A NOTTINGHAM SCHOOL HAS BEEN PRESENTED WITH A CUSTOM-MADE WALL GRAPHIC CONTAINING ITS MOTTO OF ‘ENJOY, ACHIEVE, EXCEL’.

Large-format graphic and signage specialist MX Display’s learning space team created and installed the mural at Whitegate School, in Clifton, which won a competition that aimed to raise awareness of the importance of good design and layout in schools.

The Derby-based firm ran the campaign to make schools aware of the benefits of creating a positive working environment. Figures show that school wall graphics design and layout, if done well, can boost pupils’ performance by 25%.

MX Display provided hundreds of schools across the UK with expert hints, tips and guidance for transforming school space to create an environment conducive to learning and positive behaviour. The campaign culminated with the opportunity for one school or college to win the fully designed, printed and installed custom wall graphic, worth £500.

A study by the University of Salford, which looked at the effects of classroom design on children’s academic progress, found that well-designed learning space can positively impact and influence learning performance.

It found that pupils who were schooled in a classroom environment which made creative and flexible use of design, natural light and noise, temperature, air quality, space and storage performed up to 25% better than those in schools which didn’t.

David Lister, Sales Director at MX Display, said:

“The new wall we created at Whitegate School has become a real focal point and will hopefully inspire pupils to achieve great things and help them reach their full potential.

While schools’ focus, quite rightly, is focused on providing quality teaching to hit exam targets, studies show that the physical environment within schools can have a massive impact on its learning outcomes.”

“It’s evident that parents value a school’s academic performance, but many are also interested in life at the school, the space in which their children will be studying, and more importantly what is being done to motivate them internally. Good design is key to inspiring students and motivating staff.

“This is an issue which we’re passionate about helping schools, colleges and universities to address, which is why we’re pleased to not only be sharing our advice and expertise on making their budget work harder to create a fantastic learning environment for their pupils.”

Whitegate School Head Lee Noble said:

“It’s been great working with MX Display after winning this competition and we are delighted with the end results.

“It’s created a real buzz among staff and pupils and we hope to invest in more wall graphics in the future, as it has really brightened the school up and created a space which is colourful, inviting and encourages students to do their best work.”

Find out more about our Learning Space graphics here or chat to one of our sales team for more advice.