Bedales innovation recognised with Edufuturists Independent School of the Year award
The Edufuturists Uprising 2024, an event celebrating groundbreaking advancements in education, gathered for its annual awards at The Old Red Bus Station, Leeds, bringing together visionaries who are pushing the boundaries of educational practices and technologies.
Bedales was recognised with the Independent School of the Year award for challenging education norms with its unique education philosophy and curriculum that prioritises individual growth, creativity, and use of the outdoor environment. Consulting widely on whether GCSEs were right in preparing children for a fast-changing world, the School concluded they were narrow, unimaginative and overly pressurised which were letting down students. The introduction of Bedales Assessed Courses shows other schools and policy-makers an alternative that inspires students, motivates teachers, and better prepares young people for further study and work.
Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales School commented:
“We feel honoured that our innovative approach has been recognised by this influential group of education disruptors. We are taking full advantage of our independence, with a more flexible curriculum that broadens students’ educational horizons, with multi-modal assessments, and a focus on 21st century skills such as collaboration, creativity and problem-solving. In a time when policy-makers are reviewing the curriculum and assessment models in the country, we hope that we can demonstrate to others that there are better alternatives to the current educational paradigm in this country.”
Ben Whitaker and Steven Hope, the hosts of the Edufuturists podcast, stated:
"This year was bigger and better than we ever anticipated. Over 11,000 votes and 120 people in a room for an awards event like no other. We are super proud of all the highly commended entrants and winners, and grateful to our partners for helping make it happen. Education is in good hands if we continue to champion these incredible people and organisations who are driving the future of learning."
The Edufuturists community, affectionately known as the ‘Wolfpack’, continues to be a catalyst for change in the education sector, inspiring collaboration and driving progress towards a more effective, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational landscape.
Sponsored by Senso Cloud, the Edufuturists Uprising recognises individuals and organisations making significant contributions to the future of learning. Other notable winners included: Donald Clark, recipient of the David Price Outstanding Achievement Award; Deb Millar, awarded Edufuturist of the Year; Conrad Taylor, honoured as Educational Leader of the Year; and Matthew Wemyss, recognised as AI Pioneer. The judging panel included Professor Bob Harrison, Dan Fitpatrick (the AI Educator), Grace Kelly from Google, and SJ White, Learning Evangelist from EdTech innovator, Glean. For a full list of winners and more information about the Edufuturists Uprising, click here.
To listen to Will Goldsmith discussing curriculum and assessment reform on the Edufuturists podcast, click here.