We live in an age of communication technology - Having a wide open space that students congregate in having access to up the second news, state of the art IT facilities would be a step in the right direction.

I agree with Chris, modern technology should open the doors to revolutionise the way students learn

I also agree, access to information through technology is vital. I have seen a couple of ideas on our travels that may be of interest: -
- David Young Academy in Leeds play BBC News 24 on big screen TV in the dining area during lunchtime.
- Devonshire Road primary have pupil information access points where the pupils can access information about what is happening in school. A particularly nice feature of this is information regarding their surroundings. In example, a feature of the new build is that rainwater is collected to support the school toilet facilities - the access point gave information upon levels collected and number of times toilets flushed. The information point is well used and liked by the pupils. At a secondary level the information at such access points could be more curriculum oriented e.g. to include downloadable resources.

The building itself needs to be cutting edge! We spend a fortune on fuel to heat it in winter then have loads of doors that open and let the heat out and cold air in! Is it better to have several small doors to outside or few large doors? Could they be large revolving doors that never actually have an open channel directly to the outside, like in the Trafford Centre? A consistent build will no doubt help to reduce warm / cold spots and associated draughts. Solar and rainwater should play a big part, as Becky suggests. Who designed and built the Solaris centre? Can they be involved? Solar powered air conditioning in summer? Invite a government minister to stand in the centre of school and blow hot air roundthe place in deepest Winter? I also think that when the weather is really bad, kids should be encouraged to bring coats etc to keep them warm and well, and have proper facilities to store them. Would wide corridors and lockers be the answer? Are they better in tutor rooms? Does the new uniform for winter need to allow / promote the wearing of layers and coats?

Love your comments Gav - especially the one about the Government Minister! Let's be energy efficient! It's the way forward...

Been thinking again! Dangerous, I know. Staff facilities - I would cycle in summer if there were showers and lockers for staff, plus secure covered cycle storage. Are lockers for all staff generally a good idea or will too many people be "Kev, can you cut the lock off for me, please?" How many staff might use a mini gym at lunchtime if the facilities were right?

Thanks Gav - I once cycled to school - did a whole year about 6 years ago - with not 1 day in the car!!!

However, I arrived either hot and sweaty, cold and wet or sometimes filthy as cars splashed through puddles! I think good staff facilities including a cycle store, locker room and shower - would encourage at least 10 people to ditch the car!

We always remember we are a school of 1200 pupils and the facilities they need - but we are also a major employer with a workforce approaching 150!