The built environment

I often wonder where the 1300 students of Halcyon go. At first glance the school is small; it is all one story. Its also deadly quiet during lessons with the odd low resonance voice seeping through the open windows. Take a wonder around and you slowly uncover the pockets of learning that are in process. 

The sixth formers currently have the best deal. Their classes are permanently in the main block opposite the administrative building. The rooms are a similar size to those at National but more frugally furnished. This is mainly where I teach and although the heat can be unbearable (from 12:00 until 16:00 the temperature hangs around 35c-38c) at least I am only sharing the space with another 25 bodies.

The O level (GCSE) students study for four years not two. Their class sizes are significantly larger. One English class has to be taught in the Hall it is so large (130 students!). Some of the classrooms for O level are similar to those of A level, thus very cramped when filled with over 100 students. Some class rooms as you can see have been complete but lack windows, others still need to be finished, they lack plaster, paint and the floor is strewn with building debris. This is not a product of laziness but the reality of funding. Classes have to be built to cater for the students, and this is an evolutionary process as the school grows. 

The two principle projects that Halcyon need to focus upon is the building of new A level class rooms to free up space for O level thus reducing class sizes. Secondly, a bore hole for water is crucial. Amy and I have had a frustrating week as we have had no water. The water supply is as sporadic as the electricity and often stops for a couple of days.You have to walk to the town bore hole to get our water each day when this happens. You don’t realise how much water you use until you have to walk 2k to collect it and then struggle back in 38c to get it home. Unfortunately, we haven’t developed the ability to carry the jerry cans on our heads! It wouldn’t be a bad task to add up your water usage for the day- flushing the toilet, drinking, for food preparation and cooking, bath/shower and cleaning. How many litres?

The pupils at Halcyon have to make the same journey. Not only does it seriously disrupt lessons but its a challenge for a 11 year old to carry 20 litres 4 km! A bore hole would mean that when the town has no water the school can turn to the bore hole. It would be great if pupils at National could undertake some research into how Halcyon could get funding to help with the building of the bore hole. Charities such as ‘Water Aid’ could be a good starting point.

The English Language classes are making the finishing touches to their letters to you and we will send them next week. They are very excited to receive letters from National. I hope that you will be able to develop a relationship with a student in a different continent with a very different culture.