GESS Talks Live
MON 26 MAY
10:30 - 10:50Sustainable Schools – A Collaborative Systems-Based Approach
The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS) is a non-profit network of schools working together to help accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. As an agent of change, we harness the collective influence of our members, engage with their students, and partner with innovative organisations in their local communities to catalyse systems change in five focus areas – school food, school buses, school uniforms, school buildings and education for sustainability. In this talk, we will talk about our approach and present case studies of successful systems change demonstrations in schools around the world.
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Speaker:
Anthony Dixon | Founder and Chairman | The Alliance for Sustainable Schools
10:50 - 11:10Happiness Factories - The Power of Positivity in Schools
Phil will unpack the findings and learning from his best-selling book 'Happiness Factories and expand on his TEDx talk around the benefits of a positivity-focused approach to teaching and learning. With practical tips and suggestions, Phil will showcase the global work recognised within Happiness Factories, on striking a balance between academic rigour and positivity-based holistic development. He will inspire educational leaders to place positivity and praise-driven strategy at the heart of their own school's development. An upbeat and celebratory look the world of educational practice, Phil will champion the message that we do not need to be Exam Factories to be successful, but we should always strive to place a 'Happiness Factories' approach at the heart of every decision we make as school leaders.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
Phil Mathe | Head of Student Opportunities | British International School Riyadh - Diplomatic Quarter Campus
11:10 - 11:30Are you a leader or manager?
The session will cover points related to features of managers and leaders and how to be a leader. It will also talk about major leadership styles with a wrap up and discussion.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
Mayada Bachir | Director of International Education | Al-Tahtheeb Educational Company
11:30 - 11:50Why Safeguarding must come first in schools
Darren's research-based presentation focuses on how schools must ensure that their Safeguarding strategy, framework, implementation and culture is in place before attempting to deliver quality teaching and learning outcomes for students. In this presentation, Darren will use the holistic approach that Maarif Education is adopting, by combining the interdependent safeguarding areas of Occupational Health and Safety, Child Protection AND Wellbeing as part of its safeguarding strategy and framework, to ensure that there is a streamlined and consistent across all Maarif Education National and International schools.
Language : English
Topic : Wellbeing
Speaker:
Darren Goodall | Group Head of Safeguarding | Maarif Education
11:50 - 12:30Panel session: Early Years Education
Language : English
Topic : Early Years
Speakers:
Pam Mundy | Executive Director | Pam Mundy Associates Ltd
Fiona Carter | International Director | Wellington College International
Clemmie Stewart | Executive Principal | Beech Hall School Riyadh
12:30 - 12:50Dialogue for Global Citizenship: Educating for a Connected World
In this armchair chat, we will explore the powerful intersection of dialogue, global citizenship education, and virtual exchange. Building on the work of Generation Global, this conversation will discuss how digital platforms can connect young people from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to engage in meaningful, open-minded dialogue. We’ll highlight examples of how dialogue can be effectively integrated into diverse curricula, from language learning to social studies, & explore how these conversations tackle critical global issues. Outcomes Understand the core principles of dialogue and how it underpins global citizenship education Explore how virtual exchange platforms can facilitate cross-cultural conversations and empathy-building among young people Discuss the challenges and opportunities of promoting dialogue in the digital space and its impact on global issues Reflect on the role of technology in creating more connected, inclusive, and informed global communities
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Speaker:
Lucy Hayter | Director | Generation Global
12:50 - 13:10Enhancing Educational Leadership: A Case Study of Strategic Planning and Curriculum Development in Modern Schools
In this presentation, I will explore the critical role of educational leadership in shaping successful learning environments through strategic planning and curriculum development. Drawing from my extensive experience in academic leadership roles, including my tenure as Deputy Vice President for Executive Affairs at Ibnroshd Educational Holding Company, I will provide insights into effective strategies for improving educational outcomes. The session will cover key aspects such as developing a comprehensive curriculum that meets diverse student needs, implementing innovative teaching methodologies, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative learning environment. Attendees will learn about practical approaches to overcoming common challenges in educational management, with real-world examples from my professional journey. By the end of the presentation, participants will have a deeper understanding of the essential elements of educational leadership and how they can be applied
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
Muna Baidas | Academic Counselor | Ibnroshd Educational Holding Company
13:30 - 13:50Don't start with coding - Focus on emotions first
When you look at the data across the lifespan, both students and adults alike struggle so much with emotion regulation. Why then, do we not teach this from an early age, but we focus on maths, coding and other subjects. I make the evidence informed argument to start with emotions and build the rest later.
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Speaker:
Mark Samways | Director of Wellbeing | The Free Spirit Collective
13:50 - 14:10Phenomenon-Based Learning: Engaging Young Minds Through Interdisciplinary Exploration
This interactive workshop explores **Phenomenon-Based Learning (PhBL)**, a Finnish-inspired approach that fosters deep, interdisciplinary understanding by examining real-world phenomena. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that model how to design and facilitate PhBL experiences, integrating multiple subjects through inquiry, collaboration, and problem-solving. The session will showcase practical strategies for student-led learning, assessment methods, and ways to adapt PhBL to diverse educational contexts. Educators will leave with concrete tools to implement PhBL in their own classrooms, enhancing student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. Join this Finnish-lead session to experience how learning can be holistic, inquiry-driven, and connected to real life.
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Speaker:
Phil. Lic. Ilkka Hendolin | Lead Expert | EduCluster Finland
14:30 - 14:50Mindful Moments: Cultivating Wellbeing in the School Community
This engaging and interactive workshop is designed to enhance mental health and emotional wellbeing within our school community. "Mindful Moments" will introduce participants to mindfulness practices, stress management techniques, and strategies for fostering a supportive environment. Through guided meditation, creative expression, and collaborative discussions, attendees will learn practical tools to reduce stress, build resilience, and promote positive connections. This workshop aims to create a healthier and more mindful school experience for everyone.
Language : English
Topic : Wellbeing
Speaker:
Dima Nahouli | Head of Department | Nasser Center for Science and Technology
14:50 - 15:10Bridging the Gap Between Technology, Pedagogy, and Real-World Application: Rethinking Education for the Future
As we move further into the digital age, while technology can greatly enhance the learning experience, it also raises the question: how do we ensure that below-average students and non-tech-savvy learners can fully benefit from it? In this session, we will explore how AI can be harnessed to achieve differentiated instruction, reaching diverse learners while maintaining a human-centric approach that is accessible to all. We will also discuss how to reshape education for the future—one where students are not only equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers but are also prepared to lead lives that contribute to a sustainable future. With a focus on sustainable living, we will explore how educators can integrate sustainability into the curriculum, using both pedagogical innovation and technology to teach students the importance of caring for the environment while navigating the challenges of a fast-changing world.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning
Speaker:
Nazneen Usman | Quality Content Specialist in Academics | Science Oasis International Schools
15:10 - 15:30The 360° Leader
Workshop: The 360-Degree Leader Description: This workshop introduces the concept of 360-degree leadership, enabling leaders to influence in all directions: themselves, their peers, subordinates, and even their superiors. It aims to equip participants with practical tools and strategies to enhance their leadership role in the workplace. Key Topics: Self-Leadership: Developing personal skills and managing priorities. Peer Leadership: Building effective teams and fostering collaboration. Subordinate Leadership: Motivating and guiding for optimal performance. Leading Upward: Positively influencing decision-makers and driving change.
Language : Arabic
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
Dr. Ibtesam Alturki | Supervisor | Ministry of Education
TUE 27 MAY
10:50 - 11:10THRIVING STUDENTS, THRIVING WORLD: A practical approach to promoting cultural awareness and well-being in educational settings
This presentation is a compelling call to action, urging educators and stakeholders to embrace a more holistic view of education. It bridges traditional academic goals with the essential elements of well-being and cultural awareness, making a strong case for why thriving students are essential for a thriving world. By incorporating established educational models and practical strategies, the presentation provides a roadmap for transforming education in line with Vision 2030’s objectives, ensuring that students are not only academically competent but also healthy, culturally aware, and ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
Language : English
Topic : Wellbeing
Speaker:
Hiba Mahmood Ali | Teaching Professional | Millennium Star Int. School
11:10 - 11:30Enhancing Engagement in Kindergarten and Lower Elementary
Engagement in kindergarten is crucial as it lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. At this developmental stage, children are naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings. To foster this engagement, it is essential to design learning experiences that are rooted in their interests and build upon their prior knowledge. By incorporating diverse teaching strategies, such as play-based learning, hands-on activities, storytelling, and inquiry-based methods, educators can create a dynamic and interactive classroom environment. These approaches not only captivate young learners but also support their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Engaging students in meaningful and personalized ways helps them feel connected to the learning process, encourages active participation, and nurtures critical thinking and creativity. By meeting children where they are and guiding them toward new discoveries, educators empower students to thrive both in and beyond the class
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Speaker:
Maritza Vorster | Deputy Superintendent | Maarif Saudi International School for the Sciences and Arts
11:50 - 12:10High Performance Leadership in PE and Sport
The talk will share insights into the following areas: How we relaunched our department from the ground up (culture values vision). How we organically grew our leadership from within. How we positioned our department to lead the whole school transformation. How we became a high performing team. How this lead to innovations such as the high performance PE curriculum. This has fundamentally all been achieved with the same group of individuals that were previously in post.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning
Speaker:
Mike Lowery | Director of Sport | GEMS Metropole
12:10 - 12:30Unleashing the Power of Multilingual Learners: An Asset-Based Approach to working with languages
This interactive session will explore the transformative impact of a multilingual approach in both primary and secondary school settings. Too often, multilingualism is viewed as a challenge to overcome, rather than an asset to embrace. By shifting from a deficit-based mindset to an asset-based model, educators can unlock the full educational, social, and cultural potential of their multilingual learners.Participants will gain practical strategies and research-based insights into how leveraging students' linguistic diversity enhances learning for all and fosters a more inclusive, dynamic school culture. Key Takeaways for Attendees: How educator mindset shapes the multilingual experience in schools A deeper understanding of how languages are learned and maintained Research-backed evidence that multilingual learners can achieve high academic success The benefits of integrating students’ home languages into teaching and learning How to embed multilingual practices across a school
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Speaker:
Soofia Amin | Assistant Head Teacher and Specialist Lead in Education | Multiligualism Kensington Primary School
12:30 - 12:50Building Psychological Safety: Creating High-Performance Teams
Sam talks candidly about his own mental health struggles, to actively create safety with the audience. This simple act, of showing people how to actually create safety, builds trust and engagement with the audience. Sam then dives deep into the why behind psychological safety, but importantly also backs it up with further tools and techniques required. This engaging talk gives people an experience, leaving them feeling connected to one another, but also empowered to utilise the tools in their own setting or organisation.
Language : English
Topic : Wellbeing
Speakers:
Sam Harvey | Founder, Managing Director | Braver Leaders
Mike Lowery | Director of Sport | GEMS Metropole
12:50 - 13:10The Froebelian Approach - Occupational learning
An opportunity to understand the Froebelian Approach to early education, exploring Froebelian occupations and their benefits in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor development. This session will also highlight the value of woodwork within provision, demonstrating how hands-on experiences with real tools support children's confidence, resilience, and critical thinking skills, while promoting holistic development through meaningful, child-led play.
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Speaker:
Lisa Davage | Assistant Head | Arcadia British School
13:10 - 13:30Flower-Based Leadership: How Kindness Enhances Morale and Boosts Productivity
This post explores the role of kindness and simple gestures, such as giving flowers, in enhancing morale and increasing productivity in the workplace. Amid contemporary challenges faced by educational institutions in general, kindness has a significant impact on maintaining and motivating employee morale. Strategies of kind leadership emerge as effective and innovative tools. Through literature review, case studies, and personal experiences, we examine how small acts of kindness can create a positive and motivating work environment. We also discuss the positive impact of these actions on team performance and productivity, offering practical recommendations for leaders in education and other sectors on adopting these strategies to foster interaction and innovation within their teams in educational institutions such as schools and administrations.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
Dr. Ibtesam Alturki | Supervisor | Ministry of Education
14:15 - 14:35Happiness Factories - The Power of Positivity in Schools
Phil will unpack the findings and learning from his best-selling book 'Happiness Factories and expand on his TEDx talk around the benefits of a positivity-focused approach to teaching and learning. With practical tips and suggestions, Phil will showcase the global work recognised within Happiness Factories, on striking a balance between academic rigour and positivity-based holistic development. He will inspire educational leaders to place positivity and praise-driven strategy at the heart of their own school's development. An upbeat and celebratory look the world of educational practice, Phil will champion the message that we do not need to be Exam Factories to be successful, but we should always strive to place a 'Happiness Factories' approach at the heart of every decision we make as school leaders.
Language : English
Topic : Wellbeing
Speaker:
Phil Mathe | Head of Student Opportunities | British International School Riyadh - Diplomatic Quarter Campus
14:35 - 14:55Measuring learning for effective teaching: why tests regularly fail students
Assessments can provide valuable feedback to students about their understanding and performance. This feedback helps students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, guiding their learning progress and helping them focus on specific skills or knowledge gaps. However, regularly the opportunity to inform teaching through assessment is either missed or misguided through poor assessment techniques and tools. Understanding the differences between ‘testing’ students and ‘measuring learning’ is a key part of assessment literacy that is often not well understood by teachers. This session will unpack some key aspects of assessment literacy and provide practical examples of measuring learning from ACER’s 95 years of research and experience in assessment.
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Speaker:
Jarrod Hingston | Acting CEO, ACER Middle East | Australian Council for Educational Research
14:55 - 15:15Empowering Young Changemakers: How Elementary Students are Driving Sustainable Impact through Roots & Shoots
Small Hands, Big Impact: How Young Changemakers are Leading Sustainability Efforts What if elementary students could take the lead in making their communities more sustainable? In this inspiring session, young changemakers from our AISR elementary Roots & Shoots club will share how they are tackling real-world environmental and social challenges through hands-on projects. From reducing food waste and promoting environmental awareness, these students are proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. Join us as they showcase their journey—from identifying problems to taking meaningful action—demonstrating the power of youth-driven initiatives in shaping a better future. Through their story, educators will gain practical ideas for fostering student agency, service learning, and environmental stewardship in their own classrooms. Be prepared to be inspired, energized, and ready to empower the next generation of changemakers!
Language : English
Topic : Sustainability
Speaker:
Kristy Godbout | Elementary Teacher | American International School
15:15 - 16:15Innovate, Inspire, Impact: Your Journey with "Teach for the Future"
Join us for an exclusive one-hour session, where we introduce Teach for the Future—an innovative professional development program developed and implemented by Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA) and the American University of Beirut (AUB). This program is designed to bridge the gap between what students know and how teachers can effectively guide them in emerging topics, equipping educators with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of education. The session will provide insights into the program's key modules, including: AI in Education – Harnessing technology for enhanced learning experiences Climate Change – Understanding sustainability in education Personalized Learning – Tailoring instruction to meet diverse student needs Leadership – Building effective leadership skills Child Development & Psychology – Understanding how children learn and grow
Language : English
Topic : Recruitment and Development
Speaker:
Nabila Bashir | Director of Business Development and Growth- QRTA / Program Manager- AUB | Queen Rania Teacher Academy - QRTA & American University of Beirut - AUB
WED 28 MAY
10:50 - 11:10Elevating Performance and Professionalism in Educational Institutions
This workshop focuses on guiding employees on how to transition from being an ordinary employee to a professional by acquiring high-performance skills and adhering to professionalism standards in the workplace. It will address strategies for self-development and enhancing personal and professional skills, contributing to improved performance, increased efficiency, and creativity.
Language : English
Topic : Motivation / Coaching
Speaker:
Hind Alkhamali | Principal | Learning Oasis School
11:10 - 11:30The Power of Talk: How Oracy and Feedback Transform Learning
After partaking in a series of sessions, we were asked to partake in a Leadership Challenge. I chose something from the School Development Plan to focus on as a project. The presentation discusses my leadership challenge, how I overcame it and what I did.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
Aishah Ahmed Nekiwala | Head of Co Curricular Activities, Girls School and English Teacher | Misk Schools
11:50 - 12:10The prepared environment
A “prepared environment” is a space intentionally designed to foster children’s independence, exploration, and self-directed learning, central to Montessori education. It is organized to be accessible, inviting, and orderly, allowing children to engage with activities at their own pace. This setup encourages autonomy, responsibility, and confidence while nurturing each child’s natural curiosity. Materials are a key component of this environment. They are hands-on, self-correcting tools that help children learn through active engagement and discovery. Simple, purposeful items like the Pink Tower, Sandpaper Letters, and Golden Beads promote sensory exploration, cognitive development, and fine motor skills. These materials encourage children to solve problems independently, enhancing concentration and critical thinking. A prepared environment, with its carefully chosen materials, empowers children to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Speaker:
Thanaa Jaberi | Founder | La Casa Dei Bambini
12:10 - 12:30The Leadership Journey
The Leadership Journey is a continuous path of learning and growth, starting with self-discovery and skill development, progressing to understanding and influencing others, and ultimately achieving goals and driving change. It is not just a position or authority but an art that balances vision and inspiration with wisdom and decision-making to create a successful and impactful environment.
Language : English
Topic : Leadership and Management
Speaker:
Assaf Alamri | School Principal | Ibn Rushd Educational Holding Company
12:30 - 12:50The Art of Speaking the Language of Inclusion
The Art of Speaking the Language of Inclusion explores the powerful role that language plays in fostering inclusive environments. This presentation delves into how we can use our words and communication styles to create a welcoming, respectful, and supportive space for everyone, regardless of background, ability, or identity. Through practical examples, discussions, and interactive exercises, participants will learn how to speak inclusively, with an emphasis on empathy, respect, and understanding. The talk will cover essential strategies for using language to break down barriers, promote diversity, and ensure all voices are heard and valued.
Language : English///Arabic
Topic : SEN / Gifted & Talented
Speaker:
Thara Alhewaili | Lead LSAs Coordinator / Lead Mawhiba Program Coordinator | Beech Hall School Riyadh
13:20 - 13:40The initiative: Each Student is Uniquely Recognised
The presentation is about the school's initiative to recognize each student's uniqueness and empower them to achieve their full potential. The presentation discusses the gap the initiative aims to bridge, its strategies, goals, and objectives and the school's journey in achieving it
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Speaker:
Dr. Hessan Babtain | General Manager of the Boys Schools | Dar Al Fikr Schools
13:40 - 14:00The Impact of Teachers’ use of Motivating Language on Students’ Performance
Through this talk, we will explore something at the core of every successful classroom: effective communication. Teaching is more than just delivering content—it’s about connecting, inspiring, and guiding students toward their full potential. As teachers are leaders in their classrooms, the way they communicate shapes students' learning experiences and overall success. In an age where AI and chatbots assist in communication, softening the tones of emails and helping us interact, I firmly believe that human connections and effective communication remain essential in overcoming educational challenges. Our motivation is often driven by our achievements—imagine how discouraging it would be to fail simply because instructions were unclear. This talk is based on a quantitative research study grounded in Austin's Speech Act Theory (1962) and highlights the positive impact of clear, empathetic, and effective communication on students' performance.
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Speaker:
Dr. Muhammad Jehanzaib Chaudhry | Head of Maths, Science and Computer Departments | Academic Bridge Program, Qatar Foundation
14:00 - 14:20Attracting and Retaining Top Teaching Talent in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Strategies
As Saudi Arabia’s international schools market grows, the demand for high-quality educators continues to rise. However, competition from other GCC countries and shifting workforce dynamics present significant challenges in attracting and retaining top talent. Join Sami Yosef, Head of Global Research at ISC Research, for exclusive, data-driven insights from the Teacher Movement Report 2024 , shedding light on key recruitment and retention trends in the country. Additionally, we will explore how bilingual CPD can serve as a strategic tool to nurture and retain local talent, featuring insights from Misk Schools' pioneering bilingual leadership programme. Join us to discover actionable strategies that will strengthen your recruitment pipeline, enhance teacher retention, and create inclusive professional growth opportunities—ensuring long-term success for educators and international schools in Saudi Arabia.
Language : English
Topic : Recruitment and Development
Speaker:
Sami Yosef | Head of Global Research | ISC Research