Cobham intermediate school's approach to diverse learning spaces

Project Profile | Recognising that students have varied learning preferences, Cobham Intermediate in Christchurch, New Zealand, partnered with Furnware to design a mix of single-cell classrooms and flexible learning spaces.

Over the past two years, Furnware Account Manager, Ian Johnstone, worked alongside Cobham Intermediate Principal, Eddie Norgate, on furnishing the new build site, following damage during the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

Cobham Intermediate offers education for year 7 and 8 students in Christchurch, New Zealand. The school’s vision is to facilitate a school for the future with learning programmes that focus on the needs of 21^st century learners. Eddie acknowledges that not all students are the same and therefore do not all learn in the same way.

“Students come into Cobham Intermediate and are flooded with opportunities, in hopes they find their pathway. We know one size doesn’t fit all so we have a range of classes that cater for a range of needs.”

Eddie Norgate – Principal, Cobham Intermediate

The school offers both traditional and modern learning spaces, accommodating the needs of all learners. Both the teachers and the students self-select the style of classroom that best suits their needs. The site comprises of 3 identical blocks with 3 traditional learning spaces, housing single cell environments, with access to break-out rooms if needed. The shared learning spaces are located at the ends of each block.

The school considered utilising their existing furniture, a collection of mismatched desks and chairs. But, to facilitate a cohesive and uniform look within the school, they decided to furnish all spaces with Furnware furniture. The spaces included the learning environments, technology block, staff room, and hall seating.

Initially Eddie visited other schools to see what was possible with furniture. Ian then recommended a few different layouts that would work in their spaces, using the Furnware 3D app to show the versatility of the products. Ian also brought in furniture samples for the school to trial. Eddie said, “Visiting other schools was helpful but it’s hard to imagine the furniture in your own space. The app was great for that, and helped to give staff an idea of how it would work”.

For the traditional learning spaces, the school opted for Odyssey Single Tote Desks, Paparoa tables, Teachers Hubs, Bodyfurn Lab Stools, and Bodyfurn Sled chairs. Eddie said, “Teachers arrange the desks as needed – whether in rows or groups – while still being quite traditional.”

Alternatively, for the modern learning spaces, the school selected our Switch Table System, Base Curve Tables paired with Base Curve Couches, Teachers Hubs, Book Towers, and Terrace Box Seating to create tiered options. The Switch Table System is a popular modular table option for dynamic learning. “Teachers and students collaborate closely in these spaces, manipulating the furniture to work for them,” said Eddie. The colour palette was kept simple with natural wood, silver, dark blue and grey tones. Within the flexible learning spaces, pops of colour were introduced with the Soft Seating and Terrace Box Seating.

“We have six modern learning spaces, and every teacher has the room set out differently. There’s enough flexibility in what we purchased for each teacher to customise it. It’s amazing how they’ve configured the rooms and made the furniture work for them and their students.”

Eddie Norgate – Principal, Cobham Intermediate

Hear from the Principal at Cobham Intermediate about their experience with Furnware.

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