Teachers’ views on the designs of their primary schools

Abstract

Based on a cross-case analysis of five primary schools, this article highlights, and discusses in context, the views of the teachers regarding the physical environment and facilities of their schools. Participants rated questions about what made for a ‘comfortable built environment’ and a ‘well-functioning spaces’, whereas the researchers examined and compared the spaces and spoke to heads and to the pupils. Although overall teachers rate their schools only ‘adequate’, indicating significant room for improvement, there is significant variation on specific issues. Contributions to how better schools can be created are provided through some unexpected views, either around received wisdom or in areas where no firm view exists in the literature. In conclusion the teachers’ views are compared with those of pupils at the same schools, indicating the need for creative solutions from designers.