Press ReleaseAmanda Vaden
The Sphero and Inspire Learning logos.

Inspire Learning is a strategic, long-term education transformation project, focused on learning and teaching, eliminating inequity and encouraging attainment.

Scottish Borders, April 28, 2021 -- Sphero, the industry leader in edtech programmable robots, standards-aligned computer science curriculum, and STEAM-based educational tools, is excited to announce they have recently become a “Friend of Inspire Learning” in the Scottish Borders, providing equity of access to the best learning resources for all learners, both in school and wherever learning takes place.

Inspire Learning, a program maintained by the Scottish Borders Council, is aimed at raising attainment and supporting equality and inclusion for all children and young people. Their recent plans provided 13,500 iPads for all P5-S6 students in an effort to invest in the learning of young people, ensuring effective deployment of digital technology so they can develop the skills that are vital for life and work in an increasingly tech-driven world. 

Embedded on each iPad is the Sphero Edu app, among other apps and programs, which provides learners with access to introductory level block-based coding to help build a foundation and love of learning computer science principles with Sphero programmable robots. The Sphero approach to STEM and computer science education is fun, engaging, and transforms the way students learn by encouraging exploration, imagination, and perseverance.

“I am truly honoured that Sphero has become a friend of the Inspire Learning programme,” says Darren Tobin, Head of Education, EMEA for Sphero. “No matter which level students are, whether that be Primary or Secondary level, Sphero goes further than teaching math, science, and ELA standards. The Sphero Edu app is the perfect platform to help students develop computational thinking skills and the mindsets that are necessary to compete in a global, technology-rich economy.”

The Sphero Edu app included on each iPad offers the ability to code and programme our robots, and provides free access to thousands of play-based STEAM and coding activities for students to work through in school or at home. Also available within the Sphero Edu app experience is Computer Science Foundations, Sphero's premium supplemental computer science curriculum which aligns to Scotland's academic standards. 

“We are delighted to have our friends at Sphero as a core part of the Inspire Learning programme,” says Andrew Jewell of Inspire Learning. “We have robotics, coding and computational thinking as key development goals for Inspire and also a commitment to embedding powerful technology like the Sphero robots more widely across subjects and stages. Our shared vision for digital skills, active learning and fun at the heart of learning brings enormous value to the programme and to the young people of the Scottish Borders.”

As a Friend of Inspire Learning, Sphero’s mission to “inspire the creators of tomorrow” continues to flourish and reach new young minds in the Borders. Together, this program can unlock the potential of young people, benefiting individuals, families, the Borders’ economy and society as a whole.

About Sphero:

Sphero inspires the creators of tomorrow through remarkably cool, programmable robots, littleBits electronic building blocks, and educational tools that transform the way kids learn and create through coding, science, music, and the arts. Sphero goes #BeyondCode and drives kids to turn their imagination into reality. The skills students unlock through play-based learning prepare them to thrive, no matter what subject or career they pursue. Based in Boulder, CO, Sphero, with its family of products including littleBits, has become the #1 STEAM-based learning solutions company, loved by millions of parents, kids, and educators worldwide. Learn more at sphero.com.

About Inspire Learning:

Inspire Learning is transforming teaching and learning across the Borders for the benefit of all teachers, children and young people. The programme can unlock the potential of our young people, benefiting individuals, families, the Borders’ economy and society as a whole. Learn more about the programme here.

Press release