Whether you are a headteacher at a primary school you are involved in the management of a secondary school, you will know how important it is to have the right equipment available for your students.
There is increasing pressure on school staff members to provide the best learning environment for students of all ages.
For children and teenagers who are growing and developing, having the right tools and equipment to aid the learning process is vital. Otherwise, they may not reach their full potential and their development could be limited.
Part of improving the learning environment in your school involves regularly assessing the equipment that you have available for your students.
Providing modern equipment ensures the kids at your school are comfortable and confident in their abilities at every stage of primary and secondary school.
No matter what subjects you teach at your school, your equipment should be up-to-date and age-appropriate for your students. The necessary equipment that you provide will depend on whether your school teaches younger or older children.
If your school teaches kids below the age of 10 or 11, the learning tools in your teaching rooms are going to look vastly different from those found in secondary school teaching rooms.
There are also non-learning tools to consider as well. Running a school requires a wide range of staff members to work closely together, including headteachers, teachers, teaching assistants, and cleaners.
Each team member will require their own tools to complete their job effectively. For example, your janitors or cleaning team will need you to order regular janitorial supplies in bulk. Your teachers and teaching assistants will need great technology to plan their students’ lessons.
With all of these different things to think about as a headteacher or manager at a school, it’s easy to forget about certain things. Here is a list of the most important equipment that you will need in your school to create a healthy and positive learning environment for your students.
Computers and Laptops
Technology has been a key part of learning for the last decade but since the pandemic, technology and online learning seem to be the future of education. There has been a huge shift towards using various technologies to aid the learning process for children of all ages.
Having modern desktop computers and laptops available for your students to use each day is important to support their learning in the 21st century.
It’s also important to regularly update the software that you use on your computers and desktops. The software should be quick to load and should have the ability to run multiple programs at once during a class.
Modern software is more reliable and secure and reduces the risk of your student’s work going missing or getting deleted due to technological failures.
Plus, newer software requires less upkeep, saving you time, energy, and money in the long run.
Computers and laptops can be used in the learning environment to educate kids on how to use standard programs, like word documents and spreadsheets. You can also access the vast range of educational websites that are now online to enhance your students’ knowledge and skills.
Stationary
Pens, pencils, notepads, and other important stationary equipment are used by students and teachers alike. Almost every staff member in your school will require some form of stationary so it’s important to maintain a significant supply of the essential items in every classroom.
Without stationery, it will be very difficult for your teachers to complete their lessons and provide ongoing school work and homework for their students.
Stationary can also be used during downtime in between classes. For example, you can supply coloring books and sell tips for your students to keep them entertained during break times and lunchtimes if the weather isn’t very nice outside.
Interactive Whiteboards
Interactive whiteboards have been an important part of the classroom for several years now. They enhance the learning experience and create a more interactive and engaging environment for students.
Interactive whiteboards can make the teaching process more fun and enjoyable for both teachers and students by creating a strong line of two-way collaboration.
Modern interactive whiteboards are much easier to use and have a higher quality display than older versions. Some of the newer options have multi-touch capabilities and adjustable screen settings.
Printers
Despite most learning being digital and the increased use of online learning platforms, traditional paper textbooks and workbooks are still necessary for schools. Printers remain a staple item for every school to provide paper copies of learning materials on demand.
Printers range in size, style, and price, so it’s important to factor in your budget when deciding which printers to purchase for your school. It’s likely that you will need several printers for each department within the facility.
Consider whether you need color printing or simple black and white cartridges. Colour printers tend to cost more in the long run due to the ongoing costs of buying multiple colored inks.
Cleaning Supplies
Ensuring that your school is clean and hygienic is just as important as providing high-quality learning tools for your students.
Maintaining a clean environment will help your teachers to deliver their lessons effectively. It also increases the professionalism and credibility of your school, which is important for your reputation.
Regular cleaning minimizes the risk of infections and illnesses by getting rid of any potentially harmful pathogens on various surfaces throughout your school. You can ensure that all of your staff members and students are kept safe and free from harm.
Make sure to regularly check in with your janitor team to confirm that they have enough cleaning supplies. Keep a large supply of sprays, wipes, clothes, and bin bags in the cleaning cupboard, and be sure to check that all of the vacuums work so that your team isn’t left short when they’re in the middle of a deep clean.
