Crouch End’s Rokesly School is inspiring future architects

While pupils would usually visit RIBA’s headquarters in Marylebone, while the building is undergoing renovation, they had the exciting opportunity to explore Heatherwick Studio near King’s Cross.

The visit proved truly inspiring, with one pupil remarking that they had never previously considered becoming an architect but were now determined to pursue it in the future.

Year 5 were given a tour and a talk at Heatherwick Studio by RIBA (Image: Rokesley School)

In the weeks that followed, professional architects visited the school to work closely with the children.

Responding to a detailed design brief, pupils developed their ideas into thoughtful and imaginative proposals, supported by expert guidance at every stage.

The project culminated in a special exhibition for parents, where each group confidently presented their designs and articulated the thinking behind their work.

It was a proud moment for the pupils and a wonderful celebration of creativity, collaboration and aspiration.

Pupils were inspired by models at Heatherwick Studio like the Space Garden (Image: Rokesley School)

Experiences such as these reflect the Crouch End school’s commitment to providing a curriculum that is both rigorous and broad, offering rich opportunities that help to shape future aspirations.

As a smaller, two-form entry school, Rokesly benefits from a strong sense of community in which relationships between staff and children, and between staff and parents, can flourish.

The smaller school structure allows staff to know each child well, understanding their interests, strengths and individual talents.

This insight enables the curriculum to be carefully adapted to support and challenge every pupil as an individual.

The recent transition from a three-form to a two-form entry school has also created additional space, allowing for the development of a dedicated art room and an expanded programme of extracurricular activities including photography, yoga and knitting.

Professional architects visited the school to work closely with the children (Image: Rokesley School)

Partnerships with external providers continue to enrich pupils’ experiences, while a flexible in-house after school club provision supports families.

In addition, the nursery hosts the Little Imaginations holiday club, providing high quality childcare in a familiar and well-equipped environment.