News
BESA member news: Isis Concepts to distribute the Newton chair
PRESS RELEASE
Hot on the heels of warnings from former Education Secretary Charles Clarke* that school desks and chairs are too small for today’s children, causing backache and poor concentration, Isis Concepts has unveiled a revolutionary new school chair designed to enable all pupils to sit correctly, whatever their size. 
Designed by Orangebox, the Newton chair is adjustable and designed to encourage active sitting in students of all ages from primary right through to further education. Active sitting means leaning back to listen and forward to work. The ergonomic design of the Newton chair means that in both these positions the pupil’s posture is correct no matter what their height. An integral footrest and sliding seat means all pupils can sit correctly, avoiding the fatigue and loss of concentration associated with uncomfortable, unsupportive chairs.
Nick Topliss, Managing Director of Isis Concepts, said, "Fifty percent of teenagers complain of backache and it’s not just down to too many hours playing computer games. Much of it is because of so many hours spent in school chairs that simply aren’t fit for purpose. Capital programmes such as Building Schools for the Future are transforming schools but we must ensure that the part of the school pupils spend most of their time in - the chairs - are up to the job. The Newton chair is a brilliant solution to this problem."
Levent Çaglar, Head of Ergonomics at the Furniture Industry Research Association agrees. He said: "If we allow pupils to continue spending so many hours using chairs and desks that make them slouch and put pressure on their spines, then we can expect severe back problems when they reach adulthood. The Newton chair is well designed and ergonomic, giving correct support and movement that will enhance comfort and improve concentration. The Newton chair allows children .jpg)
to gently rock forward hence promoting good dynamic posture whilst maintaining the natural S-shape of their spine, preventing slouching or being hunched over their desks."
Jim Taylour, Ergonomics Development Manager of Orangebox, and co-designer of the chair commented, "We’ve taken sound ergonomic principles and created a robust, comfortable chair that we believe heralds a new generation of school seating. It’s not just about aesthetics, this chair is designed to have a positive effect on learning and we hope it will set a new standard in chairs for education."
Isis Concepts will be distributing the Newton chair throughout the
UK on behalf of Orangebox.
Press enquiries to:
Lee Cowan, GMH Communications
t: +44(0)1494 730555
e: lee@gmhcommunications.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to editors
* Survey finds pupils are growing too big for their chairs
School desks and chairs are too small for today’s generation of taller and fatter children who are at risk of developing backache. A Policy Commission on the future of education, led by former Education Secretary Charles Clarke, and funded by the British Educational Suppliers Association, warns that children’s schoolwork could suffer as a result of back pain caused by unsuitable furniture.
Research by the Furniture Industry Research Association, comparing the measurements of 1,500 children over three decades, found the average height of children is increasing at the rate of 1cm a decade, with most growth in the lower leg.
Isis Concepts
Isis Concepts specialises in the design and manufacture of
inspirational furniture for education. Our mission is to add genuine learning value by creating ergonomically supportive, flexible teaching environments that help educators stimulate and inspire their pupils. We recognise the inevitable impact of digitisation in education - our designs help integrate ICT into the classroom, enabling teachers to deliver lessons that are relevant and engaging to 21st century students.
Isis products include Flipscreen®, t41, OrbitalTM, VerTableTM,
StepSeatTM and TeacherSpace.
