The Glasgow Academy launches innovation fund for Scottish education

The Glasgow Academy has launched an independent innovation fund for new tools and online resources, offering teachers in Scotland money “to help get projects off the ground”.

The fund – known as the PINEAPPLE Fund – was set up by The Glasgow Academy and has opened to applications from teachers in all schools across Scotland.

PINEAPPLE stands for ‘Partnering INnovativE Approaches to LEarning’, the academy says, who also provide “strategic support, guidance and access to the school’s established network and contacts”.

The fund could support the development of an app, pedagogic research, or create new workbooks or learning resources. Applicants must demonstrate how their idea will make a positive contribution to Scottish education, the organisers say.

“It can be something as simple as designing new posters for the classroom to setting up a programme that gets parents and carers more engaged in learning,” the PINEAPPLE website explains.

“Our purpose is simple; we want to make Scotland’s education sector better, by supporting the development of good ideas and by ensuring that innovation is not lost or discouraged” – Matthew Pearce, The Glasgow Academy

Matthew Pearce, rector of The Glasgow Academy, said: “The world of education is changing. The past year may have been incredibly challenging but it has also created an opportunity to develop new ways of working and shape the landscape of Scottish education for the better.

“Schools and teachers are innovating all the time, and PINEAPPLE has created the infrastructure to make these ideas a reality. Our purpose is simple; we want to make Scotland’s education sector better, by supporting the development of good ideas and by ensuring that innovation is not lost or discouraged. As a partner in the project, we hope we can uncover and develop revolutionary new practices which will improve learning and education in schools across the country.

“We want to hear from any teacher or educational professional who has an idea for improving or transforming the way we interact with young people in a school setting. It can be something as simple as designing new posters for the classroom to setting up a programme that gets parents and carers more engaged in learning. All ideas will be thoroughly considered and, if successful, we will work closely with the teachers to make their vision a reality.”