More than 170 stakeholders gathered for a day of shared learning, recognition, inspiration, and celebration.
The Excelerate Shared Learning and Celebration Event hosted panel discussions, spotlight sessions, and a marketplace to delve into the learning from the investment to date from a variety of perspectives.
Hosted by The Wood Foundation, with partners Ford NGL, the message for the day was to be ‘open, honest, and ready to collaborate’.
Georgea Hughes, Programmes Director at The Wood Foundation, said:
“The energy at the event was incredible. This was a great point to reflect on all that we have learned as a collective over the past four years so we can continue with ambition and innovation in the years to come.
“I would like to thank each of our contributors and delegates who entered into the spirit of collaboration wholeheartedly. This network only works with trust and respecting everyone’s voice and contexts – that was in abundance throughout conversations, sessions, and in the marketplace.”
Ollie Bray, Strategic Director at Education Scotland, was one of the speakers on the day. In his address he shared that Excelerate is heavily evidence-based and is showing what the future of education could look like now.
There were panel discussions with headteachers about their schools’ ‘why’ for taking part in the investment, as well as their reflections on challenges and successes. A panel discussion was also held with pupils who shared how the learning and teaching approaches inspired by Excelerate had improved their school experiences. RGU presented about the future for Generation Alpha.
Spotlight sessions, led by schools, included focusses on oracy, project-based learning, partnerships, and School Leaver Profile.
There was a student-led marketplace throughout which showcased the work undertaken in schools and the impact it had on students’ learning.
The event was closed by Cheryl Carrier on Ford NGL who said:
“What I have seen had provided me with confidence you’re the right people doing the right work at the right time with the right partners. That’s like magic.”
Each of the 13 schools engaged in the Excelerate investment was presented with a wooden plaque from Ford NGL. These plaques were created by Northfield Academy and handed out by two of their pupils.