A group of young people is helping to shape Cardiff’s investments in education by contributing to the design principles for new build schools.
This summer 14 of the Cardiff Young Influencers have taken part in interactive sessions, workshops and tours providing their opinions on key elements which will influence how Cardiff Council will invest and create the spaces within new schools being built in the city.
The young people, aged between 14 and 16 years from a number of Cardiff secondary schools, have looked at developing different areas within a school, such as how spaces are arranged, where learning happens, and the support spaces and infrastructure needed.
They envisioned creating unique learning spaces for creativity and collaboration, social zones where students can relax, high-tech hubs for exploration and problem solving, peaceful spaces to recharge and dining areas that are also communal hubs for gathering.
The group toured the new Fitzalan High School, which opened in Autumn 2023, and visited Fairwater Community Campus, which is currently being built.
They were shown the draft design principles for classrooms, outdoor space and dining areas, providing the opportunity to give feedback on what they had seen, what they thought could improve their current school, and what they think would be good in a future school. Their constructive feedback will be used to update these principles before they are finalised.
During the programme, the Influencers enjoyed a series of team-building exercises, examined the factors involved in making decisions, took part in design workshops, examined current and progressive approaches to education including the New Curriculum for Wales, and visited some high-profile city landmarks, including Cardiff and Vale College and tours of the New Theatre and home of Welsh Rugby Union at the Principality Stadium.
One of the Influencers, Betsi said:
“I had a really great time and was so grateful for the hospitality and all we learned over the two days. Thank you.”
Another called Ahmed said,
“It was very interesting to see how these schools are built and how much thought goes into the schools.”
Cardiff Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said:
“The Cardiff Young Influencers programme is one of Cardiff Council’s initiatives to ensure that the voices, needs, and priorities of every child and young person are recognised. By fostering skill development and encouraging active participation, the programme supports young individuals in contributing to the city’s future while ensuring their opinions are taken seriously.
“Our dedication to giving young people a voice and including them in decisions that will impact other young people is crucial in ensuring that our children and young people grow into empowered adults who know how to positively use their voices for change.”
Sponsors of the Cardiff Young Influencers programme are Atkins Réalis and Blake Morgan, with Cardiff and Vale College, the New Theatre, Principality Stadium and ISG, who are constructing Fairwater Community Campus, taking the Cardiff Influencers on guided tours.
