Classroom design at Amstelland International School (AIS)

 

 

Jacquelene Da Silva, founding principal of Amstelland International School, has a visionary approach to teaching and learning. Her newly released book, Classroom Design, provides insights into the thoughtfully designed learning spaces at AIS. Every element is crafted to inspire the intellectual and creative growth of each child. The goal is to exceed the educational needs of today by anticipating the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

 

The philosophy behind the design of each classroom at AIS aims to enhance creativity, provoke curiosity, reduce anxiety, develop community, foster student agency and release shared ownership to our young students. The classroom acts as a third teacher providing a reflective presence to inspire cognitive achievement. All the classrooms at AIS are equipped with the necessary resources to develop emotional literacy.

 

AIS resembles a home more than a school. The classrooms have been designed to instill calmness. This means attention has been paid to the materials selected. Where possible, the classes use natural materials and muted colours. There are also rugs, lamps, fairy lights, plants and framed photos of every child’s family. Carefully curated items create spaces that resonate with our deepest connections to the natural world. They reinforce a feeling of safety and order that helps students relax. This environment produces better focus and ability to process information, helping students to reach their potential.

 

Thoughtful adjustments to the choice and placement of furniture, the selection of shelving, the presentation of learning materials, ensure that each classroom is a place that fosters calmness and confidence. In this atmosphere, a zest for discovery is fueled. Orderly and accessible spaces enhance learning and independence while positively influencing student behaviour and engagement. The students at AIS truly have ownership of their learning environment.

 

The AIS approach to education provides holistic growth, alongside meaningful and memorable learning experiences. The goals are to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, inspire creativity, nurture compassionate minds and build an inclusive community of learners.

 

AIS embraces the Italian, Reggio-Emilia* educational philosophy that honours every child’s voice and potential.  The school provides child centred, concept-based thinking and inquiry-based teaching and learning. AIS further expands on the Reggio-Emilia approach and includes it not only in lower primary years but right up to Group 7 with the oldest students. The team’s dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences for every student is the driving force behind this small school’s success.

 

Classroom Design challenges educators to reimagine the very essence of what a classroom is; inviting them to transform them into incubators of intellectual and creative exploration.

 

Da Silva says: “It is our belief at AIS that children are innately intellectual beings, deserving of creative learning experiences that foster their agency, curiosity, and sense of community. We believe that children can develop nurturing relationships and a shared ownership of their learning journey. At AIS we provide living classrooms that breathe, change, and grow in sync with their occupants, challenging teachers to be as dynamic and responsive as the learners we guide. This makes AIS the optimal environment for children to reach their potential and to become life-long learners.”

 

Jacquelene Da Silva has developed an in-person training which complements the theory in her book. Educators and school leaders in The Netherlands are enthusiastically signing up for these courses (held on campus) to inspire innovative change and the deliver most exciting educational shift of the decade.

 

 

Published by: Amstelland International School