Can technology make your classroom more human?

Sponsored content by This is School.

Reconnecting Students with the Real World

In a world where GCSE students spend over 7 hours a day staring at screens, it’s no wonder many teachers and SLTs feel pressure to compete with digital distractions – or get rid of them altogether.  But what if the digital classroom could reclaim its place as a hub of authentic connection, humour, and human interaction?

This is School believes it can – without teachers sacrificing their already limited time.

Blending real-world videos, top-class pedagogy and laugh-out-loud moments, the award-winning platform brings subjects to life in ways students actually remember.  With content designed by teachers and aligned to exam board specifications, it’s not about choosing between rigorous results and engaging experiences. It’s about having both.

Real-World Videos That Spark Curiosity

The platform provides access to over 12,500 real-world videos spanning French, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Geography and Science.  These videos feature young speakers, diverse voices, and opinions rooted in the real world rather than generated through AI.

Bringing other voices into the classroom through these videos creates opportunities for students and teachers to engage with each other about a relatable person from outside the classroom, removing many of the effective, intrinsic barriers to learning in teenagers.

Additional explainer videos use cutting-edge motion design and humour to bring often complex topics to life in ways which will stay with the student long after the end of the lesson.

Tools That Save Time and Maximise Impact

Alongside its videos, the team offers over 55,000 interactive exercises, auto-marking tools, and progress tracking – all designed to support differentiation and independent learning.

With class and individual assignments that include customisable goals, teachers can easily stretch advanced learners or support those who need to revisit a topic – without needing to reinvent the wheel for every lesson.  On average, departments using This is School save 19.5 hours per week on planning and marking.

That time can go straight back into the thing that matters most: being present with students.

Real Results, Real Confidence

These resources don’t just entertain – they deliver impact.  In a study comparing 100 UK subscriber schools with national averages, schools using This is School achieved three times more grade 9s at GCSE.  And 96% of teachers recommend it based on student progress.

Confidence is another standout benefit.  According to surveyed teachers, 87% reported increased student confidence thanks to the relatable content and accessible learning tools.

With over 18,000 teachers already on board, the results speak for themselves.

Built by Teachers, for Teachers

Founded by teachers, what sets This is School apart is its deep understanding of real classroom challenges.  Since 2012 the team has worked with over 500,000 teachers and students and its platform and content has been shaped and refined by the constant feedback, support and suggestions of these clients.

The team say they’re on a mission to “make classrooms more human” – and it’s clear to see they take this seriously!

What Teachers are Saying

“The genius of This is School is that by the time our students get to the GCSE, they’ve done so much listening on TiS that they’re like, “This is a doddle!”” Tony Rolle, Downend School

“As MFL teachers, we’re often torn between two crucial needs: inspiring a love of language and culture, while ensuring GCSE success.  This is School allows us to achieve both!”  Neil Allies, Sir John Colfox Academy

Conclusion

Teachers don’t have to choose between technology and human-connection.  They can bring both into their lessons, using real-world videos, humour and smart tools to create a classroom experience that feels human, relevant and unforgettable.

Ready to see for yourself? Head to This is School’s profile to request a free trial and explore how real-world learning can come alive in your classroom.