Being a charity is at the heart of who we are at ACS International Schools, and this year has been one where our external communities’ extended needs remind us of what the privilege of being a charity means to us.
Being a charity is at the heart of who we are at ACS International Schools, and this year has been one where our external communities’ extended needs remind us of what the privilege of being a charity means to us. The educational landscape in schools has changed significantly and abruptly during these turbulent times and we are working alongside our communities to continue to develop a positive vision for future generations.
While face-to-face interactions have been restricted and there is less opportunity to share our campus facilities and resources, our priorities (community collaboration, digital innovation and teaching excellence) have never been more critical, during a time when communities need to work together to provide a very different approach to education.
Enhanced digital solutions and blended learning has been a steep learning curve for many educators and schools, with many finding it difficult to finance hardware, software, training and other essential resources. Through our partnerships with universities, companies and other schools we have done everything we can to share best practice, provide technological solutions and offer online training and instructional videos.
VR equipment in action at a partner school
Families facing hardship through dramatically changing employment and subsequent income reductions have meant that many children are not only missing out on their education but are also facing significant food insecurity too. Our fundraising efforts have provided over 15,000 meal packages for children facing food insecurities. Thanks to our community of parents, students, staff and alumni whose generosity has enabled us to make a difference. The pandemic has impacted in many ways within our own school community, where some families are experiencing hardship. ACS International Schools are pleased to have been able to support these families through our dedicated hardship fund and we have doubled our budget to support this.
Our sports staff raised substantial funds for the Royal Surrey County Hospital, our students supported great causes including mental health charity MIND and disability charity Meru and committed to continue their support of our international partner schools. We have worked closely with the NHS on a variety of projects to support their efforts with COVID-19 through the use of 3D printed solutions for PPE and continue to work closely with our partner schools as they approach the summer holidays and are looking at what schools might look like in September.
We have recently partnered with a film company to develop broadcast quality ‘thought leadership’ content to support our partnership schools as we approach a new school year. Working with experts from around the globe, we hope this content will provide much needed direction and support for schools across the UK.
Fundraising for disability charity, Meru