A WYRE Forest-based multi-academy trust has become a founding member of a nationwide alliance of schools championing cutting edge technology in the classroom.
The Severn Academies Educational Trust has assigned two senior leaders to join the National PedTech Programme, ensuring their schools are at the forefront of digital teaching and learning.
Gemma Alldritt, director of the trust’s Learning Academy ,and Gary Fendek, trust IT lead, will work on the two-year research programme, the first of its kind, putting digital technology at the heart of education.
“It is very exciting to be part of this as we grapple with the ever-changing developments in technology, learning together to ensure our teachers and pupils gain the greatest benefit,” said Gemma.
“It’s about putting how we teach first, a belief that digital tools enhance and support our school system when learning is put at the centre – the pedagogy of technology, PedTech.”
The programme will explore a number of themes, including the impact on curriculum and assessment, special needs education, inclusion and the role of artificial intelligence (AI).
Gary added: “A driving force of the programme is to reduce inequities in and across schools and to transform the experiences of our children and young people.”
The trust’s family of schools includes Kidderminster’s Baxter College, Stourport High School, Stourport Primary Academy, St Bartholomew’s CE Primary in Areley Kings, Wilden All Saints CE Primary, Hartlebury CE Primary, Far Forest Lea Memorial CE Primary Academy and Wolverley Sebright Primary Academy.
Trainee teachers at the trust’s School-Centred Initial Teacher Training organisation in Stourport will also benefit from the sharing of the research findings.
