A Study of Some Planning Aspects of Primary Schools in Khartoum North

Abstract

This study concerns the planning aspects of primary school facilities in Khartoum North Town. Its main objective is to study the existing patterns of provision and spatial distribution of primary schools within the study area, as well as the spatial interaction of pupils and school, stating main problems facing them, their causes and suggesting guidelines directing solutions for them. The importance of this study is due to the fact that, primary school has been considered as nucleus of neighborhood having the function of community focal point. It is considered as a planning detainment factor, the neighborhood size is governed by the number of population which will support a primary school. The study highlights the importance of education its relationship to development, the structure of the educational system in Sudan, the administration, management and finance of primary education. Other uses of school by community are also stated. The study discusses the characteristics and spatial distribution of population within the study area. Besides, school age population, school capacity class room size and starting age of pupils are also discussed, comparing the existing with the standards identifying deficiencies. Spatial distribution of primary schools within the study area is also discussed. Location of primary schools within residential area, its relationship to main roads and spatial interaction between school and pupils residence were discussed searching for reasons causing pupils to go to schools out of their residence districts. Factors affecting spatial compatibility, proximity and spatial accessibility are also discussed. The study came out with the fact that, there is shortage in school provision especially at new' areas, causing overcrowded class rooms, besides, imbalance in the spatial distribution of schools within the study area. Also there are same problems concerning the spatial interaction between school and pupils residence caused mainly by population mobility and inbalanced distribution and provisions. The study suggested some recommendations directing solutions for the existing problems, hoping to help in solving the existing and future problems.