Workshop Series: Preparing for School Design Excellence

Participating in a collaborative workshop for school design is an important step in the planning process for setting up a new school.

Here is a sample agenda and format for a series of workshops designed to prepare a school investor and education leadership team before meeting with an architect. The workshops are structured to build the investor’s understanding of essential considerations in school design, ensuring they are well-equipped to guide the project from a strategic and informed perspective. A workshop for school design is an invaluable first step.

GSE conducts these workshops for school design, or versions of them, in all our school setup processes.

Workshop Series: Preparing for School Design Excellence

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Workshop for School Design 1: Defining Vision, Mission, and Educational Philosophy

Duration: 2 hours
Objective: Align the investor’s educational vision and mission with the school’s design goals.

Agenda:

• Introduction and Overview (15 min): Outline the series’ purpose and goals.
• Understanding Educational Philosophy (30 min): Explore different educational philosophies (e.g., Montessori, IB, STEM) and how they influence school design.
• Vision and Mission Development (30 min): Engage in a guided discussion to define the school’s vision and mission.
• Case Studies (30 min): Review examples of schools where the vision and mission significantly influenced design.
• Q&A and Open Discussion (15 min): Address any questions and discuss key takeaways.

Format:

• Presentation with visual examples.
• Group discussions and guided exercises.
• Case study analysis.

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Workshop for School Design 2: Financial Planning and Budgeting

Duration: 2 hours
Objective: Equip the investor with the knowledge to develop a realistic budget and financial plan.

Agenda:

• Introduction to Financial Planning (15 min): Overview of key financial considerations in school design.
• Initial Capital and Budgeting (30 min): Detailed discussion on estimating initial capital requirements, construction costs, and furnishing.
• Operational Costs and Sustainability (30 min): Explore ongoing operational costs and strategies for financial sustainability.
• Revenue Projections and Risk Management (30 min): Discuss potential revenue streams, tuition models, and risk mitigation.
• Interactive Budgeting Exercise (30 min): Hands-on activity where participants draft a preliminary budget based on provided scenarios.

Format:

• Expert-led presentations.
• Interactive budget planning exercise.
• Group discussions.

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Workshop for School Design 3: Understanding Educational and Operational Requirements

Duration: 2 hours
Objective: Ensure the investor understands the operational needs that impact design, from curriculum to facilities.

Agenda:

• Curriculum and Space Planning (30 min): Discuss how different curricula impact space requirements, such as labs, libraries, and classrooms.
• Specialized Facilities (30 min): Explore the design needs for specialized areas like science labs, theaters, and sports facilities.
• Technology and Innovation (30 min): Understand the role of technology in modern school design and how to future-proof the school.
• Tour of Model Spaces (30 min): Virtual or in-person tour of well-designed school facilities to showcase best practices.

Format:

• Interactive presentation with visuals.
• Virtual or in-person tours of educational spaces.
• Group discussion on specific needs.

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Workshop for School Design 4: Site Selection, Land Use, and Sustainability

Duration: 2 hours
Objective: Guide the investor in selecting an appropriate site and understanding its impact on design.

Agenda:

• Site Selection Criteria (30 min): Discuss factors such as location, accessibility, and community impact.
• Land Use and Zoning Regulations (30 min): Overview of land use planning, zoning laws, and environmental considerations.
• Sustainability in Design (30 min): Explore sustainable building practices and how they influence long-term costs and community perception.
• Interactive Site Assessment Exercise (30 min): Evaluate potential sites using provided criteria, with group feedback.

Format:

• Expert presentations.
• Case studies of site selection and land use.
• Interactive site assessment activity.

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Workshop for School Design 5: Engaging with Stakeholders and Community

Duration: 2 hours
Objective: Prepare the investor to effectively engage with stakeholders and integrate community needs into the design.

Agenda:

• Stakeholder Identification (30 min): Identify key stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community leaders.
• Effective Communication Strategies (30 min): Learn best practices for engaging with stakeholders and gathering input.
• Community Needs Assessment (30 min): Discuss the importance of understanding and incorporating community needs into the design.
• Role-Playing Scenarios (30 min): Practice stakeholder engagement through role-playing exercises.

Format:

• Interactive discussions.
• Role-playing scenarios.
• Group feedback sessions.

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Workshop for School Design 6: Collaborating with Architects and Design Teams

Duration: 2 hours
Objective: Equip the investor with the knowledge to collaborate effectively with architects and design teams.

Agenda:

• Understanding the Design Process (30 min): Overview of the stages of school design and the role of architects.
• Enlisting a Specialist Team (30 min): Learn how to assemble and work with a team of education and design specialists.
• Balancing Aspirations with Practical Constraints (30 min): Discuss how to align the school’s aspirations with practical considerations such as budget, space, and regulatory constraints.
• Effective Communication with Architects (30 min): Learn strategies for articulating the school’s vision and requirements to the design team.

Format:

• Expert presentations with Q&A.
• Case studies on successful collaborations between investors and architects.
• Group discussions on balancing design ambitions with practical realities.

Get in Touch for More Information

GSE set up schools in all areas of the world

GSE manage and operate schools in all areas of the world

CEO and Education Expert Greg Parry

Internationally renowned for his expertise in education leadership, Greg Parry’s vast experience includes leadership of projects for education institutions throughout Australia, the Middle East, the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Recognised for his numerous contributions in the education arena, Greg has received the Ministers Award for Excellence in School Leadership based on improvements in school performance and a range of successful principal training and leadership development programs, as well as the School of Excellence Award for Industry/School Partnerships and the School of Excellence Award for Technology Innovation. His company GSE (Global Services in Education) has been recognised as having the Best Global Brand in International Education in 2015 and 2016.

Considered one of the premier experts in his profession, Greg has trained teachers and principals throughout the world in areas such as critical thinking, language development and leadership. His expertise in school start up projects, leadership and curriculum development, has made him a sought after authority in these discipline.

www.gsineducation.com

Global Services in Education set up and operate schools in all parts of the world. Governed by a philosophy of global citizenship, every member of the GSE team shares a passion to help shape international education and student achievement through inspiration and collaboration.
Our goal is to meet the highest objectives of every school, teacher, student and parent, with an unwavering dedication to quality education, shared ideals and intercultural perspectives.