Pupils see the light at Whitecroft in Ashton

Sixteen pupils from Russell Scott and Holden Clough primary schools were on a discovery mission during a visit to Whitecroft Lighting, in Ashton, on Tuesday 10 November.

The pupils were finding out about how lighting impacts on the learning environment as part of involving them in the design of new and remodelled primary schools. They were also able to see a range of office and business settings.

Whitecroft has a focus on the education sector and were keen to hear pupil’s views on all sorts of lighting. The Primary Capital Strategy for Change recognises that the quality of the learning environment has a major effect on what children learn and that it is vital to pay attention to sensory issues such as lighting and acoustics.

The findings of research with pupils has proved important to Whitecroft already as they have developed products to allow work on walls to be seen more clearly, reduce glare, create softer light, brighter room corners and light which feels more natural.

The pupils saw the company’s very latest approaches to lighting classrooms. One with low suspended ceilings employs Cascade TSI, developed not only to light desks but to double the brightness of walls. A classroom with higher exposed concrete ceilings is lit by Foil which not only provides lighting but also solves the acoustic issues which would otherwise result in the absence of a sound absorbing recessed ceiling.

The groups saw several different approaches to lighting corridors and also how the emotional feeling of large spaces with a shortage of natural daylight can be improved. The children also saw the lighting in the Healthcare Ward, Retail suite and how Bio - Dynamic lighting can help energy levels and the feeling of well being. The company’s production and laboratory facilities also featured in the visit.

Cllr Ged Cooney, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning said: “ This was a fascinating visit and gave the young people from both schools a unique experience to find about lighting and design in different environments not just schools. We are very grateful for their help and to Whitecroft for their help in planning our Primary Capital Programme”

John Craven from Whitecroft said: “We would like to feel our visitors felt enthused about the role effective lighting can play in enhancing their everyday lives. 73% of the 350 employees based at Ashton live in Tameside and nearly all their children attend local schools so some may well be future employees. We were keen to hear what the children liked as this has been vital to us in our recent success and will continue to be so if we are to stay ahead of our many competitors.”

The young people also had lots to say about the visit. One pupil Nathan said: "The trip was fabulous and gave us so many ideas fro different areas of our school. The picture panels in the ceiling took you away and into your dreams.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Services for Children and Young People Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne OL6 6DL  View local map
0161 342 3238

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