Die positiewe invloed van esteties bevredigende geboue en ʼn goed versorgde skoolterrein op die skep van skoolklimaat

Abstract

The positive influence of aesthetically pleasing buildings and well cared for school grounds on the creation of school climate. In this article the positive effect of beautiful school buildings and well-kept school grounds on a school’s learners, teachers and parents is investigated. The methodology and theoretical foundation of Appreciative Inquiry were used to ask learners, educators and parents of Oranje Girls School in Bloemfontein, South Africa, about their experience of the influence the school’s beautiful buildings and terrain exert on the education presented there. Six appreciative questions were put to the respondents. Four themes were identified from the participants’ responses: the aesthetics of gardens and buildings; the influence of the history of the school; maintenance and buildings that tell something; and the influence of the buildings and grounds on education and interaction between learners, educators and parents. The themes and responses are embedded into, and compared to existing literature about the topic to demonstrate their relevance. It is argued that the performance of South African learners can be improved by renovating schools and by beautifying school grounds.