Students' perceptions and experiences of their secondary school environment

This study examines school students’ perceptions of their original and newly re-constructed school buildings alongside associated changes in their behaviour, emotions and thoughts. A questionnaire was administered to three age groups across five secondary schools in Scotland, prior to construction of the new buildings, and again at 10 and 46 months following completion of the building programme. The findings showed that there was a strong improvement in students’ rating of the school environment, a strong decrease in concerns about security and small improvements in behaviour and learning goals in the new schools. In summary, the findings suggest a positive and cumulative effect of the improved school environment over time and provides support for the value of investing in school environments.