Learning reimagined – Watson’s opens a bold new learning hub for pupils

Our Principal Lisa Kerr welcomes pupils to the new Senior School Learning Hub and reflects on the ethos behind some of the innovative designs. 

Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from unexpected challenges. When RAAC (or ‘reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete’ to give it its technical name) was discovered in Watson’s Senior School in 2023, it could easily have been seen as a setback. Classrooms had to be closed, and change was unavoidable.   

But instead of rebuilding what was lost, we asked a more exciting question: what if we used this as a chance to reinvent how learning happens?   

The answer is our brand-new Senior School Learning Hub, which opened its doors to pupils this week. It’s not just a replacement for classrooms — it’s a space designed for the way pupils learn today, and the way they’ll work tomorrow.   

A space that feels different   

Step inside, and it’s immediately clear this isn’t a traditional classroom block. Curved walls soften the space. Glass partitions open up light and sightlines. Vibrant furniture defines zones for study, discussion, or collaboration and every element of the design has a learning outcome at its heart. Whether it’s a quiet corner for one-to-one tutoring, a breakout space for four, or a larger setting for 20 pupils working together, the Hub flexes to fit the moment. Accessibility is built in, with raised floors ensuring everyone can use the space with ease.    

Even what appears to be a standard board table has innovation designed-in.  A large oval Harkness table promotes a method of collaborative, discussion-based teaching and learning where students and teachers engage in conversation with minimal teacher intervention. Around this table, everyone can see everyone else, placing every pupil (and staff member) on an equal footing, fostering a discussion where ideas are freely exchanged, challenged, and built upon by the participants.   

As Damon Cantley, Project Director at architects TaskSpace puts it:   

“The intention was to create a space that departs from the feel of a traditional classroom—introducing a more fluid, open, and inspiring environment. Curved partitions, internal glazing, and distinctive furniture selections were incorporated to create versatility, visual interest, and a sense of openness that encourages collaboration at different scales.”   

Why collaboration matters   

This design is rooted in research about how young people learn best. Collaborative learning strengthens problem-solving and communication skills with a strong positive impact on academic achievement. That combination matters. Today’s pupils will enter workplaces that prize teamwork, creativity, and adaptability. The Learning Hub is a rehearsal space for that future — helping pupils build the confidence to work together, think differently, and stay curious.   

Ultimately, this isn’t a refurbishment project. It’s a reimagining of what learning spaces can do. A place where ideas can spark, where curiosity can grow, and where collaboration feels natural.   

From the challenge of RAAC, Watson’s has built something extraordinary — a hub that captures the energy of modern learning and sets a bold direction for the future.