Primary Schools

Abstract

Primary schools have sat alongside secondary schools as one half of the basic state educational structure since the widespread introduction of statutory schooling around the end of the 19th century. Primary schools are given a specific section, as they are distinct from the secondary school on account of the age ranges they cater for. A primary school usually functions for children aged 5 or 6 to age 11, and unlike many secondary schools, they are small, intimate and located close to the residential areas they cater for. Children will tend to stay in a single classroom for much of the school day. It will act as a sort of homebase, they will only leave it for physical exercise, assemblies and specialist lessons such ICT and music.

This well-understood and conservative building type will usually comprise of paired classrooms so they can share toilet and storage facilities. In addition, there will be a limited range of facilities shared by the whole school. The contemporary dimension, which makes the primary school innovative and different, is community access. Most primary schools have been located on the same site for generations, and usually they have generous site areas and a prime strategic location at the heart of things. It therefore makes sense for additional services such as early years facilities, health and adult training to be co-located. Sports halls provide the opportunity for adult evening classes; even playing fields can be used for local community events such as the annual school fete.