In an era where education systems worldwide are often criticised for their rigid focus on grades, scores, and rankings, Upschool is making waves with its innovative approach to learning. This Australian-based educational platform is on a mission to transform the global educational landscape by making learning meaningful, impactful, and accessible to children everywhere.
At the heart of Upschool's philosophy is the integration of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into all its courses. Co-founder Gavin McCormack explains, “We want to educate children about the world’s most pressing issues and empower them to take real action. Embedding the SDGs into our curriculum ensures that students are not just learning theory but are actively engaged in solving real-world problems.”
Upschool’s courses are designed to bring learning to life, encouraging students to become active change-makers. Richard Mills, the other half of the founding duo, emphasises, “Our goal is to move beyond passive learning. We want children to write letters to world leaders, tackle climate change, combat poverty, and see their actions make a tangible difference. This active engagement is what makes our approach unique.”
The platform's content is as diverse as it is dynamic, with lessons delivered from breathtaking locations like Iceland, Antarctica, the North Pole, Costa Rica, Everest Base Camp, and the Chitwan Jungle. “We are bringing the wonders of the world into classrooms,” says McCormack. “Many children may never get the chance to see these incredible places, but through Upschool, they can explore and learn about them in an immersive way.”
The team (Including Philosophy Teacher John Butler from Burwwod Girls in Sydney who attended to record lessons on health and Philosphy from the Icelandic region) have just returned fro Iceland where they travelled to the site of an erupting volcano to deliver lessons on geology and the history of the planet:
One of Upschool’s most commendable aspects is its commitment to accessibility. All courses are completely free of charge, ensuring that financial constraints are not a barrier to high-quality education. “Education should be a right, not a privilege,” asserts Mills. “We are dedicated to providing equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status.”
Upschool also places a strong emphasis on teacher training. Their courses are designed to develop essential skills in children, such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and empathy, rather than focusing solely on grades and scores. McCormack notes, “We train educators to nurture the whole child, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century. It's about developing well-rounded individuals who can think critically and act compassionately.”
The platform is rethinking what it means to be successful in education. Instead of measuring success by class rankings, Upschool focuses on the difference students make during their educational journey. “We aim to shift the focus from competition to contribution,” explains Mills. “It’s about fostering a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.”
Upschool’s impact is already substantial, with hundreds of thousands of children from all 193 countries learning online. The platform boasts enrolments from some of the world’s largest schools, including Ryan International Schools in India with 200,000 children and Beaconhouse Schools in Pakistan with 315,000 children. McCormack encourages Australian schools to join the movement, highlighting that Upschool’s courses are aligned with the Australian Curriculum and come with pre-written teaching programs and included outcomes. “Our courses allow children to write to world leaders, solve real-world problems, and even write, illustrate, and publish their own children’s books,” he says.
With such a wide array of options available, Upschool aims to revolutionise education globally through what McCormack and Mills call “purposeful education.” They believe that by making education meaningful and impactful, they can inspire the next generation to change the world. “Join us on this incredible journey towards a brighter future for all children,” invites McCormack.
For more information, visit Upschool.