Learning design and programme development
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Learning design
My learning design practice revolves around how we might develop learning experiences which incorporate a head-heart-hands approach. I enjoy working with individuals, groups and organisations who are committed to personal development for social and environmental change, and who are thus willing and excited to offer transformational (rather than performative) learning.
I do not create content-only courses, as in my experience this rarely leads to a broadening or deepening of capacity and understanding, or to any change beyond surface level. My learning design thus explores what it means to cultivate an inner listening, the development of a sense of self as a lifelong learner, and an ear attuned to what’s needed in the world. I enjoy working on projects that are beautiful, thrilling and invite tender risk-taking.
I have been working as a learning designer for nine years across multiple industries, and in various contexts — in-person, online and hybrid courses. For the past five years, I have worked as a learning specialist in a freelance capacity, helping organisations such as FORWARD UK, LearnJam, Created Academy and many others reimagine their offerings.
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Programme development
I work in a consultation capacity with groups and organisations, including colleges, universities and research institutions, who offer full programmes of learning. My approach to programme development is practical, critical and generative — I ask: what kinds of knowledge already exist in this group of people? How might we leverage our wise networks to co-create programmes of learning that touch the whole human (heart, mind, body and soul)? What does it mean to programme for learning in the context of a polycrisis? What is it that we must learn?
I can work with you to uncover the most important aspects to weave into your curriculum, and help you to build learning pathways that feel rigorous, fulfilling, soulful and spacious. Going right back to the WHY of your offering and building out from there, we can work together to imagine curriculums and programmes attuned to what is needed in the world, now.
The majority of my learning design work has involved, to a greater or lesser extent, a wider programme design. I am very used to coordinating across multiple teams and stakeholders, while always advocating for the needs of learner, place and global community.
Hannah Rowland, Created Academy
“If you have the fortunate opportunity to hire Sophie, do! You won’t be disappointed. A fantastic learning designer and supportive team player, Sophie was an invaluable member of Created from day one.
She’s a reliable fast worker, has a naturally collaborative work ethic and a sharp eye for detail and process. Her passion for learning and education spilled beyond designing and improving our learning experiences from behind the scenes - she was a dedicated support to students at live events, facilitating workshops and directly handling student queries. I would work with Sophie again in a heartbeat.”
Naana Otoo-Oyortey, FORWARD UK
“Working with Sophie to develop a trauma-informed facilitation training for FORWARD staff was extremely productive, the process of co- developing the programme was constructive and the delivery was very interactive and engaging and most importantly the resources from the training will continue to shape our training of facilitators.”
Stephanie Garville, Senior writer
“Sophie has an intuitive gift for learning design and creating authentic learner experience. Moreover, she’s an approachable and welcoming force in any team, diligently supporting and organising product development and creation. In the space of a few short months, she delivered three end-to-end courses to an exemplary standard, as well as iterations of two existing projects. A massive accomplishment for any learning designer, but one that Soph achieved with her good humour, clarity and attention to detail.”
