scil on the road – inspiration everywhere

Have you been inspired by your everyday surroundings? As we travel, even the ordinary makes us think about better ways to design the school environment. Shopping centres and airports become inspirational. What this trip has taught me is that it is time to look beyond what schools are supposed to do, be and look likeContinue reading "scil on the road – inspiration everywhere"

scil on the road – the staircase

The staircase - move than just a way to get from A to B I've been struck by the use of the staircase as a focal point, a meeting place and performance and gathering space. On this trip the scil team have visited Absolonskolon and Orested Gymnasium in Copenhagen and DOK Library Concept Centre inContinue reading "scil on the road – the staircase"

How do I not just eat everything in sight? Even the pickled herrings

One of the great joys of travel is the opportunity to eat, don't you agree? We've stayed in three hotels so far. Two in Denmark and one in Sweden. At breakfast I want to sample just about everything on offer. The array of cheeses, cold meats and breads, there are little sausages, fried potatoes, theContinue reading "How do I not just eat everything in sight? Even the pickled herrings"

scil on the road – Danfoss Universe, Nordborg, Denmark

Danfoss Universe in Nordborg, Denmark is a so-called theme park. I don't think that there is another translation that suits, it is definitely not a theme park in the way many of us consider the term. If you come here to be entertained you will be disappointed, but if you want to explore, experiment andContinue reading "scil on the road – Danfoss Universe, Nordborg, Denmark"

scil on the road

The scil team have just started an adventure, looking at spaces and places where people go to learn, choose to learn and make choices about their learning. The big question is 'how do we create spaces where everyone, students, staff and visitors want to come and want to learn?' because quality design directly affects theContinue reading "scil on the road"

“Minister for Learning”… now how would that change the focus of education in our nation?

In Australia we are in an interesting political environment. When the government was finally decided and the portfolios handed out many of us in education were bemused by the decision to appoint the "Minister for Schools, Early Childhood and Youth" - prior to the swearing in of the minister this was hastily changed to  include "education" -Continue reading "“Minister for Learning”… now how would that change the focus of education in our nation?"

Lesson in Vision #2: “Oh, the vision-thing”

"Oh the vision-thing" This response was from George Bush Snr when it was suggested he needed a less short-term political approach to his tenure as President. A great vision stirs my emotion, compels me to act and keeps me going. A great vision inspires innovation and creativity, it makes me try new things, take risks and dream big. IContinue reading "Lesson in Vision #2: “Oh, the vision-thing”"

Lesson in Vision #1… the relentless pursuit

The school is a very unique context. Just about all of us have an experience of school, good and bad, and many of us are happy to replicate it, supported by the dubious argument 'it didn't do me any harm'... did it? Could it have been any better for you? Don't our young people deserveContinue reading "Lesson in Vision #1… the relentless pursuit"

How intelligent are you? I know how to tell…

'Intelligent' - an adjective. What picture or skill-sets come to mind when you hear the word? It describes a person who has a  good mental capacity, one who is quick to understand and is characterised by sound thought and good judgement - all of us have this capacity (It is different from 'intellectual' - whichContinue reading "How intelligent are you? I know how to tell…"