We all know that the school environment is crucial to success. It doesn’t just influence how children learn, it also affects the motivation and confidence of teachers. There have been dozens of studies that show colour, temperature, noise etc affect learning. We’d like to add another element – school wall graphics.
We’ve always known that words influence us profoundly; that’s why schools have mottoes. The London School of Economics has ‘rerum cognoscere causas’ – or ‘to understand the causes of things’ – while the Open University has ‘Learn and Live’ – both encapsulating the ethos of these centres of learning. School wall graphics don’t have to just contain school mottoes though – they may convey other information; motivational quotes for teachers, sayings by famous former pupils, review comments by Ofsted, or even song lyrics. All these themes, which can be broadly contained by the term ‘school quotes’ have slightly different purposes that can help you work out the right style of school wall graphics for different areas of your school.
Creating a great learning environment in schools
School wall graphics are particularly valuable in entrance halls and reception areas where they convey a clear message to visitors. The University of Stirling’s ‘Be the Difference’ is a clear statement of aspiration and diversity. A local primary school might choose “A building with four walls and tomorrow inside” whilst a specialist learning unit, or even a teacher training school, might opt for the Henry Adams quote, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Very different messages, each tailored to the school in which they are placed.
School quotes don’t have to come from famous names though – ‘I love this school’ or ‘being a pupil here has changed my life’ are just as influential and inspiring, if they are attached to the names of former pupils who can also be featured in wall decals so that they remain a presence in the school long after they graduate.
Motivational quotes for teachers can be just as vital – a powerful message on the staffroom wall, or a memorable quotation in the teacher-training centre, can have a real impact on how teachers learn and how motivated they are to pass on their learning.
So knowing your school helps you choose the right graphics to inspire, inform or educate. Then, working with a wall graphics specialist can help you determine the perfect size, colour and shape of your school wall graphics, incorporating wall art, photographs and other visuals for maximum impact. Finally, building your school wall graphics into your school ethos through using them in literature, featuring them on stationery and including them in blogs or other social media can bring your learning environment to life for everybody concerned, not just students and teachers.
How Inspired Visual can help…
Our team of expert wall graphic designers and installers can help you update your school walls. We work with you every step of the way to ensure you are aware of all the options available to you and end up with a solution that is perfect for your high school or primary school needs. We have vast experience working with schools, please view our case studies for examples of our past work. Simply contact us or use the below form and one of the team will be in touch with you.