School / classroom acoustics

School acoustics — special importance for children

A child's hearing system is not yet fully developed; in a reverberant classroom they may misperceive 30-40% of what the teacher says. The result is reduced learning performance, more fatigue and shorter attention. International education-acoustic standards are therefore strict.

Typical problems

• Teacher speech distorted in a reverberant classroom
• Lesson noise from the next classroom
• Sound bleeding from corridors into the classroom
• HVAC fan noise disturbing students
• Gym / canteen noise spilling into lessons

Solution components

In-classroom acoustics (Absorb)

• Acoustic ceiling (NRC ≥ 0.90)
• Wall absorber panels (rear or side wall)
• Acoustic carpet (floor)
• RT60 target: 0.4-0.5 s

Inter-classroom sound insulation (Block)

• Partition wall Rw 45+ dB
• Acoustic door Rw 30+ dB
• Acoustic glazing (where there is glass)

School-wide acoustics

• Sports hall isolation
• Canteen / lobby acoustic ceiling
• Music / drama rooms (specialist acoustics)
• Conference / event hall

STI and learning performance

When STI (Speech Transmission Index) is above 0.65, children follow the lesson comfortably. In our field measurements, untreated classrooms typically score STI 0.40-0.55; after acoustic treatment they reach 0.70+.

Target performance

• RT60: 0.4-0.5 seconds
• STI: 0.65+
• Partition Rw: 45+ dB
• NC: 30-35
• Acoustic door Rw: 30+ dB

Budget prioritisation

Tight budgets in school refurbs often mean not every space can be treated at once. Our practice prioritises: in-classroom acoustics first, then inter-classroom partitions, gym/event spaces last.

Time and cost

A typical classroom 1-2 days (summer holiday is ideal). A whole-school refurb 4-8 weeks, scheduled around the summer.

Certification

Educational spaces require EN 13501-1 A2-s1, d0 fire-class materials; antibacterial-faced acoustic ceilings are preferred.