Description.

Harare International School is a purpose-built campus that is still in the process of development. It is located on approximately 22 acres of land in the northern suburbs of Harare, which form the main low-density residential area of the capital. The majority of the student population of the school lives within a half-hour traveling distance of the School.

The campus is bounded by a main road on one side and residential properties on the remaining three sides. It is entirely surrounded by a pre-cast concrete wall with four entry / exit access points to the site. The site was originally three separate residential plots and four of the original buildings have been incorporated into the School for ancillary use.

The site was acquired in March 1994 and the architects, Pearce Partnership, were appointed in July of that year to prepare a Master Plan for the phased development of the School. The building contractors took possession of the site on 1 November 1994 to commence construction of the first phase of development, which opened to students in September 1995. The sixth phase of development is currently in progress.

Construction is of natural apricot-colored brick walls under pitched tiled roofing, which is consistent with local building styles and construction methods. Maximum use is made of natural ventilation and light wherever possible.  With the exception of the four language classrooms and the administration block, all facilities are on one level and access for the disabled can be easily facilitated.

The School is built in three distinct areas:  Elementary, Middle and High Schools, with communal indoor and outdoor physical education facilities and a central library.  Brick pathways link the various areas and lighting and directional signage has been placed at strategic locations throughout.

The original design brief required 4 square meters of space per child for general classrooms and 5 square meters of space for laboratory areas, which exceeds both Zimbabwe and British design standards for schools.  Actual space allocation varies within 20% of these standards according to the class size per grade.  The current capacity of the School is approximately 590 based on the current allocation of classrooms to grades.

The Institute of Architects of Zimbabwe recently awarded a commendation to the architects for their design of the School campus.

The Elementary School was the first phase to be developed.  It comprises:

·        A Reception classroom area with its own fenced-off playground area for 3 year olds.

·        A Pre-Kindergarten classroom with its own toilet facilities for 14 children between the ages of 4 and 5 including a separate, secure play area for these children.

·        Twelve classrooms for Kindergarten to Grade 5, allowing for two classes in each grade.

·        An Elementary Art classroom

·        A French language classroom

·        A fully equipped computer laboratory

·        An Elementary Music classroom (soon to be relocated in the new Performing Arts Theatre)

·        Two all-weather outdoor recreation areas.

·        A playground area with swings, slides and other similar equipment.

The classrooms, laid out in the shape of an ”M”, are hexagonal in shape with additional light and ventilation from central roof skylights.  Each classroom has a raised “quiet area” separate from the main teaching area and shares a communal office / storage area with the adjacent classroom.  All rooms have sinks and running water.  Filtered drinking water is provided.

Classrooms have access from two sides and open onto covered patio areas with bench seating provision.

The Middle School classrooms, rectangular in shape, are laid out in the form of a “W” facing the Elementary School and comprise:

·        Six classrooms for Grades 6 to 8, including two laboratories and a dedicated maths classroom.

·        A fully equipped computer laboratory

·        Middle School and High School music room (soon to be relocated to the Performing Art Theatre – and converted to make space for classrooms).

·        An Art room, with dark room for photography, electric and gas kilns for the ceramics program and a computer room for design work (shared with the High School)

·        Two hard-surface play areas.

The High School is separate from the rest of the site and comprises:

·        Four multi-purpose classrooms in the main block

·        Two science laboratories with a central storage area

·        Additional classroom space in an adjoining house (one of the original buildings that has been retained) plus three language classrooms (shared with Middle School)

·        A Computer Laboratory.

The physical education and sporting facilities comprise:

·        A purpose-built gymnasium including a large central multi-purpose arena with a spectator gallery; a multi-purpose / dance studio, a weight room and an equipment store room.

·        An all-weather outdoor court suitable for basketball and similar games.

·        A large grass playing field which can be used for football and athletics;

·        Four all weather tennis / basket ball courts are in the process of construction behind the new Theatre.

The School also makes use of local sport clubs and municipal facilities to expand the physical education program to include activities such as swimming and tennis, which cannot be accommodated on site.

Performing Arts Center

A 700-seat proscenium theatre is the centerpiece of the Performing Arts Center. While approximately 500 seats are fixed, the flexibility exists to perform in-the-round or in front of the proscenium arch.  The theatre features a two-storey fly tower, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.

The remainder of the PAC is divided equally between music and drama facilities.  The music section features a music library, band room, theory classroom, marimba room, elementary music room, ensemble room, faculty offices, and five instrumental practice rooms.

The drama section is composed of a drama classroom, scenery work/store room, costume room, make-up/changing rooms, and staff offices.

·        The Administration Block, which provides office accommodation for the Administration staff; a kitchen and eating area for staff; the Health Suite and Counseling office.

·        The Library, which is situated between the Elementary and Middle Schools.

·        An Elementary Learning Support centre converted from one of the original houses on the site which houses both ESL and Learning Support Services.

·        A Tuck Shop selling drinks, sweets, a range of pies and fruit etc – soon to be replaced by a cafeteria providing a wider range of food and seating.

Landscaping and Environmental Considerations

A local designer who specializes in using entirely indigenous plants and shrubs has landscaped the site.  Various areas have been developed as “micro-climates” to represent the different climatic and botanical areas of Zimbabwe .  The trees and shrubs are currently being documented so that this aspect can be incorporated into the School’s educational program.  Existing mature trees on the site have been preserved and additional trees have been planted wherever possible.

Traffic Access and Parking

There are four car parking areas, one of which is designated for staff use and a second for those students who drive themselves to school.  During school hours, a one-way system operates with drop-off and pick-up zones clearly designated.  All entrances and exits to the school are manned by security guards and only vehicles with official stickers are allowed unrestricted access.  All other visitors have to be cleared with Administration before being admitted.

Facilities are also provided for those students and staff who cycle to school.

top