Putting school
lighting innovations

Grundschule In der Alten Forst is a primary school in Hamburg, Germany, teaching 12 classes and 368 children. Philips approached the school with the idea of testing out SchoolVision technology there. This school lighting system brings the dynamics of daylight into classrooms, by allowing the teacher to choose between four different light settings. These light settings adjust the atmosphere in classroom environments so that it suits the learning task.

School Director Andreas Wiedemann was glad to help. The lighting was tested on 166 schoolchildren between eight and 16 years old. After the SchoolVision lighting was installed in their classrooms, scientifically proven tests were used to measure the children’s attention and concentration levels. The results were compared with baseline measurements and with those of a control group working under standard light.

The children’s reading speed increased by almost 35% in the School Vision study. Concentration improved dramatically, and the frequency of errors dropped by almost 45%. Although there was no significant change in aggression, video evidence showed a distinct change in levels of hyperactivity. Observed hyperactivity was reduced by up to 76% when pupils were given a mathematical problem to solve under the ‘calm’ lighting scene.

SchoolVision has created an outstanding learning environment that gives pupils at In der Alten Forst the very best start in school. And because the lights auto-dim when there is enough daylight, or when the classrooms are empty, the school has reduced its energy costs too.