Oswestry School

CASE STUDY

Crafting a dynamic environment for Sixth Form students to help create an identity, independence and increased responsibility

Oswestry School, founded in 1407, is an independent, co-educational day and boarding School with students between the ages of 4 and 18.

Historically known as the second oldest ‘free’ school in the country, Oswestry School is set on 50 acres on the England-Wales border.

Having previously collaborated on designing a state-of-the-art library, the second strategic project was addressing their existing Sixth Form spaces.

The challenge

Oswestry’s existing Sixth Form space had become tired and too small for the growing student numbers. The Centre therefore was no longer creating a conducive working environment for the students – highlighting the need for a more efficient space.

The solution

TaskSpace designed a space with improved flow and clear zoning, ensuring all the spaces were dynamic and relevant for the students; dedicated focus, social and collaborative spaces were created to optimise the Sixth Form experience.

Key design considerations

Space optimisation: the new space needed to accommodate more students as well as create more working spaces within the constraints of the existing building by opening up the ground floor.
Light penetration: due to the building location, drawing light into the space was key, ensuring the rooms were vibrant, bright and open.
Student-focused: creating a space that was designed around the working patterns of the students would consequently encourage them to embrace the spaces, as well as foster a culture of academic success.

Impactful outcomes

The new Sixth Form Centre transformed the student’s environment.

First choice: students actively now choose the Sixth Form Centre to study and socialise, leaving the library for dedicated focus study.
Student growth and retention: the enhanced environment has led to increased enthusiasm to use the spaces, maximised efficiency and is now growing the Sixth Form and retaining current students of the school.
Individual space: the distinction between the main school and Sixth Form site creates a unique identity for the students, granting them responsibility and ownership of the space.

Conclusion

Due to the success of the Sixth Form Centre, the TaskSpace team are now collaborating with Oswestry School to create their new Sixth Form Boarding House in alignment with their wider strategic plan.

About TaskSpace

TaskSpace design and deliver innovative renovation and building projects for the best independent schools in the UK, including the Classroom of the Future, inspired by sustainability. We combine four equal methodologies for delivering exceptional projects: Design excellence, On-time delivery guarantee, Deep specialism in independent schools, Realistic budgeting at the outset.

To find out how TaskSpace can help you create a transformative learning environment for your school, request your design below.