The days before 1 September – school start for primary and secundary education in Belgium – you can view many photos of teachers who have their class completely in order. Proud they post their ’empty’ classroom. What is striking is that many classrooms have a very classic and outdated arrangement. I am talking about the three rows of banks instead of groups. Some classrooms are so small that they all look a little pinched.

I myself once taught in a classroom where the banks almost stood together, side by side. I had just one cabinet, a small blackboard and no space for computers. Admittedly, those years were an emergency solution, but it left an impression on every student. Space is as important as silence.