Developing Experts - a year in review

2018 got off to a flying start for Developing Experts, with our Curriculum Director, Paul Usher, joining the team in February. Throughout the year, Paul grew the curriculum team and engaged with a range of science experts to help develop our learning content. With over 10 years of teaching and leadership behind him, Paul brings a huge range of experience and knowledge to the team. 

We also kickstarted the year working with some fantastic experts, including Emma Bush, Professor Sunetra Gupta, Mark Bardsley, and  Dr. Jenni Stockan.

April saw the introduction of two brilliant scientists to the Developing Experts team. Firstly, we welcomed Jon Badgery, our Science Lead. Jon has proven himself as an invaluable asset to the Developing Experts’ team. As a passionate scientist, he specialises in science communication and engagement. He has delivered: CPD workshops in science engagement and creativity, science lectures, science shows and has run large community science days since joining the Developing Experts' team. 

Secondly, Dr. Sam Rowe joined the team, having completed his PhD in Chemistry at the University of East Anglia. His research project aimed to develop new ways to harness solar energy for the sustainable production of valuable chemicals. Sam is an excellent science communicator and valuable asset to the DE team. 

In May, we welcomed earth science specialist Heather Bingham. Heather brought her northern charm to the team, sharing her expertise in developing our science curriculum and presenting science video content. She’s also whipped the team into shape, ensuring we are all doing our bit for the environment! 

Fast forward a busy summer of curriculum development, expert filming, and round the world trips, our team grew further in September with ex-primary teacher and tiny blonde bundle of joy, Katie Barrie, joining the team as our Primary lead. She has since worked closely with Paul and the team to develop our primary learning content. 

September also saw us working with more expert scientists, including Dr. Jessica Johnson, a lecturer in geophysics in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia.

In October, Marketing and Communications Officer, Yasmine Barrell, joined the team alongside Marketing Director, Carl West, whose expertise include marketing communication, brand development and SEO. With Yasmine’s previous experience in marketing and content production for another Edtech startup, it has allowed the pair to lift Developing Experts’ marketing and communications off the ground and develop our online presence. 

Developing Experts were proud to be the learning sponsor for the Norwich Science Festival 2018 at the end of October. We spent 9 days at the Science Festival, spreading the word of Developing Experts to budding young scientists.

In November, Developing Experts was all about the girls! We sent Gill, Yasmine, Samantha and Heather to the  Women of the Future conference. The day, run by UEA and the John Innes centre, boasted an opportunity for local girls aged 13+, to attend talks led by female scientists and to engage in conversation with local companies about opportunities and careers in STEM. Inspired by the day, and keynote speech - delivered by Dr Suze Kundu - Developing Experts’ very own Production Assistant, Sam Willmott, is enrolling on a OU Astronomy & Planetary Science course. We look forward to supporting Sam on her course throughout 2019; keep an eye out for her Mission Assignment debut!

As November drew to a close, the Developing Experts’ team attended the Norfolk Business Awards. Our team proudly walked away with the Tech Innovator award! Upon winning the award, the judges said: “Developing Experts was chosen as the winner of the Tech Innovator category, having demonstrated the technical advancements in platform technology it was putting into countries with a poorer network infrastructure for the purposes of education in schools.”  The Tech Innovator award, presented to our CTO Shane Morgan, celebrated our achievements in tech with our innovative online learning platform supporting teachers, who lack confidence in the topics they teach.

November also saw the 3rd trip this year to China for our CEO, Sarah. Sarah’s trips allowed her to learn more about the Chinese education system, conduct focus groups and meet with our Chinese investment partner. To top off a busy November, Yasmine and Dr. Sam Rowe worked on a blog showcasing some of the incredible science experts we worked with throughout 2018. These included Prof. Laura Bowater, Prof. Sunetra Gupta, Dr. Ian Bedford, Dr. Karim Gharbi and Sophie Prosolek.   

In December, we were are delighted to announce a batch of 15 brand new lessons, 'Earth's Resources,' with topics such as tropical rainforests, water conservation, renewable energy and textiles.  These lessons map against the National Curriculum, the Scottish Curriculum of Excellence, US Next Generation Science Standards and the Indian CBSE. We also continued our collaboration with Archant. Our work with Archant has been focused on developing our video content. We filmed and edited a series of ten new Key Stage 3 mission assignment films on magnetism and chemistry. The results are really quite stunning.

But the good news didn’t stop there in December! We were delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted by Tech Nation as a Rising Stars semi-finalist. Sarah will be in Manchester in January to attend the two-day semi-final event and pitch for a place as one of the 20 companies in the final. 

As 2018 draws to a close, we are reflecting on a fantastic year for Developing Experts. Our platform now features over 700 lessons, more than 100 science experts and the best mission assignments we’ve ever made. With a strong team in place, and lots of plans in the pipeline, we’re excited to see how Developing Experts progresses in 2019 and continues to revolutionise science teaching around the globe. Watch this space...