BUDGET

With many schools across the country on the lookout for cost-effective opportunities to increase children’s understanding of how to be energy efficient, Smart Energy GB, the voice of Britain’s smart meter rollout, has come up with a solution.

When it comes to traditional subjects - the ones that have been taught and used effectively for centuries without the use of technology - the co-existence of old and selective use of the new seems to be the best way to innovate the curriculum. As we get to grips with the ‘new’ GCSEs and learn more about the workings of the mind and memory, check tests, dual coding, factual recall and retrieval practise are all making a comeback.

When we first speak to a school interested in our software, we ask them what they are using already. Then comes the long list of separate software providers, one for messaging parents, one for parents to make payments, one to send homework... the list goes on. Not only do parents get fed up logging in to multiple systems - your school budget is taking a hit, too.

Just over one year ago, Rocket Fund, the crowdfunding platform for schools, was launched by Nesta, the innovation foundation. Over this time, we’ve learnt what makes a successful school crowdfunding campaign, from creating a project to attracting donors.

In the current climate of budget cuts and financial pressures on schools, it has become a challenge for school leaders and business managers to be as innovative as possible by stretching our meagre resources.

Making the most of technology does not have to be an expensive luxury for schools. A recent study of four education organisations - one Further Education college and three Secondary schools - demonstrated that by implementing mstore for education, Arena’s electronic document management platform, significant returns on investment can be gained, making this a cost-effective choice.

VR on a budget

As someone in the education sector, you’ve probably heard about the exciting opportunities to use virtual reality (VR) to help students learn. Bringing the technology into a curriculum makes sense, especially because many individuals are already eager to start or continue using VR headsets. Doing so in the classroom makes learning more enjoyable.

Time and time again, when my colleagues and I speak to schools, they tell us that choosing and buying edtech is an increasingly difficult process. They simply don’t have the time – or the expertise – to create a detailed specification, go out to tender, evaluate lengthy technical proposals, interview suppliers and negotiate the best deals. On top of this process, there’s the ambiguity around financial budgets and the legalities and requirements which must be followed under EU procurement law. Edtech moves so fast, how do they know what they’ll need in three years time?

Barnwood Park School in Gloucester were seeking a new, easy-to-use resource that could assist with their day-to-day administrative tasks. Thankfully, it was at a local meeting of school business managers that a solution was found.

Want to innovate on a budget? It’s ideal to know where you can find fantastic resources at a low (or no) cost. Here, in no particular order, are 10 terrific places to start...

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