eye. Management and waiting rooms, the library and the gym all have good air conditioning systems. Lighting in classrooms, gym and cafeteria is very good, preventing any forms of accidents. To completely prevent such accidents, more lighting inside and outside walking paths are required, the narrow paths, especially those connecting the different school divisions needs expansion to make it easier for students to move from one point to another. Read More