A well-designed classroom is more than just desks and whiteboards - it’s a space where sound plays a critical role in learning. Poor acoustics can impact children’s ability to hear, process information, and stay engaged, making speech clarity essential in any learning environment.
To address this, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in New Zealand introduced the Designing Quality Learning Spaces (DQLS) - Acoustics standards in October 2024. These mandatory requirements ensure that new builds, modular classrooms, and refurbishments provide optimal sound environments for students and teachers.
One of the most effective ways to meet DQLS requirements is by installing acoustic panels to reduce sound reverberation and background noise. Unlike some acoustic panel systems which require permanent gluing, dbsorb’s prefabricated sound reducing wall panels are modular, easy to install, and removable - making them ideal for temporary and permanent learning spaces.
1. Understanding the Importance of Classroom Acoustics
Classroom acoustics play a key role in student learning outcomes. Studies show that:
✅ Clearer speech improves comprehension and engagement.
✅ Poor acoustics cause students to miss 25-30% of spoken words.
✅ Background noise increases stress and reduces focus.
Reverberation and excessive noise make it harder for students - especially those with hearing difficulties or learning disabilities - to process information effectively. Acoustic panels for home and school environments help create sound-friendly learning spaces.
2. The DQLS Acoustics Standards – What Schools Must Know
In October 2024, the MoE’s DQLS Acoustics requirements were updated to improve learning space sound quality. These requirements apply to:
✅ New-build schools and extensions.
✅ Prefabricated and modular learning spaces.
✅ Refurbishments and significant classroom upgrades.
✅ Temporary classrooms used for more than 28 days.
Schools, architects, and contractors must comply with these guidelines to ensure optimal learning conditions.
3. Prefabricated & Modular Classrooms – Unique Acoustic Challenges
Modular and prefabricated buildings are a practical solution for schools facing rapid roll growth. However, these structures present acoustic challenges:
🚧 Thinner walls amplify sound transmission.
🚧 Reverberation is higher in lightweight structures.
🚧 Noise from outside easily enters the space.
DQLS requirements outline specific reverberation time (RT) and sound insulation (STC) levels that modular buildings must meet. Sound reducing wall panels, like those from dbsorb, help schools comply with these requirements by reducing noise, improving clarity, and maintaining a flexible setup.
4. Why Sound Absorbing Panels Are Essential in Schools
Classrooms should maintain a reverberation time between 0.4 – 0.6 seconds to enhance speech intelligibility. Poor acoustic conditions lead to:
❌ Echoes that make it difficult to hear teachers clearly.
❌ Increased student fatigue and lack of focus.
❌ Disruptions from external noises like playgrounds and corridors.
Installing acoustic panels NZ in key locations helps reduce reverberation, block noise, and improve classroom performance.
5. How dbsorb’s Acoustic Panels Help Schools Meet DQLS Standards
Unlike competitors that use permanent adhesives, dbsorb’s sound reducing wall panels are:
🎯 Prefabricated and modular – ideal for new and temporary learning spaces.
🎯 Easy to install and remove – perfect for leased or changing environments.
🎯 Available in various colours and designs – blending seamlessly into school aesthetics.
For schools undergoing renovations or using modular buildings, dbsorb panels are a DQLS-compliant, non-permanent solution.
6. Acoustic Upgrades for Refurbished School Buildings
Schools upgrading older buildings must ensure DQLS compliance as near as practical. Common upgrades include:
🔹 Adding sound-absorbing wall panels.
🔹 Installing ceiling-mounted acoustic solutions.
🔹 Reducing hard surfaces that amplify noise.
dbsorb panels are ideal for retrofitting since they don’t require permanent adhesive and can be reinstalled easily if classrooms are repurposed.
7. Best Placement Strategies for dbsorb Acoustic Panels
To maximise sound absorption and noise reduction, place panels:
✔ On walls opposite windows to absorb reflections.
✔ Behind teaching areas to enhance speech clarity.
✔ On partitions between classrooms to reduce noise transfer.
✔ In temporary classrooms where flexible acoustic treatment is needed.
Proper placement ensures optimal DQLS compliance and better learning conditions.
8. The Long-Term Benefits of Acoustic Optimisation in Schools
Better acoustics improve learning conditions and teacher performance:
📌 Students hear and process information more clearly.
📌 Teachers experience less vocal strain.
📌 Overall classroom engagement and focus improve.
Ensuring DQLS compliance isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a step toward better education outcomes.
Conclusion
Creating DQLS-compliant learning spaces is essential for student success. Schools can easily achieve high-quality acoustics by incorporating sound reducing wall panels like dbsorb’s modular, easy-to-install solutions.
dbsorb panels provide flexibility, aesthetics, and functionality - ensuring classrooms meet modern learning needs while maintaining removable and adaptable setups.
Need a DQLS-compliant solution? Upgrade your school’s acoustics today with dbsorb!
