Learning by example

摘要

When A serious school fire occurs, it is a disaster not only for the pupils and staff but also for the local community. In some cases, the ramifications of a serious fire can be far reaching; there are lessons to be learnt with regard to the possible reconstruction of the buildings and to the design considerations for new schools. In general, there is no one simple answer to the problem of school fires but rather a package of measures that will include fire protection products and systems and changes to the running of the school. The effect of a school fire on the children's education is immeasurable, since classes may need to be split up to continue their studies. If coursework for public examinations is destroyed, it could mean that the pupils will have to repeat a year. Schools are also a focus in the community; the school gate is where many parents have their only point of adult-to-adult contact during the day. And many schools are also used outside of school hours for community activities, so members of the community who may use the school, such as adults, disabled people and the elderly, may also have their lives disrupted by a fire.