Conference Programme

This session will explore innovative and sustainable approaches to campus redevelopment and estate masterplanning, blending heritage preservation with forward-thinking, data-led strategies.

Drawing on two decades of research from the National School Grounds Survey, Prof. John McKendrick and other partners offer key insights into how school grounds can better support learning, play, nature, sport, climate adaptation, and community engagement. The session will pick up on themes across learning, play, nature, sports provision and climate adaptation in relation to the outdoor learning estate, extending beyond traditional school boundaries and integrating educational spaces into the broader community.

This engaging session will explore how AI tools can enhance teaching and learning by fostering creative digital skills, empowering teachers, and enriching the educational experience for every student.

This campfire session explores how thoughtful, inclusive design can transform educational spaces to better support wellbeing, equity, and engagement.

Details to follow

This session examines how low-energy, low-carbon design shaped the delivery of Currie Community High School and Monifieth Learning Campus, exploring how sustainability goals influenced key decisions throughout the design process. It will highlight the challenges of balancing embodied carbon and LEIP energy targets with cost, comfort, and educational quality, particularly in the context of Passivhaus delivery.

Against a backdrop of rising threats, increasing regulatory pressure, and rapid digital transformation, this panel discussion will focus on how organisations can anticipate, withstand, and recover from cyber incidents without compromising critical operations.

Unlock the power of play! This dynamic presentation explores how LEGO Education transforms learning for all ages. Discover hands-on engagement that cultivates essential 21st-century skills, from primary school to beyond.

How can we empower all learners today to thrive in tomorrow's world and create truly inclusive learning environments? As technology reshapes the workplace, skills like creative problem-solving, analytical and design thinking, and collaboration are more vital than ever. Join us for a keynote exploring this challenge, and a discussion with school leaders sharing their strategies for developing these skills in all students, ensuring equitable access and opportunity, supported by Apple technology.

Exploring the similarities and differences in designing and delivering schools for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in England and Additional Support Needs (ASN) in Scotland. Through insights from key case studies - Marjorie McClure School and Beatlie School - the session will highlight innovative, inclusive approaches for supporting children with complex needs.

This dynamic session brings together global and national perspectives on how data, language, and co-design can shape the future of inclusive digital learning. Alexandra Feeley, Director at Oxford Languages, will share how rich, high-quality language data underpins equitable, culturally relevant AI-driven EdTech. The session then turns to Scotland’s Learner Profile, an ambitious digital tool co-designed with children, educators, and partners, to capture learning and build skills profiles.

This session will explore the role of outdoor spaces and grounds in outdoor learning, how they can inspire future land- & nature-based careers and help contribute to Scotland’s nature restoration goals.

With a panel of experts, case-studies and pupil-insights, we will discuss what our schoolgrounds need in order to attain maximum value in terms of skills development, land- and nature-based careers, climate – and environmental literacy, health and wellbeing.

Discover how values-led design and student voice can shape school environments that promote learning and well-being. This session blends case studies and research insights to show how engaging pupils and communities in design leads to inclusive, purpose-driven spaces that empower learners and maximise the learning experience.

This two-part session explores how school grounds can become meaningful, everyday learning environments. Together, the presentations offer insight from concept to completion: QMU presents the facts, fiction and challenges; Montgomerie Park shares a completed project with honest lessons learned from those using it every day.

 

How does the opportunity of technology help shape truly inclusive learning environments. Discover how two schools in Scotland are leveraging the power of Apple technology to
break down barriers, personalise learning, and empower all students to thrive. This presentation will showcase practical strategies and real-world examples of creating
equitable access and opportunity through thoughtful technology integration. 

This session will cover critical challenges arising from new government legislation on the Education Estate, such as the Building Safety Act 2022.