Turn any classroom into an auditorium

Gratnells is a family-run business with over 100 years of history and over 40 years' experience in manufacturing storage solutions for the demanding education and medical sectors. Its award-winning trays along with its metal storage frames are found in schools throughout the UK and overseas, as well as hospitals and many varied industrial environments.

Gratnells Stage has been designed in conjunction with Anthony Hill, the UK’s premier engineer of portable staging as well as other school furniture and was created after a long history of supplying schools, colleges, churches, community groups and commercial organisations with mobile staging and represents the most up to date and effective staging technology available.

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Image courtesy of supplier

As part of its ‘Learning Rooms’ approach, which addresses many aspects of the learning and teaching environment, STAGE’ modular systems manufacturers Gratnells is offering schools a variety of mini staging formats which can be easily used and stored in the classroom.

Learning Rooms is a concept supported by leading education experts which, as part of its philosophy, seeks to promote the abilities of every child whether academic, creative or practical. A vital part of this process involves giving children a stage or platform on which to present, display and share their abilities with class and schoolmates. The introduction of ‘Step-up’ mini staging modules makes this an easy thing to facilitate, with an in-classroom unit that offers visibility and a presentation platform. Several classroom packs can be consolidated into a bigger format when a major production, in an assembly hall, is planned.

Gratnells Stage extends that concept from the desktop into the public space. From very simple low-cost installations that can be used as a speaker dais, a winner’s podium or a show-and-tell presentation, up to staging for bands, orchestras, pageants, raised audience seating and large-scale theatre, it helps deliver children’s activities, achievements and triumphs to an admiring audience.

Richard Picking, international marketing director for Gratnells, says that ‘Step-up’ has the potential to help develop children’s self-confidence, self-esteem and communications skills:

“With a mini-stage that can be used every day and stored in a corner of the classroom, teachers have the resource to let every child experience the thrill of being a celebrity in front of their peer groups. It really doesn’t matter what the skill on show is – it can be something relatively passive like displaying a piece of outstanding artwork or a vibrant performance of a musical solo piece.

“The point is that ‘Step-up’ provides a focal point to recognise and reward good work in all its forms. Teachers can stage impromptu events as easily as planned ones and the familiarity of the unit permanently in the classroom helps overcome any anxiety for the child.”

‘Step-ups’ are comprised of highly-engineered interlocking parts, easy to assemble and breakdown, with a quality-finish wood surface and smart use of robust plastics for weight reduction and durability. Many variations in the modules are available including steps, pelmets and rails.

As part of the company’s ‘Learning Rooms’ project, Gratnells is hoping the use of ‘Step-ups’ will facilitate and enrich the learning environment for both teachers and pupils, with a very affordable ‘stage’ for every classroom.

For further information on Gratnells STAGE modular staging systems, visit www.gratnellsstage.com or contact [email protected] / 0800 169 6854.