Description

This single-storey building covers the entire site and is striking in its prescribed functionality. Each part is linked to a larger part to create a dense web of closely connected ‘schools within schools’ which relate precisely to the educational and social curriculum. Every corner of the plan has a precise function, from three different types of classroom, to quiet rooms, counselling rooms and even designated water stations. There is a rigorous consistency about each of the teaching houses which is based on a grid system comprising of five different grid widths. The planning has been developed in this distinctive form as part of a national pilot project within a recognised special educational district. Here the educational authorities working with experts from Chiba University have collaborated closely with the existing school community to come up with this unique arrangement.

Whereas most schools are fairly standard, comprising rows of closed classrooms identical in size, the Gunma Kokusai Academy recognises the different spatial needs of the new educational curriculum and the educational value of good social interaction between students. They are divided into three large groups, described as ‘neighbourhoods’ which are first to third grades, fourth to sixth grades and seventh to ninth grades. Within each neighbourhood, there are three school ‘houses’. Each has its own dedicated zone for the 100 or so pupils, however each of the three is connected and semi-open to the other two houses in the group, to encourage interaction between other age grades. Although pupils study all of the core subjects, including mathematics, science, music, physical education, art, home science and social science, the distinctive aspect is that both Japanese and English are taught by two teachers working side by side; one is a native English speaker and the other a Japanese speaker.

The plan is organised so that teaching can take place in large single groups or in smaller groups. This radical bilingual approach is seen as an essential element of future economic success, English being viewed as the world language of commerce. Students are encouraged to choose their own favoured learning space, particularly in the post eleven age range, depending on the subject grouping offered within the curriculum framework. Within each house, there are various kinds of teaching space. There are different types of classroom, closed, semi-closed and open. The closed classrooms tend to be used for Japanese language work and social science classes because it is felt that the Japanese environment should be clearly distinguished from the English speaking areas. The open classroom can be used for house assemblies, there is a dedicated art and science area with its own wet corner and a teachers’ space which is completely open to the general student areas. There is a quiet room for counselling or small group learning and dedicated staff and student bathrooms. Each house has its own clearly defined entrance, accessed from formal outdoor courtyards.

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Originally published in: Mark Dudek, Schools and Kindergartens: A Design Manual, Birkhäuser, 2015.