A brand new space for students to embrace STEM and create a drive to support students to learn technology and computing.
Ferndown Upper School worked with WF Education to design, plan and install their brand-new building for practical, technical learning, which could accommodate up to 80students. The large building was created to provide a modern and purposely curated workspace, to enable students to learn in an up-to-date Digital environment.
A zoned approach to the large space was critical for accommodating a variety of areas for technical, practical activities, a large 86” inch interactive screen and storage of hazardous tools. The space also incorporated a breakout library and storage area. The facilitation of dynamic timetabling meant that the furniture needed to be mobile to allow teachers to reconfigure desks and accommodate a 4m x4m robotics arena when required, but also to enable smaller classes to run efficiently and effectively.
Ferndown chose to work with WF Education due to the unrivalled quality, flexibility, and adaptability they saw in the Akira™ product range. They also made use of our years of experience in D&T space design ensured the designs were on point for the space they needed, and the whole process ran smoothly from start to finish. Selecting the Onyx Grey panels and Vincenza Oak worktops for their Akira™ benches, the school opted for a bright blue chair which adds an extra touch of vibrancy to the space.
The school runs regular robotics clubs including a LEGO League Club and are part of the First Tech Challenge robotics competition, where students design, build and code robots to do certain tasks. After winning 2nd place out of 22 teams in the London regionals last year, Ferndown needed a space that would take their investment in robotics to the next level.
Quality, hardwearing desks were a top priority for practical work such as cutting and drilling, as well as a soldering station that could be moved or adapted easily. Adequate power for tools and laptops throughout the space, and mobile workbenches with drills and saws were also essential requirements.
The school combined Akira™ Standard and Elite workbenches and mobile machinery benches, with the Everna™ ‘Explore’ book display system for their library breakout area, and comprehensive bag storage from the Everna™ ‘Tidy It’ range’, plus a complementary Everna™ teachers’ desk. All of the furniture has the same colour scheme, giving the room a fresh and cohesive look and feel.
The new space included the addition of a 4x bench Akira™ robotics arena with under bench storage and removable robotics bumpers, meaning the arena could built in minutes and removed in seconds, reverting into standard desks for the following lesson quickly and easily.
With a clear goal to embrace STEM and a drive to support students to learn technology and computing, their new space now offers an innovative, engaging, and inspiring environment in which students can thrive and embrace an interest in the subject.
"With these inspirational facilities, we can further the skills of students to support their success in the workplace. The space is also game-changing for our extracurricular activities. It also provides us with the resources to further our robotics club - where our core mission is to encourage more girls into Computing".
Kirsty Holloway, Head of Computing
Ferndown Upper School
