Liverpool school introduces robot technology to support students' wellbeing

AV1 robot in school. Photo: Markus Haner

St John Bosco Arts College in Croxteth, Liverpool, is one of the first schools in the city to invest in a telepresence robot to support students struggling to access school due to medical conditions.

As an early adopter of No Isolation's AV1 Robot, St John Bosco, supported by Liverpool City Council, has invested £6,000 into purchasing and maintaining its telepresence robot to ensure its students are able to maintain a sense of belonging and be connected to school when it's not possible to be physically present within classrooms.

Last term, St John Bosco Art College successfully supported a sixth form student who was unable to attend full school days, due to their mental health and, subsequently, was missing out on valuable learning time. By using the AV1 Robot, this student is now able to take part in their full timetable of lessons.

The student said: "Having the AV1 Robot really helped me access my lessons and teachers' expertise. Not only did it support me academically, but it also gave me additional help with my mental health as I was still able to socialise with my friends like I would in class."

St John Bosco is using its AV1 Robot across all year groups, from Year 7 to 13, to ensure more students are able to stay connected to the school and keep up to date with learning when they're unable to physically go to lessons. Following last term's success, the school has also secured funding to purchase more AV1 Robots this academic year.

Acting as the eyes, ears and voice of the students in its control, the AV1 Robot sits in their classroom seat and is accessed via an end-to-end encryption app. Students can then use the app, whether they're at home or in another room at school, to interact with their peers and teachers as if they were in the classroom.

Lynnsey Crowley, senior assistant headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, commented: "We're incredibly excited to welcome the AV1 Robot into our school. It is already proving to be a game-changer for our students who, for various reasons, are struggling to attend school physically.

"Supporting our students' wellbeing and academic progress is paramount, and the introduction of the AV1 Robot ensures education remains uninterrupted and students can continue to engage with lessons and friendships."

Louise Brooke, customer success manager at No Isolation, said: "We're really proud that St John Bosco Arts College is one of the early adopters of AV1 in Liverpool as momentum builds in the region.

"The school has taken a noteworthy step forward in making learning more accessible and inclusive, particularly for the students accessing its nurture provision. Big things are on the horizon!"

Headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, Darren Gidman, added: "At St John Bosco, we put our young people at the forefront of all decisions we make, and this innovative investment represents our commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to engage with their education and friends.

"We pride ourselves on our distinctive Salesian ethos grounded in support, care and warmth, and the introduction of the AV1 Robot is a powerful tool to ensure our students are able to feel part of our school community, regardless of their physical presence."

St John Bosco Arts College is located in Croxteth, Liverpool. The college is an exciting, vibrant and dynamic girls' Catholic comprehensive school with a proud Salesian ethos. Mission statement: 'Together we inspire each other to flourish in faith, hope and love'

For more information, visit: www.stjohnboscoartscollege.com