[ToRSpartaz]

Hi Guys!!!

I apologise for the huge wall of text, I just was wondering if I could get some feedback on the Speech I have to present in the morning T_T wrote it in a couple of hours so im hoping for the best essentially. Would love to hear some feedback guys

"Architecture has been defined as “The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.” To me architecture is the creation of spaces that are used to benefit the wants and needs of the individuals that use them. This is precisely what the architects who designed our school Albany Senior High School have done. They have created spaces in our schools that not only strengthen and develop that student teacher relationship but they have created an environment where students aspire to achieving greater than they would ever dreamed.

The first thing that you would notice coming into our school environment is the strong relationships between the students and teachers of Albany Senior High School. Through the creation of these learning spaces, it has greatly contributed to the development of the trust, respect and relationship between teachers and students. In spaces such as these that we have at our school, it encourages closer interaction and in more one on one and group situations then what you would typically have in a classroom situation. As a result of this the communication between students and teachers is exceptional because the teachers are so always willing to listen to you as a student and respect what you are trying to say. Another benefit to come of this strong relationship is the fact that teachers are more willing to dedicate time and effort into students both in class and out of class because of the relationship between their students.

One thing that is noticeable about the use of these learning spaces is the behaviour that this learning environment promotes for students at ours school. Personally coming from a background of learning in a typical classroom situation, before being introduced to the concept of a “learning space”. I found that in a classroom situation there is always the ones who do “stupid” things to attract attention of their classmates. In wide open spaces like these, students don’t feel the need to do these kinds of things to attract the attention and look stupid in front of say 80 other people in the learning area. Something I have found that over the last few years of being at Albany Senior High was how much these learning spaces have contributed to my development as an individual. The design of the learning spaces really encourages student self-motivation and independence and I know for me personally it this style of learning has really helped me develop and inspire me to do greater things.

For me personally these learning spaces have really contributed to my success across my 3 years at Albany Senior High. From level 1 NCEA to my final year of at this amazing school. I have found that learning in this kind of environment promoted by the creation of learning spaces from the architects at Jasmax have especially had an impact across all my subjects but more so to the regards of English and Calculus. My English periods are a prime example of how these spaces are used effectively to the benefit of its students. I find from time to time it can get quite noisy with the dance studio across the other side of the learning common, but I find that this even motivates me more to focus on what we are doing. But not only do these spaces encourage the students to excel in what they are doing, but each period my teacher come around and always involves each group in a class discussion, really getting involved and challenging our thoughts and ideals. And so, no matter the comment or idea is each and every one of us feels our opinions and ideas that we contribute are appreciated and valued. In more of a practical subject like Calculus, these spaces still promote that closer interaction between teacher and students. At the end of each new skill that our teacher may be teaching us, she will always come round and ask us individually how we feel about what we are doing and what she can do to help us achieve as high as we can.

These learning spaces have also contributed to the idea behind tutorials and our impact projects. In each and every learning common, there are specialist teachers and students available if you need any help with English, maths or technology for example. It sells that idea of that you aren’t in a classroom environment, but more in an integrated learning environment.

Without a doubt, learning in this environment and culture that has been created at Albany Senior High it definitely has had a huge impact on my future career. I am lucky to be able to participate in this amazing idea that Barbara has talked about on “Impact Project” day. My very first project that I participated in was the “Gateway “program where I spent 12 weeks at the architectural firm Jasmax. I was very fortunate to be able to participate in this program, because I learned so many new and exciting ideas that were involved in this industry and because most of all it really confirmed that my dream that I have had since I was young to create these spaces and produce outstanding designs, is what I want to do for future career. And so from this opportunity I have continued following my passion, with further architectural related projects where I spent 1 semester looking into sustainable design. Where I came across such experts in the community just as Johann Bernhadt, who taught us such important ideas such as “Passive Solar Design” an idea that I never fail to include in all of my work. At the end of my project, what I find amazing still is how the learning spaces really promote that sense of community, for those who were in my learning common were always interested to learn and hear about these ideas and experiences from our group. To further challenge myself, for my latest impact project I have decided to enter the “Young Designers Award Scheme” where I am going to be designing commercial architecture by coming up with a solution to a tourist café brief.

I for one am definitely grateful to be a part of this learning experiences, I truly believe that these spaces that the architects have created have not only contributed to the development of me as an individual and also challenging me to aim higher and dream bigger, but to really encouraging my fellow students to do the same. For this I am quite thankful to be a part of.

Thank you for listening."


Cheers guys. Apparently this conference is really high stakes T_T

Quick Comments

	VB_Blake:	i'm gonna be honest; I didn't read it all but from what I did it looks solid. Good luck man :D
	Bash:	Pretty good.
	mGGAequitas:	tl;dr but i assume'd it was well written and interesting because of how long it was.