The historic Auld Hoose at Schoolhill has been adorned by the brightly coloured umbrellas of this year’s Neurodiversity Umbrella Project joining the thousands of umbrellas strung together over public spaces, schools and company buildings across the UK. 

The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project is an uplifting visual representation of all the different minds we have here in the UK and the school’s participation in this nation-wide initiative follows our recent Impact Series Webinar: Neurodiversity - Unlocking Potential.

With 1 in 5 humans being neurodivergent, 1 in 67 of us on the autistic spectrum, 1 in 20 with ADHD or dyspraxia and 1 in 10 with dyslexia, many people have a combination of these differences in how humans process and interact with their environment and the people around them.

Partnering with the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity and Aberdeen Inspired, the College was delighted to welcome teachers and parents from across Aberdeen, both in person and online, for a series of events for educators, parents and guardians. Educators across the city learned more about practical strategies about how to support pupils with diverse needs, understanding different learning and fostering inclusive classrooms. The parent and guardian event explored how neurodiverse children can be supported, strategies to create a neurodiverse friendly home and collaboration with education.

Robin Macpherson, Head of Robert Gordon’s College shared: “A positive shift which I have seen during my time in education is a significant increase in the amount of professional learning available for staff to support neurodivergent pupils. Within schools we are seeing all staff embrace a responsibility to be aware of the needs and unique intelligence of all of the pupils in their classroom. We are making positive steps as a school, and we are doing all we can to raise awareness and support parents so that we can work in partnership to achieve the best possible outcomes for all of our learners.”

Tony Lloyd, CEO of ADHD Foundation commented: Thank you to Head of College Robin Macpherson and the school community at Robert Gordon’s College for your collaboration in making this event available to education professional and parents across Aberdeen. Your vision and aspirations for all children including those who think differently is an inspiration to all.”

Roulè Wood, Aberdeen Inspired Business Engagement Manager explained: “The phenomenal demand for the sessions for parents and teachers is unprecedented and really shows how much need there is for help and resources to support children who are neurodiverse.  We are incredibly grateful to the ADHD Foundation for coming to Aberdeen to deliver these events in person and to our local sponsors, Harbour Energy, TMM and CNRL without whose support we would not have been able to offer the sessions free of charge." 

Learn more about the 2023 Umbrella Project and what’s on throughout the city via Aberdeen Inspired.