Acoustics
Noise is a proven barrier to learning: studies consistently show that quieter classrooms achieve better results. As well as impairing students’ reading, comprehension and verbal interaction, noise also compromises behaviour, attention spans and stress levels.
Whilst this is especially problematic for the hearing-impaired and for those being taught in their second language, noise affects all young people, as they cannot fully filter out background sounds until they reach adolescence.
This makes it essential for classroom construction to meet the highest standards in acoustic performance, in order to:
- dampen sound reverberation
- prevent noise (speech etc.) affecting adjacent classrooms
- reduce the noise from wind, hail and rain
- minimise noise pollution from heating, cooling and ventilation systems
