A dynamic, hands-on environment where educators can transform theory into practice through collaborative making and experiential learning—providing practical classroom innovations and ready-to-implement teaching strategies.
The panel will highlight the level of parental involvement at Citizens and how parents are co-building the school. There are several points in these sessions including;
Teaching Sustainability Through ESG: Empowering Teachers and Students for Local and Global Impact
Session Summary:
This workshop equips educators with the tools to translate key sustainability concepts—such as school-specific ESG insights, LCA, planetary boundaries, and the circular economy into practical, student-led projects. These projects support the integration of sustainability into school culture while aligning with responsible consumption and nature-based solutions.
Participants will explore how to foster student agency, connect global sustainability goals to local action, and move beyond conventional instructional approaches through experiential and interdisciplinary learning. Drawing from experience across Concordia, McGill, Blossom Nursery, and UAE schools, and grounded in insights from UNESCO ESD-Net 2030, this workshop offers tested, impactful global sustainable education practices to help educators meaningfully transform their teaching and school communities.
Sustainability in Action: Building Community Through Volunteering and Upcycling
Session Summary:
I will introduce our first-ever ECA club, Down-to-Earth, designed for Y3–Y6 students to explore the world through teamwork, healthy habits, and creativity. The club emphasises being careful about our world and fosters a strong connection with nature, with all activities grounded in the principles of sustainability. Children take part in hands-on projects using everyday household waste — such as shopping bags, plastics, and other surplus materials — transforming them into eco-friendly creations. Through these activities, Down-to-Earth encourages students to adopt a holistic approach to their personal well-being and to the environment.
Alongside this, I will share my experiences with the PTA’s second-hand uniform shop and creative upcycling projects. Unsellable pre-loved items are repurposed into practical resources — from bags and accessories to reading book bags for students — supporting the community while promoting sustainable habits and reducing waste.
This session demonstrates how volunteering initiatives can empower children, strengthen community bonds, and nurture environmental awareness in practical and meaningful ways.
Leading from the Middle: How Systems and Strategy Drive Departmental Success
Session Summary:
In the ever-evolving world of education, true leadership doesn’t always come from the top. As Head of Science at JESS, I’ve led a department of 16 teachers and 5 technicians through growth, challenge, and transformation, from staffing turbulence to curriculum reform, while consistently delivering some of the strongest academic outcomes across the school at both GCSE and IB levels.
This talk explores how sustainable excellence can be achieved through clear systems, purposeful delegation, and an unshakeable focus on consistency. Attendees will gain practical insights into how I structured my department to thrive regardless of staffing changes, how we embedded retrieval practice from Years 7 to 13, and how we leveraged tools like departmental OneNotes, lead roles, and adaptive teaching to deliver outstanding outcomes across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Whether you’re a middle leader looking to step up, or a senior leader seeking to support subject leads more effectively, this session will offer a roadmap to running a department that doesn't just survive but excels.
Speakers:
Patricia Coffey
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Head of Science - JESS (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
This workshop is designed to explore the concept of identity texts and how they can be utilized to create a more inclusive learning environment. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that encourage reflection, self-expression, and creativity through writing about their personal identities and cultural backgrounds.
The key objectives of the workshop are as follows:
- To deepen participants' understanding of identity texts and their role in fostering inclusivity.
-To provide a safe and supportive space for self-reflection and creative expression.
-To equip participants with practical strategies for embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity in educational settings.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be empowered to embrace their identities, celebrate diversity, and contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all.
Speakers:
Esra Osman
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International Baccalaureate School Evaluator - International Baccalureate
Categories:
Special Education Needs (SEN)
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AI as Your Leadership Mirror: Revealing insights to help you work more effectively with others
Session Summary:
How can artificial intelligence help us see ourselves more clearly as leaders? In this fast-paced, 30-minute session, Annie Nayyar explores how AI can act as a mirror, reflecting our leadership style and revealing fresh perspectives. Drawing on real examples and practical insights, Annie will show how AI challenges assumptions, highlights blind spots, and sparks new ways of working with others. Participants will leave with a sharper understanding of how to harness AI as a tool for self-awareness, collaboration, and effective leadership.
Speakers:
Annie Nayyar
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Director of Leadership - Inspirational Group
Categories:
AI and EdTech
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The Power of Hands-On Learning: Teaching English creatively with Limited Resources
Session Summary:
This session explores the value of hands-on learning in English classrooms where resources and printing are limited. Drawing from real classroom experiences in the UAE, it highlights how simple, everyday materials — such as newspapers, sticky notes, dice, laminated worksheets, Ice-cream sticks, index cards— can create meaningful, skill-focused learning experiences. Participants will see how a single sticky note can be transformed into multiple differentiated tasks and how collaborative, interactive methods can make even low-tech lessons highly engaging.
The presentation showcases creative strategies to teach reading skills like identifying the main idea, while promoting teamwork, motivation, and confidence among learners. Educators will leave inspired with practical, low-cost ideas that prove effective learning does not depend on technology but on creativity and connection.
Speakers:
Shama Gulnaaz
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English Language Teacher / MOE Certified Trainer / Subject Coordinator - Zayed Educational complex, Alkhawaneej, Ministry of Education
Categories:
Innovative Teaching Methods
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Creative Writing
Session Summary:
Unlock your creativity and let your imagination run wild in our creative writing workshop. This workshop inspires, guides, and elevates your writing skills. Join us to learn plenty of strategies that provoke your thinking and creativity. Please bring your laptop, a pen and a journal to take notes
Speakers:
Ali Ezzeddine
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Trainer, Author & Coach - Millennium Zone
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AI - a tool to use
Session Summary:
This workshop explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, focusing on practical applications that enhance student engagement, personalized learning, and streamline teacher workflows. Participants will gain hands-on experience with AI tools designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and tailored learning experiences. The workshop will address ethical considerations, equip educators with strategies for using AI to support inquiry-based learning, and encourage discussions on AI’s future in the classroom. Educators will leave with actionable insights on integrating AI into their teaching practices, promoting a future-ready classroom environment. Please bring your laptop, a pen and a journal to take notes.
Speakers:
Ali Ezzeddine
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Trainer, Author & Coach - Millennium Zone
Acting CEO ACER Middle East, and Head of Division, Student Learning and Progress, ACER - Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Middle East
