"I can stand at the back of the class and see the pupils’ screens, so it’s easier to identify if someone is making a mistake and help them."

The IT suite I use at Southlands had a very traditional layout, with PCs set up on perimeter benching and a bank of desks at the back with two rows of four computers facing each other. It was a layout that worked, provided I stood at the front of the classroom. The only ‘blind spot’ was four desks with screens facing away from me – I’d have to go to the back of the room to make sure pupils really were doing their work!

My classroom was one of several earmarked for refurbishment as part of a large programme of works at the school, and the change in design really has impacted on my teaching and on pupils’ concentration levels. After a lot of discussion about the sort of space that would work best, we opted for a layout incorporating zig-zag benching.

I’m told the layout was inspired by the way phone booths at Berlin airport were designed to accommodate suitcases. Like the phone booths, the angled benching maximises space, giving students more room to work and making the classroom more manageable.

One of our key priorities for the IT suite at Southlands was to accommodate more pupils. We also needed a layout which was easy for myself and the pupils to navigate. The existing classroom placed the students side-by-side, and with computers, bags and books on the tables they were often jostling for elbow room, so increasing the amount of individual space was also on our wish list. We also wanted to create a central area where the class could gather for group work and demonstrations rather than staying seated at their computers throughout lessons. Given that the classroom’s dimensions were going to stay the same, it sounded like a big ask, but the zig-zag design has transformed the way the room works.

With all the computer monitors now facing the same way, the classroom is much more manageable. I can stand at the back of the class and see the pupils’ screens, so it’s easier to identify if someone is making a mistake and help them. The whole class can progress more quickly, because it’s less likely someone will get left behind, become frustrated and lose focus.

The zig-zags create individual workspaces, so there’s enough room for everyone. If I need to sit with a student at their desk, the design gives me space to do that without getting in anyone’s way.

Building a central group working area into the room has made a huge difference to my teaching style. I can lead demonstrations for small groups of students, they can sit at the tables to use theory books or I can sit at the table while they’re working on their computers and supervise things more closely.

The pupils’ reaction to the new layout has been overwhelmingly positive. They say they prefer this classroom because it feels like a workplace – which is great, because it changes their approach to their work and helps them to take responsibility for their studies rather than relying on being fed information.

They also like the fact they can always be doing something - now they’re all facing the front I can talk them through how to set up a website on the teacher wall and they can do it at the same time, rather than waiting until I’ve talked them through the process.

Have you experimented with space in your classroom? Share your experiences below.