Here are some commonly asked questions, and their answers!

1. Where can this fit into a school curriculum? 

Ultimately, this challenge involves thinking about the ways in which we can shape education to meet the challenges of the future and the needs of all people. No matter the age group of the participants, the challenge will involve thinking about inequality, climate change, technological developments, and using key problem solving skills. 

There are obvious overlaps with themes covered in Geography, Sociology, Politics, PSHE, art, music and IT. 

For older students participating, the challenge is a thought-provoking extracurricular activity that would look great for further education applications and be of particular use to those wanting to go on to study fields like International Development, Geography, Policy, and Education. The challenge is also a great opportunity for those students partaking in the Duke of Edinburgh award or completing an IB CAS project. 

2. Can I complete this as part of my D of E? 

Yes, this will be a perfect fit for anyone undertaking their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. The timescale of the project aligns perfectly with the required length of the charity and volunteering hours that are necessary for the Bronze award.

3. What will the proceeds of our fundraising go towards? 

100% of the money you raise will go to EduSpots and will help us continue and grow our work of establishing safe, inclusive and community-led education spaces across 50 underserved rural communities in Ghana. Any contribution that you make will also be automatically DOUBLED during the Big Give period which is running from 2nd – 9th December 2025.

To look at some of our key projects and the transformative work we are doing, please visit the EduSpots website.

4. What kind of things can I do to raise money? 

We encourage any form of fundraising, so feel free to use your imagination! Ideally you would host a Future of Education themed fundraising event and this could take whatever shape you like. 

Tried and tested methods of fundraising are always encouraged: this could include bake sales (think Spot-themed cookies!), fun runs, film and pizza nights, sponsored cycles, home clothes days, school assemblies, school fair stalls, and any sponsored challenges that you and/or your teammates can complete.

5. What are the key dates for the challenge?

There are two key deadlines that you need to be aware of when taking part in the challenge: 

1. The research & design deadline is 30th November 2025 (this is when you should have your project on the future of education sent to us by). 
2. The fundraising for EduSpots deadline is 9th December, including donation via the Big Give link. All funds should be raised and sent to us by this point. 

6. Are there resources available to help students leading this challenge in their schools?

Depending on whether you are a teacher leading students or an older students leading others within your school, we will send you a set of slides and resources that will help you guide others through each step of the challenge. Just contact @futureofeducation@eduspots.org and we will send you everything you need!

There is also a handbook available here with key information for anyone taking part in the challenge.

7. What should my design look like? 

Ultimately, it’s up to you! We have suggested different formats for each age group which can be found here in our student handbook. We have also created some example submissions which will be sent to you via our @futureofeducation@eduspots.org email address. 

As far as the design process goes, these are just guidelines, and we want you to use your imagination – what the future of education looks like to you is something entirely specific. 

Alongside the design itself, we ask that you submit a 200-300 word mini essay, explaining how your design represents your vision for the future of education. Video essays are also welcome. 

9. What awards can I win for my Future of Education submission?

All participants engaging in the challenge will receive a certificate and an invitation to an online celebration event in December, after the Big Give Campaign. At the celebration event, there will a series of awards available for entrants: 

1. Research Sparks (for each age category) – for those who have conducted thorough and interesting research, which shines through in their design.
2. Innovation Trailblazers (for each age category) – for those projects with an imaginative and artistic flair. 
3. Fundraising Dynamos (for each age category) – based on the groups that managed to raise the most money for the EduSpots cause. 
4. Teamwork pathwanders (for each age category) – for those groups that have clearly pooled their resources and worked brilliantly together. You will be able to demonstrate this by describing your process in your mini essay.
5. Building the Future Award – this award will go to the single strongest overall project submission that has a well thought through and innovative answer to the questions surrounding the future of education.

Still got questions? Email our Challenge Coordinator, Adam Marshall at futureofeducation@eduspots.org