Verbal communication is essential in the learning environment and the acoustic environment can influence both the pupils and teachers well being.

Noise or unwanted sound, is a problem in the classroom, inside the school and outside the school. Some common sources are: -

• In the classroom: heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, students and teachers (speech, chairs, desktops etc); equipment such as computers and printers

• In the school: noise from adjacent rooms (corridors, music and craft rooms, kitchens and gymnasium)

• Outside the school: aircraft and other traffic noise, busy roads, playgrounds, and nearby factories

By controlling noise sources and sound propagation, along with creating acoustically treated spaces, we can reduce noise levels and undesirable sound reflections.

"There is any ever growing body of research which demonstrates the importance of good acoustics within learning environments. Now, it is vital that all those involved in the design construction and refurbishment of schools and colleges are made fully aware"
(Sharon Airey Research Associate, Heriot Watt University)

There is no doubt that acoustics in schools can be improved through a series of measures, which can be acted upon by different groups. However a great deal depends on getting the message across to certain groups, which include headteachers and educators. The use of sound absorbing ceilings and wall panels is an excellent general measure in creating an excellent acoustic learning environment.

Since Ecophon developed their first ceiling tiles in 1958 we have been committed to developing our products and knowledge further for educational premises, working very closely with end -users, architects, researchers and authorities.

Ecophon is also part of the Saint Gobain Group, Europe's largest building materials supplier.

With 40 years of experience supplying to the education sector, Ecophon can offer free advice on optimising the acoustic environment within educational premises, which includes calculating your current acoustic environment and offering suitable solutions.


Also available free to all schools is, Don't Limit Your Senses - Sound and the Learning Environment, which is the latest book to be published by Ecophon. Written from an entirely non-commercial perspective, the book provides a fascinating and detailed examination of sound and the role it can play in both aiding and hampering the learning process.

Hardback and over 150 pages long, Don't Limit Your Senses looks in detail at how acoustic design needs to be integrated with other building components and how poor acoustics can effect the learning, and even the health, of pupils and teachers. Taking a holistic approach to the design of a learning environment, other environmental factors such as lighting and air quality are also considered. The book goes on to offer practical advice on how headteachers, can integrate good acoustics into the learning environment as well as listing current guidelines and recommendations for room acoustics. It concludes with a series of case studies that illustrate the results that can be achieved when attention is paid to good classroom design.
To find out more and to receive a FREE copy of the book, contact The Education Department at, Saint Gobain Ecophon Limited, Old Brick Kiln, Ramsdell, Tadley, Hampshire, Tel: 01256 855219 or e-mail education@ecophon.co.uk

"No matter how well we deliver the national curriculum, it is our buildings that are dictating how much pupils can hear and concentrate on their lessons"
(David Hale, Headteacher, The priory School, Hampshire)

www.ecophon.co.uk