Creating a classroom where every child feels safe, confident and ready to learn is something all parents hope for. While traditional classrooms often look the same from school to school—rows of desks, a whiteboard, perhaps a reading corner—many educators are now exploring more thoughtful, child-centred designs.
One primary school on the Isle of Man, Scoill Yn Jubilee, has taken this idea further by redesigning a Year 5 classroom into what it calls an “inclusive learning space”. This new environment will be tested against a traditional classroom setup to understand how physical surroundings influence learning, wellbeing, and behaviour.
What Does an Adaptive Classroom Look Like?
The redesigned space is divided into distinct learning zones, each with a clear purpose. Think of it as a flexible environment where students can choose the setting best suited to the task—or their emotional needs—at that moment.
Some of the key features include:
Softer Seating Zones
Comfortable spaces for reading, reflection, or calming down—ideal for children who need a moment to regulate themselves before returning to work.
Collaborative Workstations
Arched tables at the front encourage group discussions, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Higher Tables With Stools
These are perfect for pupils who prefer to stand while working or need more movement during lessons.
Individual Workspaces With Screens
Quiet, semi-private desks help children who focus best without distraction.
Improved Lighting & Ergonomic Seating
Both help reduce fatigue and support healthier posture, boosting concentration.
In short, it’s a space designed with children’s minds and bodies in mind—colourful, modern and mindful of the varied ways pupils learn.
Why This Matters for Learning
Emily Hicks, Head of Juniors at Scoill Yn Jubilee, describes the project as a chance to rethink how schools support children:
“By creating flexible spaces rooted in restorative and relational culture, we can better meet the diverse needs of students.”
This approach draws from trauma-informed design, which recognises that the physical environment can either help children feel safe—or increase stress. When pupils feel calm and supported, they’re far more ready to learn.
Alongside the room redesign, teachers, pupils and families will also take part in training on restorative and relational practices—approaches shown to improve communication, reduce conflict and strengthen the school community.
A Controlled Study to Understand the Impact
To measure the effect of the adaptive classroom, the school is running a small-scale study:
- One Year 5 class will learn in the redesigned space.
- Another Year 5 class will follow the same lessons, using the same workbooks—but in a traditional classroom.
This allows researchers to isolate how much the physical environment influences behaviour, engagement and academic progress. It’s a rare and valuable opportunity to gather real evidence on classroom design.
A Shift Toward Connection and Compassion
The project was initiated by UK-based company Werk Solutions, which has been exploring how schools can move beyond rigid, behaviour-focused environments. Their goal is to create spaces that promote belonging, emotional safety and meaningful connection—principles strongly supported by current educational research.
As Director Paul Murphy explains, educators and community leaders on the Isle of Man have embraced the vision:
“We want to create spaces where every child feels they belong.”
Why Parents Should Pay Attention
At Walnut, we believe the environment children learn in plays a huge role in:
- their confidence
- their ability to concentrate
- their emotional wellbeing
- and ultimately, their academic success
Adaptive classrooms like this one show how a more thoughtful approach to design can support children not just academically but holistically. As schools continue to innovate, we may see more learning spaces that truly reflect the diverse needs of today’s pupils.