GENERAL NEWS NEWS...
DoodleLearning launches annual challenge to combat summer slide
Discovery Education’s DoodleLearning today announced the return of its popular challenge designed to keep children learning during the school summer holidays.
The DoodleLearning Summer Challenge encourages children to spend just a few minutes each day
practising maths and English using the award-winning DoodleMaths and DoodleEnglish apps. Designed to make learning fun and rewarding, the apps celebrate progress, build confidence and have been shown to boost academic outcomes when used regularly. To support children’s learning throughout the summer break, Discovery Education is giving families 2 weeks’ free access to DoodleMaths and DoodleEnglish between 1 July and 31 August 2026. Parents can sign up and get 10% off any Doodle subscription by visiting
doodlelearning.com/challenge-promotion before 18 August and entering the code 26_2WKS.
Schools that don’t already use DoodleLearning can also take part by visiting:
teachers.doodlelearning.com/schools-book-consultation The DoodleLearning Summer Challenge gives children a fun, personalised programme that fills gaps in their knowledge, getting them ready to go back to school in September. More than 55,700 children joined the challenge last year. Every child who completes the 2026 Challenge will receive a special pin badge and certificate. Charity Lisko, Discovery Education’s Vice President for International Product, Curriculum and Content said: “We’re excited to bring back the DoodleLearning Summer Challenge and give families free access to our award-winning apps. Designed around short, daily activities, DoodleMaths and DoodleEnglish help children maintain key skills, build confidence and make learning fun throughout the summer holidays.” Doodle’s apps can be used on or offline and on tablets, phones, laptops and desktops. DoodleLearning’s free access offer runs until 18 August 2026.
Promethean showcases education solutions at ISTELive 2026
Leading global tech company Promethean showcased its latest interactive displays, software and education technology solutions at ISTELive 2026, one of North America’s leading education technology conferences.
The appearance followed a successful start to the year for the company, which was named ‘Company of the Year’ at the BETT Awards 2026. At the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Promethean demonstrated how its ecosystem of hardware and software supported connected, engaging and future-ready learning environments.
From Booth #1630, the company showcased its flagship ActivPanel 10 Premium alongside the budget-friendly ActivPanel LE. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore the Promethean ActivPanel D-Series, a scalable, non-interactive digital signage solution designed to broadcast daily information and urgent alerts across communal areas, helping schools and districts create a cohesive communications network alongside interactive classroom displays.
The company demonstrated a range of hardware and software integrations, including Promethean ActivSuite, which provides a consistent experience across major operating systems and access to classroom tools and AI-powered learning experiences such as Augment Me. Also on display were Radix Viso, a web-based management console, and Radix STREAMS for digital signage content delivery and media management, as well as Rise Vision, a cloud-based digital signage platform for managing content across devices.
Promethean also showcased compatibility with Microsoft Teams and Zoom, Microsoft Teams Rooms via MAXHUB, and DisplayNote Launcher, highlighting solutions designed to support hybrid learning, staff collaboration and administrative meeting spaces. The company also highlighted its strategic partnership with Google through demonstrations of the Chromebox OPS, a plug-in device designed to integrate seamlessly with ActivPanel displays and Google’s education ecosystem. Combined with Promethean ActivSuite, the solution gives educators a consistent front-of-classroom experience across major operating systems, with access to tools including Whiteboard, Google Meet and Explain Everything.
Speech, Language and Communication Alliance recognised for campaign to make oracy inclusive in school curriculum
The Speech, Language and Communication Alliance has won an SMK Award for its campaign, Making Oracy Inclusive, to ensure the one in five children with speech and language challenges get the education they need and deserve.
Its award-winning campaign focused on influencing the Oracy Commission and the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review, calling for children with speech and language challenges to be placed at the heart of any changes to the curriculum.
The Alliance is made up of 37 organisations from across the charity sector and works to ensure children and young people with speech, language and communication challenges are heard by policymakers and included in decisions that shape their education and future.
Its work included a roundtable with the Oracy Commission, policy recommendations, consultation responses, briefings and direct opportunities for children and young people to share their experiences with policymakers and parliamentarians.
The campaign helped secure a major shift. The final Curriculum and 10
www.education-today.co.uk July/August 2026
Assessment Review recommended an oracy framework for both primary and secondary schools and included an inclusive definition of oracy based on the Alliance’s proposal. The Government has since accepted that definition. Speech, Language and Communication Alliance spokesperson George Carr said: “Making sure every voice is heard is at the heart of what we do. Winning this SMK Award recognises the diversity, community and dedication of our campaign group and supporters.
“Most importantly, it shows that when we listen to children and young people, we can create real, lasting change.”
The award was presented by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) which supports grassroots campaigners across the UK to help build the confidence, skills and connections needed to create lasting social and environmental change.
The Alliance says its campaign will now focus on ensuring children and young people with speech and language challenges are included in the Government’s wider plans to reform support for SEND children.
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