ABSTRACT
Across the developed world, and increasingly in the developing world, the school sits at the very heart of its local community. It is not just an institution of learning but a place that shapes and guides the knowledge, capacity and experience of young lives. Schools are places that foster the intellectual, physical and emotional development of children as they are prepared to join society as productive and engaged adults. Modern schools are not only buildings that support the act of teaching; they also are seen as places that must foster effective learning and socialisation. The foundation of progressive and democratised education is the idea of students as learners who are active and dynamic participants in their education. There is also an understanding that the location of learning cannot be confined to a single place – the classroom – but occurs across multiple spaces and places. Schools are thus designed to foster learning and engagement from students, teachers and the community.
