Jeanie, yes I agree with you 'tidy mind' and all that. However the big change in our neck of the woods is that most of the local schools are being rebuilt from scratch.

Our sons high school was finished in time for the new term and is owned by a private company and leased to the education authority for the next 20 years. The buidling as a whole is fantastic. However the 6th form area (previously common room) is a sight to behold. Soft furnishings, plasma screen tv, dedicated quite areas, their own catering and, wait for it, a roof garden with furniture!

Yep, I know what some are thinking, what a waste of money - how long will it last - well that remains to be seen but at the moment they are so proud of their new surroundings they take care of anyone messing it up or abusing the facilities. Lets hope it continues. Our son and his friends say its a really good environment to study and the teachers agree that this showing up in the students work.