JEFF SHAW
Innovating in Dark Times In life we sometimes see positivity and hope emerge from times of challenge or great trial. In 1818, Baron Karl von Drais of Baden, Germany patented the design for a two-wheeled Laufmaschine, or “running machine.” It consisted of two in-line wheels beneath a seat and handlebars and was propelled by the rider pushing off the ground with his feet. Also called the “Draisine,” the device was created not out of fancy but necessity. He was looking for a substitute for the horses that had starved to death in the recent volcanic winter, caused by the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815. This invention inspired other manufacturers in England and France, who created their own two-wheeled conveyances, calling them velocipedes or “dandy horses.” In the face of adversity Baron Karl von Drais of Baden embraced his spirit of innovation and exploration to develop the first type of bicycle. Had the eruption of Mount Tambora not occurred, we will never know if he would have been motivated or inspired to create this remarkable invention. In these most challenging of times, Scarisbrick Hall School has sought to find ways of reaching out and connecting with children and educators across the globe. The Covid-19 pandemic has reinvented remote learning and upskilled millions of children in the use of technology for learning (as well as magnifying the tech divide). It has also given children from around the world a
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common discussion point and means of connecting through the use of e-communications. In March 2020 Scarisbrick Hall approached the World Health Organization and UNICEF, asking for support with the concept of a Global Classroom. It is difficult to explain how exactly this took place and why a school in West Lancashire was able to engage with global leaders, however, I believe that we were in the right place at the right time with a suggestion that no one else had tried (or even dared to suggest). When speaking to the team at WHO and UNICEF, we suggested that it would be wonderful if we could put children at the forefront and give them the ability to ask questions of Dr Tedros live. The answer was, yes, that would be a great idea. In that moment we had volunteered to organise a global event where children would be able to ask questions live to the Director General of WHO. Probably the largest such event ever undertaken. The goal initially was to raise awareness of Covid-19 and to put the voice of the child at the forefront of these discussion. The response was one of support and recognition that in many countries, children were confused and distressed about the pandemic and the concept of The Global Classroom could help support this.
