Visit us at stand G100 at BETT 2016 20^th-23^rd of January @ Excel, London

Collaboration, problem solving, working independently, creative thinking and the ability to harness technology are skills all students need to successfully transition to the workplace.  Teachers know this.  They also know that it’s very difficult to create lessons that develop those skills within a traditional classroom environment.  If everyone sits in rows facing the front it’s hard to break into groups or dip into some internet research, let alone find a quiet space to get on with your own work.

Over the last year we’ve seen a marked increase in schools looking to create learning spaces designed to develop those 21^st century skills. From Learning Commons to flipped learning hubs, maker spaces for uninhibited exploration, tech labs designed to inspire people to take up STEM or ICT suites where everything can be moved around, a change is most definitely afoot.

Our predictions for the most-requested learning spaces for this year: 

• Learning Commons: a bit like a library but with fully integrated technology, Learning Commons are the next big thing. They are designed to provide spaces for collaborative working in large or small groups, quiet study and reading areas (and yes, there are still plenty of books in a Learning Commons), social spaces with comfortable seating and agile furniture so it can be arranged for large group activities and meetings.  Its innate flexibility means it’s a space that enables teaching, studying and socialising.

• Flipped Learning Hub: sometimes you just need to get out of the classroom and we’re seeing growing demand for flipped learning hubs. A hub offers a variety of spaces – dry wipe tables, tiered seating, upholstered seating, benches, booths and pods where students (in primary and secondary schools) can take themselves off to work alone, in groups or with adult support on a pre-set task.  Usually the most popular place in school, adored by students and staff alike.

• Makerspace: figuring out how things work and trying to make one yourself is one of the best ways to learn. Combining science, maths, engineering and art, makerspaces allow hands-on learning and experimentation.  While the process of discovery isn’t necessarily linear, the space needs to be super-organised with shelving, storage, power, benches and dry-wipe surfaces for figuring things out. We’ve designed a MakerSpace based around one of our famous pods – and you can see it on the stand at BETT.

• STEM labs: all secondary schools have science labs but not many have a space dedicated to firing up enthusiasm for STEM.  Girls especially may need more encouragement to engage with STEM and a sleek, modern space replete with technology, agile furniture and writable surfaces can make all the difference when trying to inspire students to have a go.  We’ve got a display of female STEM pioneers on our stand to show the awe-inspiring achievements of women in traditionally male industries.

Also on our stand is a competition to win a clockwork robot signed by Professor Stephen Heppell, (you’ll recognise this very robot as his Twitter avatar), who will be visiting our stand during the show, (when he’s not busy giving a keynote address!). Just tweet a picture of our stand to @spaceoasis using the #bett2016 hashtag and we’ll enter you into the draw.  Alternatively win a pair of London Eye tickets just for taking a look at our ‘What Colour Is Learning?’ wall and enter into the prize draw on our stand.

See you there!