ICHK educators have been presenting at the 21st Century Learning Conference.

Deputy Head of School (Curriculum and Assessment) Ross Parker, Deputy Head of School (Pastoral) Flora Lai, Head of Outdoor and Experiential Education, Dave Addis and Teacher of Music Phoebe Wong were all speakers at the event.

Ross’ talk, “5+1 = ICHK: School-Based Models for Teaching & Learning”, focused on the unique pastoral model which lies at the heart of learning innovation at ICHK, and helps to create the conditions in which students can thrive.

Flora explored how schools and classroom teachers can work together to support students through the academic demands they face, while prioritising their well-being. Her talk, “Balancing well-being with academic demands - is there a formula for a "happy and productive" school?”, looked at the ways in which ICHK ensures a balance between academic study and holistic welfare, and how we help students experience school in positive ways.

David’s presentation looked at the benefits of CAS Week, in which students thrive outside their comfort zones, developing resilience and fostering connections with peers and nature. He asked why schools limit these experiences to just once a year, and explained how that question led ICHK on a journey of building outdoor learning into the very fabric of what we do.

Phoebe’s presentation explored the idea of "amateurism", the idea of engaging in an activity for the love of it, and how teaching can move beyond external standards and competition and foster environments where students find joy, creativity, and intrinsic motivation in their learning.

The presentations added to a growing list of conferences that our staff have been invited to in recent years. We have seen a rapid increase in international interest in our innovations, programmes and curricula, and we regularly present at education conferences and summits, host workshops and meet with educators who are keen to learn about our approaches.

In addition to our speakers, a number of teachers also attended, as part of our commitment to ongoing professional learning and development.