VIEW FROM THE CLASSROOM
How a primary school is using VR to support emotional regulation
Academy Trust, and proud to offer an inclusive, nurturing, and forward-thinking learning environment.
We have a modern approach to learning, with technology embedded across the curriculum. We don’t view it as an add-on or something that sits separately from everyday teaching. Instead, we use it purposefully to bring subjects to life, support varied learning needs, and help prepare our pupils for the careers of the future.
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n this month’s View from the Classroom feature, we hear from Ben Martin, Headteacher at Water Meadows Primary School in Canterbury. Here, he explains how the school has enhanced its digital framework by implementing technology that provides students with equitable learning experiences.
Tell us a bit about your school. Water Meadows is a Primary School based in Hersden, Canterbury. We’re part of Stour
Recently, we were given the opportunity to lead an exciting SEND innovation trial, exploring how immersive technology can support emotional wellbeing and inclusive education. We’re the first school in the UK to participate, which is incredibly exciting. The programme is hosted by Avantis Education, creators of ClassVR, to trial EduverseTHRIVE – its new wellbeing and inclusion solution designed to bring emotional regulation, wellbeing and inclusion into everyday teaching through safe, educator-led virtual experiences.
What prompted you to become involved in the trial?
Over the past year, we’ve been really focusing on defining exactly what we want Water Meadows to be from a digital perspective. From this, we have developed a digital vision underpinned by three key pillars.
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The first is implementing engaging experiences across the curriculum. The second is providing equitable learning opportunities to 100% of children, 100% of the time. And the third is encouraging pupils to become leaders of their own learning. This includes identifying their emotions and understanding which tools help them learn best, digital or not. As someone with a passion for technology in education, I see VR as far more than just a gadget. I believe it’s a powerful tool that can really connect with learners. We’ve been using ClassVR for two years and have seen the positive impact immersive experiences have had on our learners. The idea of trialling a VR tool designed specifically for inclusion and wellbeing, which aligns so closely with our key pillars, seemed like a natural fit.
What challenges were you hoping EduverseTHRIVE would help address? I hoped EduverseTHRIVE would help us drive forward one of our core digital initiatives – providing equitable learning experiences for all pupils. Going into the trial, we knew not every pupil would need it. But for those whose learning experiences could be enhanced, SEND student or not, it could really help even the playing field.
Another challenge is space. Like many schools, space is not something we are blessed with. We have one sensory room that supports
September 2026
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