Before and After - the entrance seating area

There are two sofas, beanbags and blue rocker chairs. There are many books facing out (more likely to be picked up than books spines out). There are tall green plants (plastic!) and positive reading messages on the walls.

I hope that it creates a warm and inviting area that people see when they walk straight in, but more practically it means the groups meeting there are right in front of my desk - I can keep a clear eye on what is going on.

Improving an old table

This old table used by students, so I didn't want to get rid of it, but the old wooden top had graffiti on. I have covered it quickly with two sheets of wrapping paper. I have put loads of varnish on top.

Unfortunately I glued the paper down with PVA glue, which means the paper has wrinkled a lot. It obviously won't last that long (despite 5 coats of varnish) so I need to either just accept I will need to redo something next half term, or get some clear perspex to screw over the top.

Arranging furniture

So, today I was on the mission to get some furniture ordered. My line manager hadn't really planned on having tables but I think its crucial. They need to be able to work (not just on computers), they need to be able to gather, then need to be able to draw, we need to run clubs, play board games etc.

I also have hopes for the future that I can lead library sessions. I want teachers to be able to come with their class and use the library. Which means that we need seating for a class. We can't just presume to use the computer desks/chairs as the library will also be the supervised 6th form centre. I don't want to be closed to classes just because we have 6th formers using the computers.

I got some masking tape and had a go at working out whether I could fit a class worth of tables/chairs. It looks like a weird polygon murder scene.

This shows three sets of three tables (one at the back). It leaves the centre entrance to the shelves free, and would sit 18 comfortably, or up to 10 uncomfortably.

I have also planned for another set of three tables (grouped together), right at the other end with the computers. I could then keep 6 chairs around this table, but if I had a full class we could bring those 6 chairs up to these 3 main tables (so all the students were together). This would give me 24 chairs/table spaces.

Our tutor groups are less than 24, although classes can be up to 28.