Leaders in Education Conference
TUE 12 NOVEMBER
11:25 - 11:30Conference chaired by Jonathan Hughes-D’Aeth, Educational Consultant
Language : English
Speaker:
- Jonathan Hughes-D'Aeth | Educational Consultant
11:30 - 12:00Cultural Awareness in Education: Bridging Cultures in the UAE
In the UAE, a country home to over 200 nationalities, cultural awareness is essential for creating inclusive and harmonious educational environments. Ruqaya Al Hamiri, Cultural Speaker from the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, will delve into the importance of cultural understanding for both students and staff. She will highlight its role in fostering respect, communication, and collaboration within the classroom. The audience will be introduced to key UAE cultural concepts, gaining insights that deepen their appreciation for diversity.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Ruqaya Al Hamiri | Cultural Speaker | Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding
12:10 - 12:30Beyond Recycling: Embedding Planetary Boundaries in School Sustainability Education
In today’s schools, sustainability education often stops at surface-level activities like recycling projects and trashion shows. But to truly equip students for the future, we must dive deeper. This talk will explore the concept of planetary boundaries—critical limits within which humanity can safely operate—and demonstrate how schools can incorporate this into their sustainability teaching. Moving beyond the basics, we’ll discuss how to engage students in understanding Earth’s finite resources and empower them to become active problem-solvers for global challenges like climate change. Using examples from Expo City Dubai and real-world applications, this session will provide educators with practical strategies for embedding planetary boundaries into curricula, helping schools create a lasting impact on student learning and planetary stewardship.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speaker:
- Dean Riley | Head of Education | Expo City Dubai
12:30 - 12:50School Quality How do we achieve it ?
School Quality How to Achieve It All countries seek to develop their education through many means, but it is commonly known that the development of practical education takes place in the school. Some focus on the material aspects of development, such as building the school and providing it with the latest educational technologies, and some are more interested in other aspects such as the quality of curricula and the performance of teachers, but the actual development of the school is characterized by comprehensiveness that believes in the interconnectedness of the different aspects of the educational process, at Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, we have pioneering experiences in developing the school in a comprehensive manner, which I am pleased to share with you in this meeting
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Dr Khalifa Alsuwaidi | Secretary General | Hamdan Foundation
13:00 - 14:00Increasing Hope through Purposeful Learning
In this talk, I will explore how real-world learning experiences, such as entrepreneurship and impact-based learning, can significantly enhance student engagement and success. I will share insights from the 'Write a Book' programme and other initiatives, demonstrating their transformative impact on tens of thousands of children worldwide.
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Speaker:
- Gavin McCormack | Co-founder | Upschool.co
14:00 - 14:20Accelerated Evolution: How AI can Empower School Leaders to Become Bold, Fearless Changemakers… Without Stressing their Staffroom
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Darren Coxon | Founder | Coxon.AI
14:20 - 14:40How to Embed Critical Thinking Skills into Pedagogy
In this presentation, Dr Steffen Sommer will talk about the work he and his team have been doing to integrate critical thinking and leadership development into the school’s overarching framework of High Performance Learning.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speaker:
- Dr Steffen Sommer | Director General | Misk Schools
14:40 - 15:00Fueling Dreams: The Power of Passion-Driven Education and Entrepreneurship
Within this talk, David explores the economic environment where so many people globally are dissatisfied with what they do. He believes a passion-led education from Early Years to adulthood will positively impact all future employment. The talk will include the importance of entrepreneurship in early years students and why encouraging creativity will leave a lasting impression on a child's life.
Language : English
Topic : Early Years
Speaker:
- David Harkin | CEO | 8billionideas
15:00 - 15:20Navigating Key Challenges in a School
In this session, the speaker will delve into the complexities schools face in navigating an ever-evolving educational landscape. From balancing academic priorities to managing tight budgets, the challenges are multifaceted. We’ll explore how schools can effectively meet compliance requirements, manage transportation logistics, and address the diverse expectations of both parents and students. Additionally, we’ll discuss the critical issues of teacher attrition and the pressures of remaining competitive as a private school in an increasingly demanding environment. Let's embark on this journey together and touch upon some solutions and insights.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Naveed Iqbal | Head of School | GEMS Education - GEMS Metropole Motorcity
15:20 - 15:40Life skills of an expat
Life Skills are essential for everyone, especially expats as they help us to navigate the unique challenges of living in a multicultural environment. Many expat parents focus on academics and career development sidelining skills that are essential throughout life. How many of your children would know how to navigate a map… a paper map? How many children have ever cut the grass, changed a lightbulb or even put the washing machine on? This talk is to highlight life skills of an expat, and how our school is tackling this issue while engaging our parents to support their children’s learning.
Language : English
Topic : Higher Education / Vocational
Speaker:
- Suj Munir | Vice Principal / Deputy CEO | GEMS Education
15:40 - 16:00Positive Impact of School Leadership Styles
School leadership styles have a significant impact on the overall success and well-being of a school community. In this presentation, we will explore the positive effects of various leadership styles on students, teachers, and the school as a whole. We will discuss how transformational leadership can inspire and motivate both students and staff to achieve their full potential, while also fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. Additionally, we will examine the benefits of democratic leadership in promoting collaboration and shared decision-making among all stakeholders. Through real-life examples and research-based evidence, we will demonstrate how effective school leadership can lead to improved academic outcomes, higher teacher satisfaction, and a more positive learning environment for all. Join us as we delve into the positive impact of school leadership styles and learn how they can contribute to the success of your school community.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Mohamed Gomaa | Academic Head | Andalus International School
16:00 - 16:20Transforming Education: Exploring Change Management Models for School Leadership
This presentation delves into the use of top change management approaches in the educational sector, providing school leaders with insights on how to successfully navigate transformation. It begins with a review of the relevance of change management in schools, followed by an examination of key frameworks such as Lewin's Change Management Model, Kotter's 8-Step Process, and the ADKAR framework. Using real-world examples and practical tactics, attendees will learn how to use these frameworks to encourage positive change, overcome opposition, and improve school culture and performance. The session is aimed to provide educators with the tools they need to successfully navigate their institutions through change.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speaker:
- Dr Maged Abdallah | Deputy principal | Greenfield international school
16:20 - 16:40Role of Assessment in School Improvement
Assessment plays a pivotal role in the school improvement in ensuring its effectiveness, continuity, and impact. This session is designed to explore the role of assessments and the use of data in the continuous school improvement process, and examines assessment practices, professional collaboration and assessment literacy that contribute to positive changes in schools. The chapter also highlights the impact of effective assessment practices in improving schools through a study of four private schools in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates that made significant improvement in their level of educational quality by adopting effective assessment processes.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speaker:
- Dr Suleiman Hamdan | Education Advisor | Sharjah Private Education Authority
16:40 - 17:00Enriching learning experience through Youth Leadership Programme
The presentation will focus on how the school has implemented its Youth leadership program and how this has helped the students in developing skills required for them to master the curriculum. The presentation will explain the challenges and the ways the school over came those challenges. Youth leadership Programme helps develop important skills like communication, teamwork, decision-making, problem-solving, and responsibility and encourages students to think critically and challenge their own beliefs and assumptions. This also promotes a deeper understanding of issues and motivates students to find innovative solutions. These skills are valuable not only in academic settings but also in future careers and personal life. For an individual to be successful in the world of Artificial Intelligence, these skills are for high importance.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speaker:
- Rusna Raiz | Headmistress | The Next Generation School, Wakra Secondary campus
WED 13 NOVEMBER
10:25 - 10:30Conference chaired by Jonathan Hughes-D’Aeth, Educational Consultant
Language : English
Speaker:
- Jonathan Hughes-D'Aeth | Educational Consultant
10:30 - 10:50The Art of Resilience: How performing arts foster emotional and social growth in young people
Witness firsthand the transformative power of the arts beyond creativity. We unveil the extraordinary impact of performing arts on young minds, equipping them with tools to navigate adversity and ultimately thrive.
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Speaker:
- Hayley Limpkin | Strategic Business Coach | Razzamataz Theatre Schools
11:00 - 11:20Rhythm and Rhyme: Revolutionising Education with Music and AI
In an age where youngsters have much shorter attention spans and expect quick gratification before losing interest I will explain how I use music to inspire and educate students. This helps them to learn in a new and unique way by taking complicated content and breaking it down into easy to understand concise chunks which they more easily memorise by matching it with rhythm and rhyme. This talk will not just showcase how music can be used as a strategy, it will also show how educational leaders can implement the latest and greatest available resources and AI into classrooms to improve learning outcomes for students and decrease marking workloads for teachers.
Language : English
Topic : Music / Performing Arts / Sports
Speaker:
- Matt Green | Owner/Director | JGM Science Tutors
11:30 - 11:50Deep Breath ...and Jump! Future-Centric Leadership for the New World Order...
Ever wanted to make your wildest leadership dream happen ...in fact, make it a reality whilst the world is watching? An exploration (so far!) of leadership opportunities beyond the boundaries of everything that most of us know or have ever imagined. From leading in a brand new giga city ... opening brand new schools and building on from first 'Proof of Concept' schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This presentation shares a 'walk on the wild side' of leadership, testing the mettle of the most resilient leaders to support a catalytic change for leadership from Early Childhood onward. Sharing here 'Extreme Leadership' ... and the greatest leadership training of all - 'learnership'.
Language : English
Topic : Early Years
Speaker:
- Pam Mundy | Executive Director | Pam Mundy Associates Ltd
11:50 - 12:10Transformational Change 'From ‘non-for-profit’ to ‘for-profit’, the Jebel Ali School story'.
What is transformational change? Context: Jebel Ali School Community Concerns Our Goals Considerations & Aims Lessons Learnt.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speakers:
- Simon Jodrell | Principal | Jebel Ali School, Taaleem
- Stephanie Milner | Vice Principal | Jebel Ali School, Taaleem
12:10 - 12:30How to Build a Great Leadership Team
This session will explore why it is important to build a great school leadership team, and how to do it effectively. Drawing on Dr Helen Wright’s experience in coaching and challenging school leaders for several years, this session will look at:
• Why a school leadership team is more than the sum of its parts, and why different perspectives matter in an effective team
• Vital questions for your leaders and your team
• A 5 step practical process to support the development of your school leadership team
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Dr Helen Wright | Director | Global Thought Leadership Limited
12:30 - 12:50High Performance Culture
Discover the essence of high-performance organisational culture within educational teams. This presentation provides an opportunity to explore how impactful cultures are cultivated and sustained. By sharing reflective strategies, we will delve into the intricacies of nurturing and evaluating the cultural dynamics that shape success in schools. Gain actionable insights into identifying key performance indicators and implementing reflective practices that drive lasting improvement from within, empowering teams to excel and make a transformative impact on educational outcomes.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Ian Wallace | Director of Education | Cognita
12:50 - 13:10Launching an inclusive international school in Saudi Arabia!
In this session Anita will share how she designed everything from the curriculum to the classrooms and launched the first ever RCRC approved fully inclusive, truly international school - Blenheim Schools' Beech Hall School Riyadh in 2022 and the incredible journey the school has been on ever since as it has firmly established itself as one of the most pioneering schools in the Kingdom and wider Middle East.
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Speaker:
- Anita Gleave | Founder and CEO | Chatsworth Schools
13:10 - 13:30Nurturing Cultural Leadership
This session will explain the concept of cultural intelligence, explore the qualities that make a culturally intelligent school leader and give examples as to how this can be implemented in practice.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- John Short Ring | Head of Senior School | Kent College Dubai
13:30 - 13:50Empowering Middle Leaders for Organisational Success
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, leadership at all levels is more crucial than ever. These are the individuals who bridge the gap between the executive vision and the day-to-day operations, ensuring that strategic objectives are translated into actionable outcomes. Middle leaders are, in essence, the pulse of an organization, driving performance, nurturing talent, and fostering growth. Aligning Leadership with Organisational Values, Explore the challenges of Middle Leadership and mindset with skills required to be successful, Building leadership confidence and sustaining difficult conversations, The power of sustaining difficult conversations, and developing coaching skills are some key elements of this workshop.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Dipika Sheoran | Deputy Head | Al Qeyam Charter School
13:50 - 14:10Leading Response-able-y
The presentation will explain what it means to lead response-able-y by drifting away from a fire-fighting approach to a fire-prevention approach. It will elaborate on the importance of adapting and anticipating situations and present real-school examples of how leading with fear can create reactive structures. It will further present actionable ways on how to create trusting school communities and lead with purpose, to unlock a leader’s true contribution. In essence, this talk is a leader’s playbook for success.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Kamil Majeed | CEO and Executive Principal | Nordic International School Lahore
14:10 - 14:30Achieving your Leadership Potential - Becoming a Trailblazer
Leadership is a function of knowing yourself, having a vision that is well communicated, building trust among colleagues, and taking effective action to realize your own leadership potential." Prof. Warren Bennis Leadership captures the essentials of being able and prepared to inspire others. Effective leadership is based upon ideas—both original and borrowed—that are effectively communicated to others in a way that engages them enough to act as the leader wants them to act. Leadership is not a position or a title, its about caring for others, helping people to grow, be empathetic and creating a team which works like a family. Developing leadership skills is one of the most powerful moves you can make to transform your professional and personal life. It’s an empowering process of harnessing your natural talents to inspire others.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Shalini Nambiar | Director Principal | Seth Ananadram Jaipuria Vasundhara School
14:30 - 14:50The Clash of Titans: AI vs. Teachers - Implications for Educational Leaders.
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. 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!
Language : English
Topic : VR / AI / Robotics / Ed Tech
Speaker:
- Stephen Cox | Senior Manager - Education Strategy and Consulting | Knight Frank
14:50 - 15:10Fostering a Culture of Learning through Professional Learning Communities
Through the presentation, I will share my recent research that details a framework that school leaders could consider when they are engaging with school improvement. It focuses on the twin responsibilities of being transactional and transformational leaders, and how together they bring change within a school.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Dr Ambika Gulati | Principal | The Millennium School
15:15 - 16:15The Vision for Education of the Future
The panellists all from varying viewpoints will discuss their own vision for the future and how by embracing change and collaboration within the global education community schools and places of learning will adapt
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Moderator:
- Tracy Moxley | Executive Director of Schools | New Century
Speakers:
- Gavin McCormack | Co-founder | Upschool.co
- Darren Coxon | Founder | Coxon.AI
- Matt Green | Owner/Director | JGM Science Tutors
- Priya Mitchell | CEO | PMC Safeguarding
- Michael Bradbury | Director of Education | The CEA
- Tracey Jones | CEO | Chrysalis Mindset Coaching
16:20 - 16:40The Outstanding Teacher Profile - a Corner Stone for Professional Improvement in Schools
At AIS I have introduced the Outstanding Teacher Profile. This is a simple proficiency scale for teachers that allows us to set expectations and aspirations regarding the characteristics and actions of an outstanding teacher at our school. It also facilitates the collection of data that we use to determine our AIP priorities for Teaching and Learning as well as allowing us to plan for deliberately differentiated professional development for our teachers. In addition, it allows collection of data, through teacher self evaluation, learning walks and focused observations, that can be used to determine the impact of PD and/or other interventions for each/any aspect of the profile. Our observational coaching model and APR goal setting also stems from the profile and is an excellent way to facilitate and monitor improvement in practice.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Dave Richards | Deputy Head of School - Teaching and Learning | Australian International School Sharjah
16:40 - 17:00Leading a school with heart and mind
The success of every thriving and successful organisation lies in the hands of the persons that drives the decisions and implementation. The school system is not an exception. The foundation of the society is the quality of its education. The quality of the education can only be ascertained and guaranteed by calibre of people who sit atop these schools. The talk will examine types of leadership theories already in existence. The talk will examine different cultures and how the culture affect leadership. The difference between people who are led and governed by set of rules, policies and cold protocols and processes as against leadership guided by heart and afterward engagement by the superiority of the mind of man.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Adejoke Adoyi | Executive director | Crystaland Imperial Schools
THU 14 NOVEMBER
10:25 - 10:30Conference chaired by Jonathan Hughes-D’Aeth, Educational Consultant
Language : English
Speaker:
- Jonathan Hughes-D'Aeth | Educational Consultant
10:30 - 10:50Introspective Reflection - Leading Oneself
In this leadership presentation, Tracey will discuss a recent pilot programme implemented in Wales focused on Mind Management. This programme is designed to help education staff lead themselves effectively by emphasising the significance of self-awareness and understanding one's unique thought processes. By learning about themselves and gaining insights into how the mind functions, educators can release low-level stressors and inner conflicts, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and performance.
• Are you looking to elevate your staff's emotional literacy?
• Is your team comfortable in managing conflict? • Can your team self-regulate in times of pressure?
• Are your staff able to give and receive constructive feedback? Why not join us for our leadership talk to understand our methodologies and to see how our programme has enhanced team and staff morale, where we have minimised conflict, energised staff to think more positively and manage the demands of the role.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
- Tracey Jones | CEO | Chrysalis Mindset Coaching
10:50 - 11:10It's All in the Soil: Towards an Ecology of Wellbeing
In this presentation, Matthew Savage, architect of The Mona Lisa Effect®, will offer a different paradigm for understanding, measuring and improving wellbeing for your entire school community. In essence, he will argue that each community is an ecosystem and, unless we embrace this ecology, we will only ever address emergence, and never the soil from which these properties have emerged.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speaker:
- Matthew Savage | Assessment, Wellbeing and DEIJB Consultant | The Mona Lisa Effect
11:10 - 11:55The Changing world of Early Years Education providing a foundation for the future
‘The panel will be discussing the changes in Early Years in recent years and what impact this has on some of the following areas in Early Years management today’
● Changes in EY curriculum
● Programmes for EY learning
● Environments for learning
● Recruiting and retaining staff
● Special Educational Needs pupils
● The evolution of the nursery setting
● What are the challenges and opportunities in this sector
Language : English
Topic : Early Years
Moderator:
- Pam Mundy | Executive Director | Pam Mundy Associates Ltd
Speakers:
- Sari Saliba | Operations and Education Director | Babilou Middle East
- Yasmin Elsayed | Former Co-founder of Early Childhood Center in NEOM
- Tharaa Alhewilly | Lead LSAs Coordinator / Lead Mawhiba Program Coordinator. | Beech Hall School Riyadh
- Dr Nasser Nabhan | Interim Superintendent | American International School of Jeddah
11:55 - 12:15Empowering Futures: Effective Careers Advising in International Schools
This talk, "Empowering Futures: Effective Careers Advising in International Schools," explores best practices and innovative strategies for guiding students toward successful futures. We address challenges like diverse student populations, rapidly changing job markets, and balancing academic and career guidance. Key practices include developing comprehensive career programs, personalising guidance, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration. Innovative strategies such as career-related programs, industry partnerships, alumni networks, and soft skills development are essential. Career advisors play a pivotal role in providing one-on-one counselling, information dissemination, skill development, and building relationships. Case studies from Deira International School illustrate the impact of these practices.
Language : English
Topic : Higher Education / Vocational
Speaker:
- Kevin Dupont | Head of University & Careers Counselling | Deira International School
12:15 - 14:156th Form to Tertiary Education and Beyond
For 2024 we have a broader variety of panellists looking at a variety of different and thought provoking questions During these sessions we will be hearing the latest insights from the speakers on the following topics: Alternative on-line learning offerings, the impact of AI, how counsellors, in schools and universities, are offering innovative ways to ensure 6th form students have a variety of options and plenty of understanding when making the move from school to tertiary education.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Moderator:
- Fiona McKenzie | Head of Education | Carfax Education
Speakers:
- Amanda Line | Director | Vestey Holdings
- Sally Everist | Director | Careers Collective Ltd.
- Mae Dickinson | Head of Growth & Admissions | School of Humanity
- Ben Whitaker | Director | Edufuturists & The Ideas Guy
- Annie Nayyar | Director of Leadership | Inspirational Group
- Steve Vickers | Assistant Headteacher | JESS Dubai
- Natasha Rush | Head of Sixth Form / Careers and Guidance Counsellor | Regent International School
- Kevin Dupont | Head of University & Careers Counselling | Deira International School
- Deniece Wheeler | Global Development Director | COBIS