A small group of Aussie teachers are empowering the next generation of global citizens through free purpose-based lessons and resources.
One year ago, the co-founders Richard Mills, Jake Davies, and Gavin McCormack launched Upschool.co, an innovative online educational platform that provides free education to thousands of children from over 150 countries.
The online lessons, which are delivered from extraordinary locations such as the Himalayas, the Arctic Circle, and most recently, the Antarctic, are designed to provide ‘purposeful’ education that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries, engaging and inspiring students to play an active role in changing the world.
The platform features an extensive library of interactive lessons, videos, and activities that cover a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, history, and language arts. Students can also participate in various projects and challenges designed to spark their creativity and make a positive impact on the world.
Co-founder Jake Davies said Upschool “is all about approaching education in a different way”.
“By providing quality learning experiences focused on the preferences and interests of learners, and allowing them to use their learning to create meaningful and positive change in the world, students are more engaged.”
Co-founder Richard Mills agrees with this sentiment.
“To see individuals and groups applying their learning in local and global initiatives addressing topics that matter to them makes everything we’re doing so worthwhile.”
Since its inception, Upschool.co has inspired and supported children in achieving remarkable feats, both through its purposeful education model and focus on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Students have planted forests in India, fed the homeless in Mumbai, and built libraries in Pakistan, Nepal, and India. Upschool.co has also facilitated the world's first World Children's Day Conference, where schools from across the globe delivered keynote speeches on their achievements in relation to the SDGs.
In response to the current challenges faced by Australian teachers, including high levels of burnout and a wave of resignations, Upschool.co has developed all of its courses to be fully aligned with the Australian curriculum and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Co-founder Gavin McCormack said Upschool.co aims to ease the workload for educators and support them during this difficult time by providing ready-made resources and comprehensive lesson plans.
“Upschool.co's initiative to develop courses aligned with the Australian curriculum and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals is a timely response to the challenges currently faced by Australian teachers,” McCormack told The Educator.
“With high levels of burnout and resignations, the education sector is in need of practical solutions that can support educators in their work.”
McCormack said by providing ready-made resources and lesson plans, Upschool.co is offering a valuable tool to help ease the workload of teachers and ensure that they can continue to deliver quality education to their students.
“By aligning their courses with the SDGs, Upschool.co is also encouraging the development of global citizenship skills in Australian students, which is increasingly important in today's interconnected world.”