The Wood Foundation hosted its Excelerate Shared Learning Celebration Event today (Friday 13 September) at the Music Hall, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to fostering system-level change in education across the North-east.
Excelerate is an investment by The Wood Foundation which is focused on providing opportunities to inspire and empower education practitioners and school communities to deliver meaningful, impactful, and context-driven learning opportunities that root the curriculum in the real world.
This initiative works with 19 secondary schools across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Angus, developing teaching methods such as oracy and project-based learning within a community-connected approach.
The event, which kicked off with a performance by talented musicians and vocalists from Aberdeen City Music School, brought together educators, school leaders, Business & Community Support Officers, and students from North-east secondary schools, including Aboyne Academy, Arbroath Academy, Banff Academy, Bucksburn Academy, Forfar Academy, Northfield Academy, Oldmachar Academy, Peterhead Academy, and St Machar Academy.
In a vibrant marketplace setting, participants shared best practice and showcased how lessons that are connected to the real world – and often supported by a wide range of business and community partners – can enhance pupils’ knowledge and skills.
A highlight of the day was the series of school-led spotlight sessions, where attendees gained insight into the significance of community connections, student perspectives, and the development of new school cultures through partnerships. These sessions focused on the theme of change and the importance of evolving schools today so they are fit for tomorrow.
Chris Moule, Head of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Robert Gordon University, facilitated an engaging panel discussion featuring the following representatives from regional growth sectors: Joan Mackay, Head of Curriculum Innovation at Education Scotland; Steve Petrie, Regional Director at Centrica; Kirsten Jensen-Thomas, Talent and Development Manager at Artfarm Scotland; Dylan White, Principal Lead at NHS Scotland Youth Academy; and Jenifer Scott, Senior Entrepreneurship Manager at Opportunity North East. The panel explored the intersection of education and industry, highlighting the role of innovation in preparing students for future challenges.
The Excelerate Shared Learning Celebration Event not only showcased the successes of the participating schools but also served as a catalyst for inspiring the wider educational community to embrace context-driven approaches to teaching and learning.
Ali MacLachlan, The Wood Foundation’s UK Director, said: “Today’s shared learning event is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when educators, students, and communities come together with a shared vision. Excelerate is more than just an investment – it is a movement that empowers schools to think creatively, act collaboratively, and ultimately transform the educational experience for every student involved.”