YPI Development Lead Lynsey Brosnan shares why YPI is important in terms of practitioners’ professional learning. YPI is accredited by GTCS and The Wood Foundation is endorsed by Education Scotland. YPI hosts a number of events throughout the year to encourage the sharing of best practice, reflection and development, innovation, and highlighting the potential of the programme to address key drivers.

“YPI offers a rich learning experience, not only for students but also practitioners.

“The Wood Foundation is committed to empowering the education workforce as a means of investing in young people. The support systems focused on innovation and growth have always sat around the YPI process but, in the past two years, we have made a concerted effort to formalise these opportunities and realise the potential of professional learning in the growth and embedding of the programme. 

“This professional learning is not a series of one-size-fits-all solutions. It is about realising the breadth and depth of what the programme offers, and how practitioners can develop their leadership skills, school community practices, and pedagogy to best realise the role of active citizenship, project focused education. The professional learning is facilitated through a partnership approach, with collaboration at its core. 

“We are committed to platforming best practice and partners. With more than 250 schools engaged in the programme, that is an incredible potential network of practitioners all committed to similar values who can inspire and motivate one another. 

“Half of teachers said YPI provided opportunities for them to mentor their peers. Almost 80% said their own understanding of social issues developed through the programme, with 72% now more confident to discuss these in class. 

“Together we can ensure our young people are receiving the most impactful programme that allows them to fulfil their potential. That can only be done if The Wood Foundation, and our YPI network, commits to supporting one another on our individual learning journeys.”

Professional learning opportunities encompass the Programme Development Session, in-depth delivery and strategic resources, practice sharing finals, best practice events, RIC-wide discussions, webinars, and individual support opportunities. 

For more information visit the professional learning tab in our Educator Zone or the events tab on our Latest page, or contact lynsey.brosnan@thewoodfoundation.org.uk. If there is a topic you would like to see covered, let us know.