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Empowering Learners Through Enriched Curricula
Educators from across the globe came together in Cape Town, South Africa for the Schools Now! 2024 conference, themed around “Enriching Your Curriculum.” The three-day event, held from February 27th to 29th, provided a platform for educators and decision-makers to share best practices, explore innovative teaching approaches, and discuss strategies for enhancing the educational experience for students worldwide.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s education system is experiencing rapid changes due to advances in technology and the arrival of AI. This transformation presents both benefits and challenges. New technologies offer the potential to develop critical thinking skills, but educators also face issues like the digital divide and the need for more comprehensive training.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration for ensuring equal access to education, the British Council’s Schools Now! 2024 conference gathered over 1,000 school leaders, both in-person and virtually, to share best practices and address these important matters in international education. The agenda included keynote sessions, immersive workshops, and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics: digital learning, leadership, well-being, and safeguarding, adding to a rich internationalized and contextualized curriculum.
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Martin Lowder, Head of Global Exams Services at The British Council, shared, “The spirit of Schools Now! is to establish global connections within the educational community, exploring insights and innovations in international education. By addressing emerging themes, we aim to empower educators to navigate the complexities of the shifting education landscape and drive positive outcomes for students.”
Other distinguished speakers included Dr. Funke Baffour-Awuah, Head of Well-being Division and Child Protection Lead at Al Rayan International School, Ghana; Kathleen O’Hare, British Council Education Consultant; Pamela O`Brien, Deputy Head; and Jo Parkes, Deputy Head Academic from British Council School in Madrid, adding to a rich and diverse perspective.
Keshav Sreedharan, British Council Sub Saharan Africa Regional Exams Director, said, “British Council’s Schools Now 2024 conference was organized in Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time since its inception. Against the backdrop of Africa’s potential, particularly with its dynamic and driven young population, this conference holds the promise of unlocking new opportunities and pathways for schools adopting the UK curriculum. The vibrancy of Cape Town will ignite conversations and initiatives that will shape the future of education in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
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Workshops explored practical aspects of leadership, curriculum development, and safeguarding while showcasing innovative teaching approaches. An expert panel on ‘AI in Education’ shared valuable insights on preparing students for the future by leveraging AI. Nearly 90 percent of conference delegates voice AI as a friend, not foe, signaling widespread optimism towards AI’s potential benefits.
The outcomes of Schools Now! Conference focused on empowering educators to create engaging, student-centered learning environments that prepare learners for success in the 21st century and beyond.