GESS Talks Live
MON 30 OCTOBER
10:30 - 11:10Knowledge vs skills: what students should really learn
There has been a long-running pedagogical debate over the benefits of a skills-based educational approach, as opposed to a knowledge-based education. With the huge development in technology, it is increasingly hard to predict the future of employment. But is a transversal – skills-based – education enough to help our students navigate the world beyond school? What role does knowledge play in a society where everyone has access to the internet and can google whatever they want?
Is there a ubiquity of information and scarcity of knowledge.? This panel session will explore how we as educators and parents can empower and support students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the unpredictability and uncertainties of their future.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speakers:
Dr Gilda Scarfe | CEO | Positive Ed Ltd
Ambika Gulati | Principal/ CEO | The Millennium School
Jenin Al Shalabi | Y12 Student & Founder of Chatterbox | Hartland International School
11:20 - 12:00Performing Arts Education - What is next?
A panel discussion on the current state of the Performing Arts in education and what strategies can be considered good practice in education establishments across the region.
Language : English
Topic : Music / Performing Arts / Sports
Speakers:
Adam Laird | Head of Secondary Music, Apple Teacher | Jebel Ali School
Hayley Limpkin | Business Coach for Razzamataz Theatre Schools | Razzamataz Theatre School
Martin Barraclough | Director of Music | Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Dr. Sarah Martinez Rebollo | Music teacher | NLCS
12:10 - 12:55Being a school leader in the Middle East
This panel explores the unique opportunities and challenges faced by education leaders in the Middle East. From navigating cultural differences to implementing innovative teaching strategies, this panel offers insights and practical advice for school leaders looking to make a positive impact in the region's diverse and rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speakers:
Dr Helen Wright | Director | Global Thought Leadership
Poonam Bhojani | CEO | Innoventures Education
Kai Vacher | Principal | British School Muscat and British School Salalah
Dr Steffen Sommer | Director General | Misk Schools
Pam Mundy | Director of Schools & Education | NEOM Education, Research and Innovation
13:00 - 13:20An Armchair chat about sustainability in schools
Language : English
Topic : Sustainability
Speakers:
Dr Helen Wright | Director | Global Thought Leadership
Ana Romero | Head of Sustainability | Wellington College
13:30 - 14:30EdTech: Future Learning
This panel focuses on the vital role of Edtech in shaping the future of education and paving the way for an ever-evolving learning landscape. Our expert panelists will provide valuable insight on how we can utilize different Edtech resources as efficiently as possible to prepare educators and our students for the current and future job markets.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning
Moderator:
Al Kingsley | CEO of NetSupport, Author, and Chair of UK Multi-Academy Trust | NetSupport
Speakers:
Linda Scaife | Digital Learning Lead | Bloom World Academy
Baz Nijjar | Principal Advisor – Education Technology | GEMS Education
Carl Morris | Co-Founder | The Online School
Skyler Carr | Co-Founder & Chief Handraiser | Infini-D Learning
Julia Garvey | Deputy Director General | British Educational Suppliers Association
14:30 - 14:50Boundless Education - education on the move
Boundless Education is revolutionising where, when and how children learn. Inspired by the world-renowned Finnish system, Boundless Education was developed by taking the finest ingredients from the world’s best educational practices to build one coherent system to follow your child anywhere. Boundless Education travels with students around the world through:
• A consistent curriculum across all of our locations
• A curriculum adapted by the local educators to best match the destination’s culture and specificities
• A foolproof strategy to transfer your child’s progress from one location to another Boundless Education is a transformational learning system that lays the foundation for innovation, maximises experiential learning, and creates meaningful connections to ourselves, our communities and the world.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speaker:
Suzanne Perkowsky | Head of Academics | Boundless Life
14:50 - 15:10Transcending Project-Based Learning: A Structured Approach to Interdisciplinary Education
In an era where Project-Based Learning (PBL) has become mainstream, in this talk, I propose an idea to explore the evolution beyond this framework, focusing on the innovative implementation of 'Solution Based Learning' (SBL). This methodology, deeply rooted in the extensive research and practical experience accumulated by THINK Global School (TGS) and the THINK Learning Studio, aims to provide a more comprehensive and integrated approach to interdisciplinary learning. Our proposal revolves around insights drawn from over 1,500 executed projects, illuminating the intricacies of assessment, project portfolio construction, and transcript creation.
The crux of my presentation will be the unveiling of TGS’s unique SBL model. It aligns curriculum design with real-world problem-solving skills, seamlessly integrating multiple disciplines into each student's learning experience. The benefits are two-fold: enriched student comprehension across academic fields, and a tangible demonstration of their mastery via a diversified project portfolio. We'll also delve into the innovative assessment methodologies that ensure each student's understanding and aptitude are accurately represented. By shedding light on these elements, we aim to inspire a shift towards Solution Based Learning, paving the way for a true shift in the future of education.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speaker:
Russell Cailey | Managing Director | THINK Learning Studio
15:10 - 15:30The Counter Current Flow in Education
Looking at how education is and will change, this talk will go through the changing role of the teacher and the student and question whether they are moving in opposite directions and the factors that are affecting this.
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Speaker:
Alex Gray | Head of Science | Dubai British School Emirates Hills
15:30 - 15:50The Clash of Titans: AI vs. Teachers - Implications for Educational Leaders
Discover the future of educational leadership in the AI era. Challenge norms, ignite innovation, and shape the destiny of learning. Unleash your leadership potential. Be part of the revolution! This presentation focuses on the challenges and decisions faced by educational leaders in the evolving landscape of education and AI. Gain insights into the impact of AI on leaders, teachers, ethics, and innovation. Embrace change, or risk falling behind. Be the visionary leader who sets the course for educational excellence. Don't just watch the Titans clash; be the leader who shapes the future.
Language : English
Topic : VR / AI / Robotics
Speaker:
Stephen Cox | Managing Director | 21tenlearning
TUE 31 OCTOBER
11:00 - 11:20Armchair Chat Maria Vitoratos, Hana Rafeeq and Leena Rafeeq
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning
Moderator:
Maria Vitoratos | Career Educator, Lecturer & Coach | MV Careers
Speakers:
Hana Rafeeq | Creator and Innovator | HANAS App
Leena Rafeeq | Creator and Innovator of Ogler EyeScan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/leena-rafeeq-938498259/
11:30 - 12:15Exploring contemporary visions of Early Years Education
This panel will consider best international approaches to Early Years education from experts with global experience. Our panel will discuss what early years education should look like and how to meet children’s needs in an inclusive, empowering way.
Language : English
Topic : Early Years
Speakers:
Dr. Sarah Rogers | CEO | QUEST and EYES
Jacqueline Harmer | Head of the IPC | International Curriculum Association (Fieldwork Education)
May Zalat | Head of Education | Blossom Nurseries - Babilou Family.
Erin Herndobler | Head of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood | The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls
12:30 - 12:50Armchair chat about the impact of high-quality counselling for student achievement, and well-being
Language : English
Topic : Wellbeing
Speakers:
Maria Vitoratos | Career Educator, Lecturer & Coach | MV Careers
Annika Jisu Babu | School Counselor, Member of Child Protection and Child Safeguarding Team | GEMS Modern Academy
13:00 - 13:45Key Strategies for Preventing Burnout in Educators and Students: A Comprehensive Guide to Well-being
This panel is all about well-being for all and spotting the signs of ‘burnout’ early in children and educators. In addition to this, there are discussions on how to treat and manage these issues, and how to prevent them. Our well-being panel of experts will discuss everything educators need to know in order to avoid burnout in staff and students.
Language : English
Topic : Wellbeing
Speakers:
Maria Vitoratos | Career Educator, Lecturer & Coach | MV Careers
Mark Samways | Director of Wellbeing | The Free Spirit Collective
Nadim Saad | CEO | The Happy Confident Company
Sorcha Coyle | Founder | Beyond Class
14:20 - 14:40Beyond the Classroom: Unlocking Untapped Learning Potential
Would you believe it if you were told that a 17-year-old could sell an app for $30 million?
Or that a 13-year-old is capable of climbing Mount Everest? Or that a teenager could win the Nobel Peace Prize?
These are real stories of ambitious individuals from around the globe. There are countless examples of people achieving awe-inspiring achievements and breaking mind-blowing records at a shockingly young age. What, then, can we teach the youth so that they are equipped with the right skills to succeed? How can we prepare our students for a bright future filled with unlimited possibilities and help them reach the ceiling of their potential? Every child has something valuable to share; every individual’s story is unique and valid. In this talk, we will explore the tactics to understanding, supporting and empowering students so they not only drive better overall results for the school, but also learn invaluable skills to become high-performing leaders and change the world for the better.
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Speaker:
Nawal Fagir | Director | Nummu Academy
14:50 - 15:35Inclusive education: what does it truly mean?
This panel focuses on the true meaning of inclusivity in education and our role as educators to achieve that. The panel will discuss a variety of experiences and best practices from those involved in education or with students and families on a day-to-day basis. Why is inclusion so important and why is the gap between inclusive education and inclusive workplaces significant? How can schools play a role in addressing this issue? The panel will share valuable insight on the biggest challenges being faced and how education leaders can support families in preparing their children for the future.
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Moderator:
Dr Helen Wright | Director | Global Thought Leadership
Speakers:
Faiza Mubeen | Director of Inclusion | Beech Hall School Riyadh
Wendy Harris | GEMS Wellington Cluster Director of Inclusion and Assistant Headteacher | GEMs Wellington International School
Taruna Khattar | Head Of Inclusion& Wellbeing | Ambassador School, Dubai
Minahil Kamran | International Exams Officer & Educational Psychologist | GEMS Westminster School, RAK
Andaleeb Ishteyaq | Head Inclusion and Pastoral Care | JSS Private School Dubai
15:45 - 16:30Panel Discussion: Education for the future, are we there yet?
A panel discussion that identifies what the latest global education trends tell us, where are the bright sparks and how can we translate that to varying contexts.
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Moderators:
Olly Lewis | Deputy Head Academic | Amity International School
Al Kingsley | CEO of NetSupport, Author, and Chair of UK Multi-Academy Trust | NetSupport
Speakers:
Sajid Gulzar OBE | Principal | Kings’ School Al Barsha
Zaineb Mahdi | Director of Innovation and Digital Technology across GEMS Wellington group - Assistant Headteacher | GEMS Wellington International School
Glen Radojkovich | Deputy Director | IB & UK Schools Taaleem
WED 01 NOVEMBER
11:00 - 11:45Safeguarding in Schools: Key Challenges and Effective Solutions
Join our leading panel of experts as they delve into the critical topic of safeguarding in schools. This engaging panel will shed light on the key challenges faced by educational institutions when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of students. Our panelists will share their insights, experiences, and best practices, offering practical solutions to tackle these challenges head-on
Language : English
Topic : Wellbeing
Moderator:
Zenub Khan | Partner | Zen PD
Speakers:
Jim Burdett | Head of Learning & Development | Cognitas Global
Sydney Atkins | Vice Principal | GEMS Modern Academy
Paul Bray | Training Lead | SEND International
Gerard O'Dea | Managing Director | Team Dynamis Ltd
11:50 - 12:10Armchair Chat
Language : English
Moderator:
Olly Lewis | Deputy Head Academic | Amity International School
Speakers:
Hannan Moti | Co-Founder, CEO | iCodejr
Skyler Carr | Co-Founder & Chief Handraiser | Infini-D Learning
12:15 - 12:35Armchair chat with: Russell Cailey and Lucy Hayter
Language : English
Speakers:
Russell Cailey | Managing Director | THINK Learning Studio
Lucy Hayter | Director, Generation Global | Generation Global (Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
12:40 - 13:25How sustainable is your early years and school setting
Language : English
Topic : Sustainability
Moderator:
Frances Powell | Head of Secondary | The Arbor School
Speakers:
Autumn O'Brien | Outdoor Education Expert and Owner of The Nature Caravan | The Nature Caravan
Hannah Mainds | Head of Global Awareness Studies & Service Learning / Secondary Ecoliteracy Teacher | The Arbor School, Dubai
Peter Milne | Founder & Director | Target4Green
Priyanka Pandey | Blossom nursery | Sustainability and BCORP manager
13:30 - 13:50AI and Machine Learning in Robotics
Delve into how artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques are enhancing robotic capabilities, such as object recognition, path planning, and decision-making in dynamic environments.
Language : English
Topic : VR / AI / Robotics
Speaker:
Mohamed Raouf | Head of Makerspace | 42 Abu Dhabi
14:00 - 15:00Online & Alternative Learning Concepts panel session
In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, traditional learning paradigms are being reshaped by digital innovation and alternative approaches. This panel explores the dynamic world of online education and innovative learning methods that cater to diverse needs and learning styles, while also preparing students for the future workplace. From virtual classrooms and interactive platforms to flexible learning paths and unconventional teaching techniques, discover how educators and learners alike are embracing new avenues for knowledge acquisition.
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Moderator:
Raya Bidshahri | Founder & CEO | School of Humanity
Speakers:
Skyler Carr | Co-Founder & Chief Handraiser | Infini-D Learning
Hannan Moti | Co-Founder, CEO | iCodejr
Carl Morris | Co-Founder | The Online School
Russell Cailey | Managing Director | THINK Learning Studio