Project Overview
Project type: Immersive Learning Environment
Location: Kent, United Kingdom
Client: Aspire School
Sector: Specialist Education
Primary users: Pupils with special educational needs and sensory processing differences
Introduction
Aspire School in Kent provides specialist education for pupils with a wide range of additional learning needs. Many pupils benefit from environments that support engagement, sensory exploration and emotional regulation.
To enhance the learning environment within the school, a dedicated immersive room was installed. The immersive space allows pupils to explore interactive visual environments that can support both learning and relaxation.
The project demonstrates how immersive environments can be used within specialist education to support engagement and wellbeing.
The challenge
Many pupils with additional learning needs benefit from environments that provide controlled sensory experiences and engaging visual content.
Aspire School wanted to introduce a space where pupils could explore immersive environments, interact with projected content and experience calming visual scenes that support sensory regulation.
The challenge was to design an immersive environment that could support both structured educational activities and calming experiences while remaining easy for staff to operate.
Client perspective
“It was one of the best decisions we have made!”
Neil Dipple, Headteacher at Aspire School
Experia design approach
Experia worked closely with the school to design an immersive environment that would support both learning and sensory engagement.
The immersive room was designed to allow pupils to experience a range of visual environments projected across the room walls. These environments can be used for interactive activities, calming sessions or curriculum-based exploration.
Key design considerations included:
• creating an immersive visual experience that captures pupils’ attention
• ensuring the system is simple for staff to operate
• supporting both group learning and individual sessions
• allowing the room to transition between calming environments and interactive content
The result is a flexible immersive learning environment that supports a wide range of educational activities.
Key immersive features
The immersive room includes a range of elements designed to create engaging visual experiences.
Features include:
• immersive wall projection creating interactive environments
• dynamic visual scenes supporting calming experiences
• interactive content that encourages exploration and participation
• flexible control systems allowing staff to easily change environments
These elements combine to create a space where pupils can explore immersive environments in a safe and controlled setting.
Before and after transformation
Before the installation, the school did not have a dedicated immersive environment where pupils could experience interactive projection environments.
The new immersive room provides a purpose-designed space where pupils can explore visual environments, participate in interactive activities and experience calming immersive scenes.
The transformation highlights how immersive technology can enhance learning environments within specialist education.
How the space is used
Pupils use the immersive room for a wide range of activities including:
• interactive learning sessions
• sensory exploration
• calming and relaxation experiences
• small group educational activities
Staff can select different immersive environments depending on the needs of the pupils and the objectives of each session.
The outcome
The immersive room has become an important part of Aspire School’s learning environment.
Pupils benefit from engaging visual experiences that support attention, exploration and relaxation. The immersive environment also provides teachers with new ways to deliver learning activities.
The project demonstrates how immersive environments can support both education and wellbeing within specialist schools.
Experia perspective
““Immersive environments provide powerful opportunities for engaging pupils in learning. In specialist education settings they can also support sensory exploration and calming experiences. Neil knew exactly what he wanted to achieve from the room. He didn't want a sensory room, he wanted something that could be a sensory room, but so much more!”
Gareth Jones, Founder and CEO, Experia
Planning a sensory environment?
Experia designs and installs sensory environments for schools, healthcare organisations and public venues around the world.
If you are planning a sensory environment and would like expert advice, our team would be happy to help.
or
Learn more about sensory environments
What Is a Sensory Room
Sensory Room Design Guide
Sensory Room Equipment Guide
Sensory Room Planning Guide
Sensory Room Cost Guide
Related projects
Wembley Stadium Sensory Roo
Polden Bower School Sensory Environment
Sheringham Woodfields School Sensory Room
Sector
Specialist Education
SEN Schools
Immersive Learning Environments