Education is fundamental to a person's growth and development. School is the place where a child's formative years take shape and determine their disposition and outlook. The potency of education delivered in schools largely depends on its infrastructure. Infrastructure is the backbone of the education system. It inspires an impactful and meaningful learning culture. Several studies have highlighted the importance of school infrastructure in enhancing the academic experience and inciting efficacious outcomes.
When looking for a school, the foremost thing that attract us is the infrastructure. We can never not admit the first impression matters most and the appearance shapes expectations. Here are some reasons why there is importance of school infrastructure explained in detail:
Shaping a positive learning environment is essential to keep young children hooked to the classroom. A dull and lifeless classroom can push positivity, creativity, and joy of learning out of the window. Hence, it is essential for schools to open their doors to a cheerful environment in class to make the students feel better and have a positive learning approach.
A large, well-designed classroom with ample natural light and ventilation creates a comfortable and peaceful environment supporting a constructive and positive learning environment.
A congested and uncomfortable learning space interferes with concentration. If a student is uncomfortable inside the classroom, learning will take a back seat.
On the other hand, a spacious classroom with proper cooling/heating systems and soundproofing will help children stay comfortable and focused. This way, a good classroom design makes learning effective, which in turn, motivates students to learn.
The safety and security of a child is a priority for any parent. Hence, it is important for schools to provide a safe and secure environment for students. Schools with compromised infrastructure jeopardize the safety of students, staff, and everyone at the school.
Robust safety and security infrastructure accomplished by well-designed exterior and interior lighting systems, perimeter control through proper fencing and automated gate systems, CCTV surveillance cameras, access control, safe play zones, and properly designed emergency exits are essential for making students and parents comfortable.
A student’s confidence in the safety and security infrastructure of their school translates into better academic performance as they stay at a distance from fear and anxiety. They feel comfortable and are able to focus on their studies.
Modern teaching goes beyond the concept of walled classrooms. These methods do not rely on books and blackboards. In fact, they are more interactive, engaging, and aided by modern technologies.
A good school infrastructure comprising state-of-the-art computer laboratories, well-equipped science labs, vast libraries, audio-visual equipment, high-speed internet, open and interactive learning spaces, etc. supports modern teaching methodologies.
Schools that allow for hands-on learning experiences, interactive sessions, access to digital resources and modern learning tools foster a positive environment for modern learning.
A good education system promotes the physical and mental fitness of children. A school, with the aegis of good infrastructure, fuels the physical and mental growth of students.
Excellent sports facilities and other avenues for physical fitness help students develop their motor skills. Large playgrounds, sports fields, swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for indoor sports allow students to unwind, interact, and foster physical and mental fitness.
Well-designed rooms for art, craft, and other extra-curricular activities provide students with a place to unleash their imagination, which catalyzes their personal, emotional, and social development. Good sports infrastructure in school helps students to stay physically and mentally healthy.
School is not all about classrooms. It is also about common areas, like libraries, dining rooms, activity rooms, playgrounds, and other areas where students interact, collaborate, and develop together.
Incorporated in the infrastructure of the school, these places play a bigger part in the rounded-off development of a child. These spaces bring students together and let them experience a sense of camaraderie.
These places can also be seen as a locus for cultural immersion, where students from different places, backgrounds, cultures, and religions come together to learn and grow. It plays a big role in shaping the personalities of children.
An accessible school infrastructure promotes the idea of inclusion. A school building designed, keeping differently-abled students in mind, advocates inclusive education. It affects every student in many ways. Children, at an early age, learn to empathize with their differently-abled mates. It also inculcates a sense of responsibility towards their friends in them.
Furthermore, thoughtfully designed classrooms and common spaces, accessible washrooms, ramps, and elevators in school allow every pupil of varied abilities to enjoy a normal and fulfilling school life.
With a healthy and positive school environment, students feel happy and safe to attend the school. A good school infrastructure creates a healthy environment where students can thrive. A healthy environment boosts the confidence of students.
As students feel happy and positive in their classrooms, they do not miss the lessons, eliminating the chances of absenteeism and boosting productivity.
Now that you know the importance of school infrastructure, let us tell you the key components that are determinants of a good school infrastructure. Here is what to look for when choosing a school for your child.
A well-designed school building plays a big role in determining the quality of education imparted in the school. Large and spacious classrooms with comfortable desks and benches, well-equipped labs, accessible outdoor learning spaces, large and clean washrooms, common spaces, playgrounds, activity rooms, sick room, visitors room, assembly hall, cafeteria, and state-of-the-art administrative offices and auditoriums, etc. come together to form a superior school infrastructure.
Make sure the school has similar features along with well-put-together security infrastructure. The main entrance should be guarded by security personnel and every corner should be under CCTV surveillance. All areas should be easily accessible by students, teachers, and staff and emergency exits should be well planned.
A classroom is a place where learning, creativity, and innovation thrive. But if it is poorly designed, boredom and languor hold sway.
Look for schools that have spacious classrooms with proper ventilation, lighting, and temperature control. There should be a comfortable seating arrangement for students as well as teacher and the classroom should be equipped with a blackboard, smart board, projector, and other equipment that support learning.
The classrooms should have soundproofing in place to help students focus.
Students should have access to learning material at all times. The school should have a large library with a sea of learning material, a diverse collection of books from different genres, and other modalities that aid learning and education. An e-library with a vast collection of audiobooks is a plus point.
Schools with well-equipped laboratories provide an avenue for hands-on learning experiences to students. It offers them a place to observe, experiment, and learn. Look for a school with well-equipped laboratories. Make sure that the labs are well-lit, well-ventilated, and have emergency equipment like fire extinguishers.
Sports play a big part in the overall development of a child. It boosts physical, mental, and emotional health, and broadens outlook. Select a school with ample sports facilities for students.
A school with large playgrounds, varied sports courts, a swimming pool, and a dedicated space for indoor games, such as table tennis, carom, chess, etc., generates all-rounders who excel in life.
Children spend most of their days at school. They are always vulnerable to minor or major playground injuries. Also, any child can face medical problems while at school. So, schools should always be prepared to take care of health emergencies.
A good school infrastructure includes modalities for first aid. They have medical rooms with all the essential medical resources, doctors, and nurses to offer first aid to students.
If your kid will stay at the boarding school, ensure the residential facilities are not compromised. The boarding should have clean bathrooms and toilets, spacious, well-equipped, well-lit, and well-ventilated dorms, large and clean dining rooms, and entertainment areas. There should be everything to make children feel comfortable and at home.
Teachers and staff are the running force behind a school. They lay the foundation on which students construct a successful life. Giving importance to school infrastructure goes beyond the classrooms – it is also about taking care of the staff and teachers. So, well-designed staff rooms, strategically situated and accessible administrative offices, dedicated dining space for staff, and clean restrooms are equally important.
Once you assess the importance of school infrastructure it becomes easier to choose the best option for your child. A viable infrastructure is a determinant of the success of students, educationists, and everyone who is a part of the institution. A well-designed and executed infrastructure allows every pupil to thrive.
State-of-the-art school infrastructure supports better learning, mental and social development, physical fitness, and higher attendance rates (of students as well as teachers). On the other hand, bad school infrastructure is the biggest hindrance to fostering a positive learning environment.
