Sounds good? A campaign for high quality acoustics

Many deaf children can’t achieve if they can’t listen and learn effectively in the classroom. Schools need to sound good.

With the Government investing billions into new school buildings in England, it is vital that acoustics are high on the agenda. Yet NDCS has evidence that acoustics have historically been ignored in many areas. NDCS has successfully campaigned for the Government to ensure that new school buildings in England will be checked for their acoustics before they open.

Latest news

16 October 2009
NDCS has won a major campaign victory on acoustics in schools after the Government announces it will take action.
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15 September 2009
New research has been published showing that for some deaf children, good acoustics can level playing the field in the classroom.
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9 September 2009
BBC2 programme, See Hear, features deaf students speaking about the importance of acoustics.
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23 June 2009
The leading union for teachers of the deaf have become the latest organisation to endorse our campaign.
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9 June 2009
MPs turn out in force to demand action on acoustics, as NDCS publishes damning results of survey of local authorities.
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9 June 2009
TV design expert, Kevin McCloud, lends his support for campaign.
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Want to know more?

NDCS's survey of acoustics in new schools (352 kb) provides damning evidence that urgent action needs to be taken to ensure high quality acoustics.
A sound simulation has been produced showing what what it sounds like for a deaf child to experience poor acosutics in the classroom.
Research has shown that improved acoustics, commissioned by NDCS, can have significant benefits. Read the interim report into acoustics at Sweyne Park school (822 kb)
Our briefing to MPs on acoustics (171 kb) sets our demands for action from the Government (last updated: September 2009).
Check out the photo gallery from a parliamentary event in June where deaf children took our campaigns directly to MPs! Read the reports from deaf young people from North London Deaf Children's Society and St. Paul's Way Community School on the event.
Parents and professionals have been telling us about their own experiences and problems with acoustics.
Read our response to a Government review on rules for acoustics in schools (88 kb).