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The International School has been looking for ways to ‘close the circle’, as a result of which we have identified certain needs which are key to the further completion of the school’s response to education in the 21st century and to its upholding of the mission statement “Learning through diversity’, specifically diversity in the context of age, culture, language and ICT, and more in particular attending to the needs of both the hearts and minds of our students.
We propose therefore a multifunctional auditorium to be built, which enhances the current structure at Emmastraat 56, while at the same time helping us to meet the goal stated above. This multifunctional auditorium will be placed on the second floor of an additional structure between the aula and the gym, linking the original building and its new wing.
The auditorium will seat approximately the equivalent of a whole grade (120 seats). Its purpose will be primarily student focused, where the product(s) of student initiatives can be presented to a wide audience in the context for which it was intended. It is our belief that the combination of what is happening in the world, advances in ICT and an education where the boundaries between subjects inevitably fade, leave an increasing need for cross curricular teaching and learning. By definition this requires cooperation and this in turn means open spaces capable of holding more than 30 students and access to new media.
Currently we are looking at ways of bringing vodcasts and podcasts into the classroom, knowing that only a few years from now we shall be embracing newer and even more exciting possibilities. With an auditorium we envision the opportunity not only for students to share their findings, but also for teachers to share their expertise with a larger group of students. In a situation where for example only one DP physics teacher is available, the option to deliver the syllabus in lecture format would now be a possibility. For the more enterprising teachers this will eventually mean placing one’s key lessons on a vodcast, which can be broadcast to a large audience.
A two storey building will replicate this principle, only now in the format of a dedicated theatre and arts room. Based on the ground floor this part of the new building will cater for primary and secondary students alike and allow students to be involved in drama activities in a conducive environment.
In order to meet the demands of learners in a rapidly changing world, the school should combine this exciting development with modifications in the science facilities and the PE facilities.
Having achieved these two principles, additional space is created by this extension where extra rooms become available for the primary school to grow. And thus the circle is round, but never closed.
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