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360Degrees Brings Vibrant Flexible Sixth Form Space To Meden School

360Degrees Brings Vibrant Flexible Sixth Form Space To Meden School

A flexible, open plan learning space, a new café area and a light-filled atrium are the results of a major project created by workspace design consultancy 360Degrees – specialists in education – for Meden College, the Sixth Form Centre at Meden School in Nottinghamshire.

The refurbishment – which also includes the main school library – gives Meden a truly adaptable space that can easily be used for both learning and recreation requirements, as it develops its facilities for an increased student intake.

Here, Tim Gibbon, Support Manager at Meden School, explains the reasons behind the refurbishment.

“We wanted to invest in bigger and better spaces for pupils in the Sixth Form. Our existing block was split into several rooms.  We wanted a more flexible space to help promote learning in an inspiring and effective environment.

“We chose 360Degrees because of their creative ideas for the refurbishment.  The design takes two existing buildings and links them with a glass-roofed atrium to create an extra undercover area and utilise the space better,  giving students more space to work and relax.

“Throughout, vibrant colours and graphics reflect our dynamic approach to education.  By using different colours in the flooring, we’re able to create dedicated zones for individual or group learning without being tied to them.

“Furniture is designed for versatility.  Single-seat sofas can be pushed together to create communal break-out spaces, while table sizes can be increased or decreased as necessary.

“The existing college building, dedicated to the Sixth Form, has been transformed into flexible space perfect for self-guided learning.  While large enough to house the entire Sixth Form for group sessions, it is separated into break-out zones for working in smaller groups. 

“In the adjacent main school building, a Sixth Form kitchen area has been created where students can eat or drink.  Previously, the kitchen was in the main Sixth Form building.  By giving it a new space, it’s much easier for students to take a break.

“We didn’t want to lose the chance to make use of the space between the buildings, so the atrium not only provides a covered walkway but delivers additional space for learning, giving us the right facilities to meet current requirements and future growth.

“The project was completed over two phases, with the atrium completed in Spring 2016.  We have been impressed at the clever and eye-catching designs provided by 360Degrees.  Teachers and pupils alike are still discovering new possibilities in the space.  The refurbished Sixth Form is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing us to develop it further as we learn from how students use it.”


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