A new ‘Google-inspired’ state-of-the-art sixth form centre has opened at the City of London Academy Southwark, writes Emma Snaith…
The new build can accommodate 400 students and has a bright, open plan design with glass walls and flexible learning spaces.
Whiteboard desks, flexi walls, digital signage and soundproofed break out spaces have been installed across the 22 classrooms to aid students’ learning.
Students helped to design the centre. They looked to other sixth form centres and colleges across the country and the offices of Google and Ernst & Young for inspiration.
The centre has been designed so that there is no separation between staff and students and everyone can work together in the flexible spaces.
It is hoped that this design will help to prepare students for working life in modern offices.
Abigail Blessing, Head of Sixth form at The City of London Academy Southwark, said: “Our new sixth form centre is a first class learning environment designed by students for students.
“It will enrich our students and inspire them to achieve educational excellence following on from our best A level results yet.”
Callum Bryson, Head Boy, said: “I’m most excited to have a more private and mature study space to consolidate my learning in. It offers the opportunity for me to prepare myself for the independence needed for university style learning.”
The City of London Academy Southwark celebrated a strong set of A level results this year, with 79 per cent of students securing A*-C grades.
It is hoped that the new sixth form centre will ensure even better results next year. The school’s main site was not originally intended to include a sixth form so the new centre is a much needed addition.
The sixth form is currently oversubscribed, this year they received 1400 applications for 330 places.