Gayle Duffus has been appointed Education Director at The Wood Foundation.
This newly created position sees Gayle join the senior leadership team, taking responsibility for the Foundation’s curricular programmes and wider engagement within education.
Gayle was previously based within Education Scotland to lead the Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) programme. Laura McCafferty, previously Primary Science Development Officer for Falkirk Council, has taken on the National Education Officer for RAiSE role.
Gayle said:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with The Wood Foundation for the past five years, establishing and growing the RAiSE programme with our partners throughout Scotland. This opportunity to join the central team and drive forward the significant efforts to contribute to the changing curricular landscape is incredibly exciting.”
Gayle will lead oracy and project-based learning initiatives within the Excelerate investment, as well as supporting an enhanced pedagogical focus for YPI. She will also continue to support the strategic direction and management of RAiSE as it engages new authorities nationally.
Gayle will lead oracy and project-based learning initiatives within the Excelerate investment, as well as supporting an enhanced pedagogical focus for YPI. She will also continue to support the strategic direction and management of RAiSE as it engages new authorities nationally.
Gayle will be responsible for ensuring The Wood Foundation’s education initiatives remain aligned to national priorities, drivers, and frameworks, providing rigour and consistency across its ‘developing young people in Scotland’ portfolio of investments. She will identify and exemplify good practice borne of professional learning, supporting the cascade and embedding of learning throughout partner schools. Gayle’s central role will ensure that learning is deployed and transferred across The Wood Foundation portfolio.
Ali MacLachlan, UK Director at The Wood Foundation, said:
“Our investments in education recognise the critical role that school can play in supporting young people to engage with high-quality experiences that will help share their future. We are focussed on maximising the opportunities for schools, and ultimately students, to thrive through the potential within the Scottish curriculum. Gayle’s experience is an absolute asset in that space as we continue to evolve our offering and increase ambition to support meaningful change.”
Gayle can be contacted at gayle.duffus@thewoodfoundation.org.uk.