On arriving, I was very kindly given a tour by the cleaner (Mr Partsch) of the new building. This is the building that was for many students, the 'promised land' - but like Moses, they only saw it from a distance...they never actually got there ;-) It has been coming for many years...and it is finally here!
So, after my tour (& another one later, which we had after the porada), I'm left with some impressions - positive & negative.
Positives:
- There is a lot of light in some of the classrooms - big, expansive windows - offering some great views of the nearby skyline. Especially effective now as autumn is coming, and you can see the colours of the trees changing. The Art Room was my favourite, and I enjoyed sitting in a massive bean bag, like a throne :-)
- Some of the classrooms - I'm not into Physics or Chemistry as subjects, but it has to be said that the quality of the rooms is very good :-)
- The buffet - it is a vast improvement on the old one. Modern, good equipment - and a lot more space!! Indeed, students have tables & chairs to sit on without blocking up the corridor. The screen has also been moved from the old position on the 1st floor, into the buffet, and students will be able to relax (assuming they have a break/free lesson) & to socialise. Another place is being prepared for a quiet, study room. It is a sort of common room, such as we have in England...(& have had for a long time!)
- The canteen - I don't frequent the canteen, but I have to say I was impressed with the lay out - spacious - and the teachers have been given a separate space. Of course, the question remains about the quality of the food from Hejcin...but it looks a good place to enjoy a school lunch.
- The new gym - I was more impressed with the indoor gym - very good quality. Not so sure about the rooftop one...I do see some balls sailing toward the town centre after a good kicking... ;-) It's a novel idea, though.
- The courtyard - though it is not yet a finished product, it holds some promise. The centre part has been seeded & therefore I think access will be denied until the grass is strong enough. But it is hoped that even benches will be there...and rumour has it that even films will be shown there! It could be a good place to relax when spring/summer come.
Negatives:
- The 'natural' effect of the plain, cement-grey walls. For me, it looks 'unfinished', like it's missing a lick of paint. Some colour would be good. It is hoped that the poster frames along the corridors - and there are a few of them, though empty at the moment - will be filled with something colourful & bright.
- The 'language classroom' - well, it's only that by name. As you enter the door, a long & narrow room faces you, with a window at the end (so, it's not so bright). The teacher's desk is in the far corner - so those students nearest the door...not sure what they'll pick up from anyone speaking on the other side of the room... The desks are in 2 fixed lines - 8 in the front row, 10 in the back. Fixed means no flexibility for moving desks around & for group work. Also a bad idea for having a test in that room ;-) And the acoustics are awful! Apparently, the Physics classroom & the Music one both have sound-proofing...but it seems the planning or the money didn't stretch as far as this room. As a language teacher, it is hard to hide my disappointment - and I hope we'll stay where we are ;-)
- Considering the awful situation when a young girl committed suicide last spring by jumping from a building, there are a lot of potential dangers with this new building. In my previous jobs, I had to do 'risk assessment' for potential dangers (I worked with people who had mental health problems) - so, I just can't help noticing 'risky areas'. Of course, I hope I'm wrong - but I do believe teachers & students will have to be more diligent in watching what's going on around them... Some could say it's an accident waiting to happen...
The jury is out:
- The lift - there is now a lift which can be used, but not abused. You have to use a chip, so it can be monitored. Perhaps it will be of use to some teachers, and also the frequent students who injure themselves on skiing trips or their sporting activities. In view of the lift, I guess having to stay downstairs will no longer be an option... But...it is slow... ;-)
I stress that these are my personal thoughts & opinions. I am optimistic at heart & aim to make the best of any situation that I'm faced with. Change was certainly needed in terms of space & equipment, and on the whole, I think things are positive & I look forward to what is sure to be an interesting & challenging year :-)
