After beating off competition from schools across the country to win the 2017 Dulux Smarter Spaces competition, Lawley Primary School has revealed the £10,000 makeover awarded as its prize.
Taking inspiration from the school’s year five pupils, the colour and design transformation has totally revitalised and refurbished the school’s entrance hall and main corridor. After taking thought-provoking ideas and design concepts from the students themselves, it was decided to utilise colours and inspiring images to decorate the space, mirroring the ethos of Lawley Primary School, its staff and the children.
Launched in April, on the belief that a vibrant space that utilises effective colour and design can help inspire teachers and students alike – a view backed up by 85% of teachers according to a Dulux study* – the competition required schools to submit a 300-word entry explaining why they should win a £10,000 transformation and how they would make use of the funding. After receiving entries from across the country, Lawley Primary was chosen as one of two winners by a panel of judges, including Matthew Burton and education expert, Professor Stephen Heppell.
Dulux Smarter Spaces Ambassador Matthew Burton, of Educating Yorkshire fame, unveiled the new space at a ribbon cutting ceremony on 6th March. He said: “Dulux research undertaken as part of this initiative has shown that a staggering two thirds of schools in the UK lack the funding to make basic refurbishments, so it’s a real honour to be able to give something back to two deserving schools.
“In my many years as a teacher I have witnessed first-hand the effects a cared-for classroom or school environment can have on pupils’ wellbeing and grades, and I’ve also seen how neglected spaces can be uninspiring and a challenge to teach in. I’m fully supportive of learner-led design. I believe children are much more likely to be engaged if they have a bright and colourful space that they’ve had some element of creative control over, so it’s wonderful to see Lawley Primary School children’s designs brought to life.”
Ian Gisbourne, Dulux’s National Sector Manager for Education, said: “For three years, the Dulux Smarter Spaces initiative has been championing a movement to improve education environments, and we’ve seen how learner-led design and the effective use of colour can improve learning outcomes. Research conducted through the SSAT network** has shown that following the Smarter Spaces renovation undertaken at Upton-by-Chester High School, student attendance increased from 90% to 92% and year 7 groups using the space are making greater progress against their targets than other groups that don’t have access to the room.”
“We’re confident that Lawley Primary will see the educational benefits of this magnificent makeover right away.”
Mrs Carol McQuiggin, Head Teacher at Lawley Primary School, said: “We are all absolutely over the moon to be winners of the Dulux Smarter Spaces competition. It’s fantastic for the children to see their ideas materialise, and the makeover has provided a lovely start to 2018 for us!”
P J Arnold, Ltd, a trusted Contract Partner based in the West Midlands completed the works in just seven days. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, a highly durable emulsion, was chosen for its long-lasting finish, with Diamond Matt used on the feature wall (50BB 18/276, 87GG 51/291, 93YY 52/598 and 77GY 33/506) and on the broadwall (66YY 88/114).
The Dulux Smarter Spaces team works in partnership with schools to find the best solution for their particular needs, from making sure they are matched with a quality decorating contractor to ensuring every aspect of the project is smoothly managed. Offering expert colour and design expertise, the service helps schools get the most out of their environment within their budget and allows teachers and head teachers to focus on running the school.
For further information on Dulux Smarter Spaces please visit www.duluxsmarterspaces.co.uk or call 0333 222 7022.
