Flexible Learning Environments

At Bethany, we believe creative, modern teaching should happen in forward-thinking spaces that spark collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Research shows that the design of a learning environment makes a real difference in student engagement and achievement. Studies from the University of Melbourne and the Innovative Learning Environments and Teacher Change (ILETC) project have found that flexible spaces, when used well, can boost student progress by up to 16% compared to traditional classrooms.

At Bethany, flexible learning is part of how we help every child thrive.

Our approach includes:

• Team Teaching
  • When appropriate, classes work together in a shared space.
  • Students are often grouped according to their learning needs, which allows teachers to target skills and differentiate learning more effectively.
  • Having two teachers and at least one learning assistant means we can offer more small group work, personalised support, and enrichment opportunities.
• Classroom-Based Teaching
  • At times, students also work within their class group.
  • This is particularly important for explicit teaching, for example, focused writing instruction.
• Agile Environments
  • Our classrooms feature movable furniture and flexible layouts, allowing easy adaptation for small groups, independent work, or whole-class activities.
  • Flexibility is key — we choose the teaching model that best fits the learning needs at the time.
• Supporting All Learners
  • We manage acoustics carefully by designing quieter zones and providing access to withdrawal spaces when needed.
  • Students who benefit from lower levels of stimulation can use headphones or move to calmer workspaces to support their focus and well-being.

Why flexible learning matters:

• Builds confidence, collaboration, and independence
• Allows highly targeted, high-quality teaching
• Supports all types of learners, including those needing quieter spaces
• Prepares students for the dynamic environments of the future

At Bethany, we are proud to offer flexible spaces — and flexible teaching — that ensure every child can learn, grow, and thrive.