About
Empower
Future
Leaders
Proudly supported
by The Peter Vardy
Foundation
Improving young people’s
outcomes is at the heart of
everything we do
Motivation
A curriculum for success
As a team of educators, we wanted to provide more opportunities for learners to develop crucial leadership and meta-skills. That’s why we set out to create Gen+, a programme designed to empower young people with the tools they need to succeed and to help them to recognise their unique skills and talents.
Collaboration
Finding the right collaborators
When we started building Gen+, we knew we needed the right team of experts to bring our vision to life. With the support of the Peter Vardy Foundation, we were able to assemble a group of teachers and educational technologists who share our passion for helping young people thrive. Together, we’ve created a programme that we’re truly proud of.
Ambition
Dreaming big
Our ultimate goal with Gen+ is to make sure that every young person in Scotland has access to the kind of education that will set them up for a bright future. With that goal in mind, we’re constantly working to improve and expand our programme, so that we can reach more learners and teachers and make an even greater impact.
Values
Practising what we preach
Values-based leadership is fundamental to our Gen+ Learn and Teach leadership teachings, and equally guides our organisation’s approach to work. Our values include tenacity – holding fast to our cause; joy and adventure – encouraging playful modes of learning and bringing our own humour and enthusiasm to what we do; and teamwork and inclusion – prioritising our partnerships and working openly, trusting boldly and leading bravely.
Endeavour
Improvement driven by curiosity
Gen+ is an endeavour in innovation. To us, innovation means curiosity and the drive to always improve. We regularly refresh and develop our curriculum through user testing, focus groups, and feedback. We restlessly ask how can we make Gen+ better for pupils and teachers, and see this quest not as a challenge but as an opportunity.
Our Targets
- 275k pupils taught
- 2000+ schools by 2026/7
- 36,000 teachers involved
Our Team
A team built on
classroom experience
We are a team of educators and creative, innovative individuals who are passionate about inspiring young people and other educators through engaging content and interactive learning, to realise their potential and be the best leaders they can be.
Victoria Vardy
CEO
Samantha Bedford
COO
Becca Dobson
Director of Education
Lydia Cawley
Director of Product
Elizabeth-Anne Collier
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Andy Laszlo
Technology Director
Carolyn Timar
Finance Manager
Our board of trustees & advisors
Peter Vardy
Founder & Chairman
Claire Maith
Trustee
Alastair Grier
Trustee
Grounded by research for concrete results
OUR PARTNERS
Agency of None
Website design, development & motion graphics.
Daydream Believers
Visual development and lesson design.
Each & Other
User experience support and development.
Edly
Development of ed-tech platform.
Racoon Gang
Instructional design and lesson development.
Thinkfour
Production for engaging lesson videos.
Sinclair Academy
West Lothian
Hamilton College
South Lanarkshire
St. John’s Academy
Perth & Kinross
Port Glasgow High
Inverclyde
St. Columba’s High
Inverclyde
Notre Dame High
Inverclyde
Clydeview Academy
Inverclyde
St.Stephen’s High
Inverclyde
Inverclyde Academy
Inverclyde
The Glasgow Academy
Glasgow City
Bellahouston Academy
Glasgow City
Shawlands Academy
Glasgow City
Hillpark Secondary
Glasgow City
Lourdes Secondary
Glasgow City
St. Leonards
Fife
Braes High
Falkirk
James Gillespie’s High
Edinburgh City
Mearns Castle High
East Renfrewshire
Barrhead High
East Renfrewshire
Bearsden Academy
East Dunbartonshire
Douglas Academy
East Dunbartonshire
Bishopbriggs Academy
East Dunbartonshire
St. Ninian’s High
East Dunbartonshire
Craigie High
Dundee City
Braeview Academy
Dundee City
Morgan Academy
Dundee City
Dalbeattie High
Dumfries and Galloway
Wallace Hall Academy
Dumfries and Galloway
North West Community
Dumfries and Galloway
Dyce Academy
Aberdeen City
Bridge of Don Academy
Aberdeen City
Northfield Academy
Aberdeen City
Oldmachar Academy
Aberdeen City
St. Machar Academy
Aberdeen City
Trusted by schools across Scotland
Our programme is the go-to in meta-skills education for an increasing number of schools across Scotland, currently adopted in 6 local authority areas.
FAQs
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information!
- Which subject/faculty delivers the lessons?The lessons can be delivered across any subject area of the curriculum, including PSHE, Wider-Achievement or DYW. We believe that skills acquisition and knowledge apply cross-curricularly.
Our primary Explorer programme has flexibility for lessons to fit within specific subjects, themes and topics, as part of a project or as part of the more general Health and Wellbeing curriculum.
Those lessons specifically aimed at supporting the transition to secondary school process, can form part of the wider transition programme with delivery in both the primary and secondary school settings, as the individual school / cluster see most suitable. - Are the lessons inclusive for all levels and abilities?Our lessons and resources are accessed via our accessible digital learning platform. The lessons are interactive and engaging and pitched to inspire thought and challenge the pupils without being too difficult for the tasks to be completed. Whilst there are digital tasks to complete, there are also offline tasks such as pair and class discussions. The lessons are classroom facilitated and designed to be teacher-led. Gen+ uses a blended learning model - not solely e-learning.
- Why stop at S3?Surely S4s+ need skills as they are leaving school? Our aim is to really embed the knowledge, understanding and language of skills within the pupils before they get to Senior Phase (S4-6). This early intervention will better equip them with the skills and confidence to best support them as they transition on to their post-school destination. There are very many other programmes and projects available to Senior Phase pupils.
- Does the programme offer a qualification upon completion?At present, the programme does not offer any form of accreditation or qualification. We have chosen to place an emphasis on achievement versus attainment. The programme aims to build self-confidence in the pupils and help them realise their talent, abilities and potential. Pupils can, however, track their progress through the programme and receive digital badges to build a ‘skills tracker’ e-portfolio of their achievements alongside their learning reflections and outcomes. We are exploring options of an SCQF Level 4 qualification, upon completion of all 3 Trailblazer, Gamechanger and Innovator courses.
- How much lesson time does the programme need to be allocated on the timetable?Our secondary S1 and S2 courses – Trailblazer and Gamechanger – are made up of 3 units each, with 4 lessons in each unit. In addition, there is an introduction and Wrap-Up lesson for each course, so a total of 14 lessons each year. The S3 project-based course is equivalent to 10 lessons also. So, in total, the secondary school element of the programme consists of 38 lessons.
The primary school element – Explorer – is under development but will consist of 6 lessons, focussing on one of our key meta-skills, delivered across P6 & P7. In addition, there are 2 additional lessons available to support the P7 to S1 Transition phase, so there are a total of 8 lessons available This component of the programme will be coming in 2024/25.
- Is the programme open to both local authority and private schools?Both state-funded and independent schools can deliver the programme. The only requirements are access to ICT devices for the allotted lesson time plus enthusiasm for skills and personal development in your pupils!
- Can my primary school get involved if our associated/linked high school is not running the programme?At present, we are only able to consider partnering with primary schools associated with secondary schools who are taking part in the pilot.
- How long will the pilot phase run for?Our initial pilot Phase 1 began in 2021/22 academic year. Our next phase, development & growth, runs 2022/23 through to 2024/25.
- How can my school get involved?You can find out more by contacting us here.
- Is there a cost to the school/LA?The pilot phase and development of the programme is funded by The Peter Vardy Foundation and other partners so there is currently no cost to schools or local authorities.
- How does Gen+ select schools to work with?Individual schools can make an approach to us either directly or via their local authority. We have a mission to engage with schools across the country, from all 32 local authorities, thereby offering all pupils the opportunity to participate in the programme.
- How does the programme help schools fulfil the SDS (Skills Development Scotland) Skills 4.0 agenda?Each of the nine key meta-skill principles central to the programme have been identified through Skills 4.0 as essential for the future workforce. By delivering this programme, schools can easily embed a skills development framework into their curriculum to complement existing provisions and projects. Pupils will become familiar with consistent skills language and grow in confidence of their knowledge, understanding and ability to articulate and demonstrate these skills.
- Are meta-skills not already taught in schools?Most schools have either an established or developing skills framework however there is no standard curriculum for skills development at present. At both Scottish Government and local authority level, this has been identified as a priority, to complement the existing work of Education Scotland, the Curriculum for Excellence, Skills Development Scotland, and Developing the Young Workforce.
Many projects and programmes do currently exist which develop meta-skills within pupils, but they are mostly extra-curricular, not a part of core teaching and learning, which is where our lessons sit.
- I’m not a teacher. How can I still get involved with Gen+ Teach?We offer a variety of opportunities for non-educators to contribute to Gen+ Teach. Perhaps you are a business or tech leader who would like to contribute your skills knowhow to teachers through an article or a webinar? Please reach out to hello@genplus.co.uk if you would like to get involved.
- How do I gain access to Gen+ Teach Library?All staff at Gen+ schools have access to the Gen+ Teach library through their school logins, including support for learning and non-teaching staff. When you login, you will see the Gen+ Teach Library dashboard.
- How do I register interest in the Strathclyde course?Please register your interest with lead teachers at your school, with whom Gen+ will coordinate when accepting new registrants to the Strathclyde course. The Strathclyde course is a year-long programme for which there are limited funded places.
- Will my school require ICT devices to run the programme or can it be delivered offline?The programme is delivered via a digital platform – this provides individual, engaging and trackable learning – it’s a truly unique experience for young learners. This will require learners to use a digital device in class – this can be a one-to-one iPad, multi-user Chromebook, laptop or desktop in an ICT suite. We require the school to provide access to these devices.
- ‘Digital Platform’ – does that mean there are more passwords for my pupils to remember?No! We integrate directly with Glow so there are no further passwords to remember!