EMILY HALES & HEATH HENWOOD

due in part to the flexible classroom arrangement.

The improvement in student engagement has a flow-on effect to academic results. An additional five percent of students previously failing are now achieving a pass mark. Responses to student surveys show they are enjoying learning and they want to be at school, and feel more confident in communicating with their peers about their learning. School data show an improvement of seven percent in attendance compared to the previous year.

Conclusion

Flexible seating and learning environments have seen us to break away from traditional models and allowed a focus on student learning in an environment they are comfortable with. From our experience so far, it fosters engagement in the learning and student ownership of the space and learning, while reducing rates of disengagement and student disciplinary actions. A win for all concerned.

Heath Henwood

Heath Henwood is a practising teacher with over twenty years’ experience in teaching and educational leadership. He is a Doctoral Candidate (Educational Leadership) and Coach of teachers and community leaders. Heath is an active member of the education community with roles with Adobe, Qsite, Education Queensland and many non-profit organisations. and education. He has written many articles and is a popular conference speaker. He can be contacted at heath.henwood@bigpond.com

Emily Hales

Emily Hales is an early career primary school teacher. She has a passion for students with differing abilities and backgrounds. Emily believes that all students deserve the opportunity to learn at their own pace. She ensures that students of different abilities are recognised and supported so that they can become their best selves. She values building strong, long-lasting relationships with her students so that they feel confident when accessing the curriculum. Currently, Emily is teaching a year six class in Central Queensland.