Learning?

A Comprehensive Tier List of Shore’s Classrooms

P. P. Zhang

IN MY FIVE YEARS AT SHORE, I HAVE HAD A LOT OF EXPERIENCES. And a significant amount of those experiences happen in the classroom, therefore making me a qualified expert for this tier list. Before we dive into it, I would like to give a shoutout to Tom Marshall, an ex-member of the SWR senior committee who inspired this tier list.

N.B. To avoid possible controversy, this tier list is strictly ranking the classrooms and not the teachers who inhabit these rooms, nor the subjects taught in them

Building 13 – D Tier

I had to consult the back of the school diary to find a name for this building. There’s a total of about 5 classrooms in this building, located on the top of a winding staircase which can only be accessed through other staircases. All the classrooms in this building are isolated and high-ceilinged, which exacerbates the feeling of loneliness one often experiences during class. Fortunately, I have no classes located in this building this year and pity those of you who do.  The only positive is the accessibility to the dress circle in the War Memorial Hall, which is arguably the best seat in the house – perfect for long, tedious assemblies.

Languages Department – C Tier

The main problem I have with the language classrooms is that they are located on the other side of the school, making it difficult not to be late to class when going to and from these rooms. Despite this, some of the rooms have decent views over the school quad, while others don’t seem to have windows at all… This about sums up the nature of these classrooms; they could not be more different, with some so expansive that you need to shout to be heard while others barely big enough to be considered a classroom. 

Lower Benefactors – C tier

I’ve separated Benefactors into lower (levels G-3) and upper (4-5) because their differences mean they each deserve their own category. Lower Benefactors is arguably where some of the most important subjects are taught. Therefore, one would expect slightly better classrooms. The view in all these classrooms is terrible, apart from the occasional forklift being winched up outside your window to spice up a dull maths lesson. The reason lower Benefactors isn’t lower on the tier list is because of its accessibility and convenience. Additionally, it hosts a splendid set of toilets on the ground floor.

Music + Drama Department – B tier

This building boasts a plethora of positives, the high quality band rooms and drama studio, and most of all the Smith Auditorium. However, when it comes to the classrooms, there isn’t much to praise. The main music classrooms feel cramped, and the long hallways a little cold and uninviting. However the music computer labs are modern and allow for basically unrestricted creativity. As for the drama classrooms, there are none. 

PDHPE Classrooms – B tier

The design of these classrooms is excellent, with comfortable couches dividing five and a half state-of-the-art classrooms. I particularly enjoy the sporting designs on the sliding glass doors, which resonate with what the subject is about. On the other hand, the classrooms feel a bit blue and are ultimately too isolated from the rest of the school.  

Christian Studies Classrooms – A tier

The Christian Studies classrooms have a small edge over the PDHPE ones because of a few reasons. The fact that they are located on a higher level means that the lighting is better and there’s a better view of the city. Of course, who could forget the amazing kitchen which provides an unlimited supply of hot drinks during those cold winter months. The kitchen also allows the Christian Studies department to be a perfect host for house functions and other events. However, just like the PDHPE rooms, the vibes of these classrooms can be a bit muggy and melancholy, especially when discussing deep religious topics. Perhaps it would be higher on the rankings if not for the malfunction of the sliding doors recently, a blemish on a near-perfect record. 

TAS and Art department – A tier

I was considering separating TAS and art into two separate rankings but decided against it due to their overwhelming similarities. Both offer flexibility, with a practical “workshop” as well as comfortable computer labs which both allow creativity and innovation to flourish. In addition, they provide an excellent view over the school oval’s lush green grass. However, perhaps the biggest benefit is the building’s proximity to the tuckshop, which is particularly useful in Periods 2 and 4, allowing hungry boys to gain a competitive advantage over their peers in accessing the delicious treats available at the tuckshop. 

Upper Benefactors – A tier

I thoroughly enjoy the science classrooms. Two things separate these rooms from the ones in lower Benefactors. The first is the lab benches located at the back of each room which allow easy transitions between theory and practical. The second benefit is the fantastic view over the harbour that is exclusive to upper Benefactors. The only negative is the location of these rooms: at the top of 4-5 flights of stairs. However, even this can be viewed as an opportunity to get some exercise and stay healthy. 

History/Centenary building – S Tier

Upon consulting the trusty school diary, I discovered the official name for the history department is known as the Centenary building. Yes, I’m aware that Commerce, Business Studies and Economics are also taught in this building but colloquially, it’s known as the History building. The location of these classrooms are perfect – not only being in the centre of the school but also conveniently right next to my locker (no bias at all). These classrooms are so wonderful that they also host a plethora of co-curricular activities, most significantly Chess Club, which I occasionally dabble in. The Centenary building is also right next to the main toilets, as well as a bamboo forest, which was useful for filming a Year 7 History Documentary. 

Library – S tier

Whether or not the library counts as a “classroom” is up for debate. It contains several rooms on the main floor: the Gregory and Walton rooms as well as the seminar rooms which are cosy and fun (but also fantastic for learning). The labs on the level above are a staple of Shore ever since I joined all those years ago, and, although we may not use them as much anymore, hold a special place in my heart. The general library is also excellent for getting some work done, either in the comfortable booths, the long tables or the individual cubicles. However, the library is probably best known for its unrivalled view of the city, which only improves as the sun sets. 

And that concludes the classrooms tier list. Congratulations if you made it this far and I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I did writing it.