?? Evolving Education: From Pandemic Support to Pioneering Neurodiversity and AI Integration
Graeme Lawrie MBE FRSA FCCT
Partnerships Director at ACS International Schools - All views are my own.
Working side by side with industry partners to enhance education.
?? Empowering Education Through Innovative Partnerships ??
At ACS International Schools, our dedication to enhancing education through innovative digital resources has led us to forge impactful industry partnerships. Since 2019, our collaboration with inrehearsal and the amazing Ben Gallacher has been pivotal in swiftly delivering content that supports educators during crucial times.
When the pandemic hit, we recognised the urgent need for resources to help teachers adapt to the new world of online education. Our partnership with inRehearsal led to the rapid production of a series of videos, including sessions by the voice coach from Netflix’s The Crown, guiding educators on how to effectively communicate through the screen.
These videos are still available on the www.inRehearsal.com (As well as many other resources developed for other partner organisations) platform and our YouTube channel.
The titles include:
As we continued to work closely with our partner schools, it became clear that special educational needs required focused attention, especially in light of the pandemic’s impact on vulnerable students. This led to the creation of the Hacking Neurodiversity series, with the tagline “Learning to Live with and Love It.”
This series tells positive and powerful stories of neurodiversity, enriched with moving case studies. As a neurodiverse individual, a parent of a neurodiverse child, and an educator with over two decades of experience teaching SEND students, I was honoured to spearhead this project alongside the sensational inRehearsal team.
The series, which is free to access and share, includes:
This resource has been widely used by the Department for Education (DfE) and other organisations, helping to enhance the education of children across the UK.
We are also thrilled to announce that the next set in this series will be released in October, coinciding with Dyslexia Month to further raise awareness. Teaming up with our community at ACS as well as Moon Hall School Reigate , their parents and students and the incredible Michelle Catterson (Executive Headteacher of Moon Hall Schools Education Trust) we have put together a really powerful and moving docuseries.
Recognising the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence, we embarked on another essential project to demystify AI for educators, students, and parents. AI can often feel like an unknown entity, so we collaborated with Edtech experts, futurists, psychologists, and other professionals to create the Confidence in AI series . This 11-episode series covers a wide range of topics, aimed at building confidence and understanding around AI in education:
We believe AI has a transformative role to play in education, particularly in supporting individual learning journeys and SEND children. Today, we're excited to share the first video from the Confidence in AI series, which you can watch here:
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The Impact of Our Video Series
The video series we’ve developed in partnership with inrehearsal and other experts have had a profound impact on educators, students, and parents across the UK and beyond. During the height of the pandemic, our initial series on virtual teaching and communication quickly became an essential resource, helping thousands of teachers transition to online education with confidence and skill. The practical tips and expert guidance provided in these videos enabled educators to maintain meaningful connections with their students, ensuring that learning continued even in the most challenging circumstances.
Our Hacking Neurodiversity series has been particularly transformative. By highlighting the experiences of neurodiverse individuals and offering practical advice for supporting these learners, we’ve helped to foster greater understanding and inclusivity within schools and communities. The heartfelt stories and real-life case studies have resonated deeply with viewers, inspiring educators and parents to approach neurodiversity with empathy and positivity. This series has been widely adopted by schools, recognised by the DfE, and is making a tangible difference in the lives of neurodiverse students and their families.
Similarly, the Confidence in AI series will hopefully demystifying AI for the education sector. As AI becomes an increasingly integral part of our world, these videos will equip educators, students, and parents with the knowledge and confidence they need to engage with this technology effectively. By addressing concerns, explaining key concepts, and showcasing the positive potential of AI, this series will pave the way for a future where AI can be harnessed to enhance individual learning journeys and support SEND students in particular.
The feedback from educators and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing stories of how these resources have changed their approach to teaching and learning for the better. Our impact measuring tool also loves the 100K+ views the content has had too!
The Power of Partnerships Beyond the Classroom
Our work exemplifies how partnerships can transcend traditional school-to-school collaborations, creating resources that benefit not just students but also professionals in various fields. By teaming up with industry experts and organisations like inRehearsal, we've developed content that extends beyond education, offering valuable insights and support for neurodiverse individuals in the workplace as well.
The Hacking Neurodiversity series, for instance, isn't just a tool for educators and parents—it's also a powerful resource for businesses seeking to create more inclusive environments for neurodiverse employees. With real-life case studies and practical advice, these videos help organisations better understand and support the unique strengths and challenges of neurodiverse team members, fostering a workplace culture where everyone can thrive.
This demonstrates the immense potential of cross-sector partnerships to drive meaningful change, not only in education but across society as a whole.
These resources are designed to inspire, educate, and empower. We invite you to explore them, share them, and join us in embracing the future of education with innovation, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference for all learners.
#Education #AIinEducation #Neurodiversity #Edtech #SEND #InclusiveLearning #InnovationInEducation Independent Schools Council ISA Heads HMC (The Heads' Conference) School Partnerships Alliance (S.P.A.) Julie Robinson Malcolm Purnell Lauren Kelley Tim Cagney Robert Harrison Hazel Kay @
Executive Director at Pam Mundy Associates Ltd.
2 个月Wonderful news! Well done!
????? AuDHD speaker & comedian helping to make the world a better place for neurodivergent folks through dynamic, interactive and funny talks. Inclusion | belonging | ADHD | autism | ???????
2 个月How fantastic! Great work Graeme Lawrie MBE FRSA FCCT
Founder & CEO @ VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) | Philanthropist | Mental Health Advocate | International Visual Arts Educator | Creative Visionary | Mentor | Innovator | EdTech
2 个月Love this Graeme Lawrie MBE FRSA FCCT! Exciting times ahead ????