Revitalising our heartspace: A student-led transformation
Posted 19th September 2025
During the final term of 2024–25, students at Dixons Croxteth shared their thoughts with me about the heartspace — our central area within the school. They asked, “What’s the point of the heartspace?” and commented on how plain and uneventful it felt. More importantly, they asked if they could make it their own.
This feedback prompted reflection and conversations with colleagues across the Dixons network. I learned that every Dixons school has a heartspace, a central hub where students gather, where work is exhibited, and where key messages are shared. These spaces are vibrant, purposeful, and a source of pride.
The students were right: our heartspace lacked character. So, I made the bold decision to ask them directly, “What do you want this space to be?” Their response was clear. They are proud to be part of the city of Liverpool and wanted that pride reflected in the space. They also expressed a deep love for art and a desire to collaborate with Ms Palmieri, who had recently joined our team.
This led to a creative commission: students would design a Liver Bird to represent our school. Ms Palmieri went even further, helping them create two birds inspired by Liverpool’s iconic ‘Bertie’ and ‘Bella’. The enthusiasm didn’t stop there, students wanted to include the city’s two cathedrals on the walls, a project that is still in progress and one I look forward to sharing with you soon.
As part of the reimagination of the heartspace students have also written their own poems relating to Bertie, Bella and our city. We will be presenting some of these alongside our very own Liverbirds.
Today, our heartspace is a warm, welcoming centre of the school, a place where students and staff come together for both formal and informal moments. It showcases student creativity and reflects the pride we have in our school and community. The transformation has been entirely student-led, and the result is a space we are incredibly proud of.
Our students are bursting with creative talent. When you visit, please take a moment to experience this incredible space, it truly reflects the heart of Dixons Croxteth.