Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

ISPN MIDDLE EAST AGENDA

ISPN Middle East is a unique, two-day learning and networking event which brings together the most inspirational leaders and transformational suppliers in the Independent Education sector to share cutting-edge insight, knowledge and experience. Our agenda is carefully curated to address the most relevant and emerging challenges in the sector.

ISPN Middle East 2024

19 - 20 November, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Day 1
Day 2

19 November 2024

8:30 am - 9:30 am

Main Room

Optional breakfast, networking and registration

Optional pre-event breakfast and networking session offering light refreshments.
9:30 am - 10:00 am

Main Room

Registration
10:00 am - 10:15 am

Main Room

Chair’s opening remarks

Sir Christopher Stone

Senior Education Adviser

Sir Christopher Stone has enjoyed a distinguished career, spanning over 40 years, in education. A respected and experienced, teacher, headteacher, CEO and government adviser, his outstanding contribution to education was recognised by a ...

Sir Christopher Stone has enjoyed a distinguished career, spanning over 40 years, in education. A respected and experienced, teacher, headteacher, CEO and government adviser, his outstanding contribution to education was recognised by a knighthood in 2013. Sir Chris has also received Honorary Doctorates from Birmingham City University (2012) and Liverpool Hope University (2018) both for Services to Education. He was also invited to meet with several Prime Ministers over the years in recognition of his achievements.

Sir Chris is currently working as a Senior Education Advisor and will be undertaking the role of Chief Academic Officer for Emirates International Schools Dubai, starting in January 2025
10:15 am - 10:45 am

Main Room

Education 33

Fatma Belrehif

CEO of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB)
KHDA

Discover Dubai’s bold vision for the future of education with the newly launched ‘Education 33’ strategy. This keynote explores the strategy’s focus on lifelong learning, innovation, and collaboration to shape an inclusiv...

Discover Dubai’s bold vision for the future of education with the newly launched ‘Education 33’ strategy. This keynote explores the strategy’s focus on lifelong learning, innovation, and collaboration to shape an inclusive, future-ready education landscape.
10:50 am - 11:30 am

Main Room

Keynote panel - Making education accessible to all

Sir Christopher Stone

Senior Education Adviser

Tai Paschall

Digital Education and Learning Lead
Bloom Education

Matthew Burfield

Executive Principal, CEO, Senior Vice President – Education
GEMS Founders School, Dubai

Yasmeen Aslam

Head of School
Taaleem

Aisha Brooks

Assistant Principal
Clarion School

Our speakers on the opening panel discussion will delve into critical questions, such as:

• How can we harness a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity and embraces individual differences to lead the world of education?<...

Our speakers on the opening panel discussion will delve into critical questions, such as:

• How can we harness a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity and embraces individual differences to lead the world of education?
• What resources and support systems are essential for effective SEND and learning difficulty support?
• How can we leverage technology and innovative approaches to personalise learning and enhance accessibility?
• What collaborative efforts are needed between schools, families, and communities to foster inclusivity?
• What are the key policy changes required to ensure systemic accessibility within the Middle Eastern education landscape?
11:35 am - 11:55 am

Main Room

Shark Tank – Speed presentations

Our signature ‘Shark Tank’ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short 60 second pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges....

Our signature ‘Shark Tank’ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short 60 second pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
1:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Main Room

Lunch and networking
1:45 pm - 2:05 pm

Main Room

Unlock the Mathematical Potential with Magma Maths

Henrik Appert

Founder & CEO
Magma Maths

Join our session and discover how we, together with educators around the world, are transforming mathematics education. We’ll also share insights on implementing Magma Maths at Kent College Dubai.
Magma Maths is an innovative...

Join our session and discover how we, together with educators around the world, are transforming mathematics education. We’ll also share insights on implementing Magma Maths at Kent College Dubai.
Magma Maths is an innovative platform that empowers teachers to make informed decisions and encourages pupil collaboration. By supporting handwritten solutions, you can observe pupils’ thinking in real time, leading to deeper understanding. With content from Reception to GCSE in over 140 languages, it engages every learner.
School leaders can conduct baseline assessments and tap into aggregated data to enhance data-driven decisions and improve teaching outcomes. Join us to witness how Magma Maths is changing the landscape of mathematics in a digital context.
2:10 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Leading on student wellbeing

Sajid Gulzar OBE

Principal
Kings’ School Al Barsha

Empower your educators!

This session explores creating a positive school culture where staff feel valued and heard. We’ll discuss fostering belonging, agency, and clear expectations.

Learn how to unlock your team̵...

Empower your educators!

This session explores creating a positive school culture where staff feel valued and heard. We’ll discuss fostering belonging, agency, and clear expectations.

Learn how to unlock your team’s potential and build a thriving learning environment for all.
2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Main Room

Are you AI Ready? Unlocking the Power of Data and AI for Student Success

Michelle Ferreol

Director, Product Strategy
PowerSchool

With the surge of AI solutions for education, how can we comprehensively evaluate these tools to guarantee that they benefit students and educators in various contexts, while also ensuring data security, safety, ethics, and long-term ado...

With the surge of AI solutions for education, how can we comprehensively evaluate these tools to guarantee that they benefit students and educators in various contexts, while also ensuring data security, safety, ethics, and long-term adoption? In this session, we will share best practices for evaluating AI applications, developing data preparedness and readiness, and following PowerSchool’s 6 Guiding Principles for Responsible AI.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
4:05 pm - 4:35 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote presentation - 4 pillars: empowering change

Philippa Wraithmell

Founder & CEO
EdRuption

This presentation will explore the four pillars of EdRuption: Digital Governance, Digital Safeguarding, Digital Education, and Digital Innovation.

We will delve into strategies for effective digital policy implementation, protect...

This presentation will explore the four pillars of EdRuption: Digital Governance, Digital Safeguarding, Digital Education, and Digital Innovation.

We will delve into strategies for effective digital policy implementation, protecting students in online environments, enhancing educational practices with technology, and fostering a culture of innovation.
4:35 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

Chair’s closing remarks, optional networking and refreshments
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Main Room

Invitation-only networking dinner
2:10 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 1

Utilising AI to enable excellence in the classroom

Tom Sale

Director of IT and Innovation
Kent School Dubai

This session delves into the exciting potential of AI to revolutionise the learning experience.

Discover how AI-powered tools can personalise instruction, provide targeted support for educators, and unlock hidden potential in stud...

This session delves into the exciting potential of AI to revolutionise the learning experience.

Discover how AI-powered tools can personalise instruction, provide targeted support for educators, and unlock hidden potential in students.

We’ll explore real-world applications of AI in the classroom, from adaptive learning platforms that cater to individual needs to intelligent feedback systems that empower students to take ownership of their learning journey.
2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Breakout Room 1

How international schools can meet essential requirement and raise standards.

Jamie Ganley

International Education Consultant
The National College

The National College is the most trusted CPD platform in education: over one million users and 50,000+ schools worldwide rely on us to provide the highest-quality CPD, policies and appraisal support.
In this break-out session, we e...

The National College is the most trusted CPD platform in education: over one million users and 50,000+ schools worldwide rely on us to provide the highest-quality CPD, policies and appraisal support.
In this break-out session, we explore how international schools all over the world use our resources to meet essential requirements, achieve best practice, upskill all staff and enhance reputation. Find out how to develop bespoke learning pathways for local and non-UK/US qualified teachers.
We’re also excited to launch our new Leadership & Governance and Appraisals & People Development memberships, the latter integrating BlueSky Education’s appraisal software. Lots to discuss!
2:10 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 2

Human-centred curriculum design

George Stokes

Deputy Head – Primary
The Arbor School

Join us to reflect on how to design a curriculum that places humans at the centre by nurturing creativity, compassion, and community engagement. Discover strategies for integrating interdisciplinary learning and fostering personal growth...

Join us to reflect on how to design a curriculum that places humans at the centre by nurturing creativity, compassion, and community engagement. Discover strategies for integrating interdisciplinary learning and fostering personal growth alongside academic achievement. Perfect for educators looking to build a holistic, impactful curriculum that prepares students to thrive as empathetic, engaged individuals.
2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Breakout Room 2

Demystifying AI & Creating an AI Strategy for your school

Priya Lakhani OBE

CEO
CENTURY

The session will dive into AI, generative models and showing how AI uncovers insights from student interactions to create personalised learning journeys. We’ll discuss using large language models beyond basic prompts, where to push AI ...

The session will dive into AI, generative models and showing how AI uncovers insights from student interactions to create personalised learning journeys. We’ll discuss using large language models beyond basic prompts, where to push AI forward, where to be cautious, and how to build an effective AI strategy for schools.
2:10 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 3

Enacting Empowerment Structures in Schools

Dr Emilija Stojanovski

Associate Principal
Taaleem Dubai Schools Al Barsha

Explore the school leader empowering behaviors which support the creation of networks rather than hierarchies in international schools. Boost creativity, innovation, commitment, and teacher retention with a simple empowerment framework.<...

Explore the school leader empowering behaviors which support the creation of networks rather than hierarchies in international schools. Boost creativity, innovation, commitment, and teacher retention with a simple empowerment framework.
2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Breakout Room 3

What Works UK Insights - Latest Evidence for Leaders on Engagement, Retention and Artificial Intelligence

Dr Chris Wilson

Group Director
ImpactEd Group

Dr Rajbir Hazelwood

Managing Director
ImpactEd Group

ImpactEd works with a large number of the UK’s leading schools and school groups, including Star, Harris and Eton. We help schools do more of what works and less of what doesn’t. In this session we will share the latest resea...

ImpactEd works with a large number of the UK’s leading schools and school groups, including Star, Harris and Eton. We help schools do more of what works and less of what doesn’t. In this session we will share the latest research, data and actionable insights from our work with the British system, to help school leaders enhance their impact in the UAE.

Take home pragmatic learnings and find out how to participate in a new, international research community of practice.

20 November 2024

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Main Room

Optional breakfast and networking

Optional pre-event breakfast and networking session offering light refreshments.
10:05 am - 10:20 am

Main Room

Chair’s opening remarks
10:20 am - 11:00 am

Main Room

Keynote panel - Getting ready for school inspection

Sir Christopher Stone

Senior Education Adviser

Maryssa O’Connor

CEO / Senior Vice President, Education
GEMS Wellington International School / GEMS Education (Dubai)

Saher Gilani

Head of Education
Britus Education (Bahrain)

This panel discussion offers a proactive approach, guiding school leaders on how to transform inspections from stressful evaluations into valuable opportunities for growth.

Key questions we’ll tackle:

• Decoding the...

This panel discussion offers a proactive approach, guiding school leaders on how to transform inspections from stressful evaluations into valuable opportunities for growth.

Key questions we’ll tackle:

• Decoding the framework: Demystifying inspection rubrics and understanding what truly matters for achieving top ratings.
• Beyond compliance: Moving from “ticking boxes” to cultivating a culture of continuous improvement that resonates with inspectors and stakeholders alike.
• Data-driven decisions: Harnessing data effectively to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for strategic improvement.
• Teacher empowerment: Equipping educators with the skills and confidence to showcase their expertise and passion during inspections.
• Community collaboration: Engaging parents and stakeholders in the inspection process to foster a supportive and collaborative environment.
11:05 am - 11:25 am

Main Room

Empowering Future Leaders Through Purposeful Travel and Real-World Learning

Laura Negus

Middle East & Asia Expeditions Manager
Camps International

Lucy Brophy-Fernandez

Managing Director of Raleigh International
Raleigh International

Join Laura and Lucy as they explore how experiential learning, and purposeful travel can reshape student education. This session delves into curriculum-linked expeditions, real-world studies, and skill-building beyond the classroom. They...

Join Laura and Lucy as they explore how experiential learning, and purposeful travel can reshape student education. This session delves into curriculum-linked expeditions, real-world studies, and skill-building beyond the classroom. They’ll introduce Camps International’s portfolio management service, simplifying school trip expansion, and share impact reports from regional projects. You’ll gain an exclusive look into Raleigh International and its partnership with Impact Travel Group, which fosters leadership, resilience, and cultural fluency. You will discover how to offer both your staff and students more transformative travel opportunities—from gap experiences to tailored school trips —that support lifelong learning and personal growth
11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

Four fifteen-minute meetings with five-minute buffers between.
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Lunch and networking
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm

Main Room

Keynote panel - Integrating educational technology

Sir Christopher Stone

Senior Education Adviser

Zaineb Mahdi

Director of Digital Technology
GEMS Education

Anthony Copeland

High School Technology Integrator
American School of Dubai

Olly Lewis

Deputy Head
Amity International School Abu Dhabi

Dan Franklin

Education Leadership Consultant
EdRuption

EdTech should seamlessly amplify learning, empower teachers, and prepare students for the future. This panel discussion dives deep into the practicalities of achieving this vision.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking dis...

EdTech should seamlessly amplify learning, empower teachers, and prepare students for the future. This panel discussion dives deep into the practicalities of achieving this vision.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that will leave you equipped with practical tools and renewed inspiration to transform your classrooms with technology that empowers, not disrupts
2:05 pm - 2:25 pm

Main Room

Enhancing leadership skills

Zaineb Mahdi

Director of Digital Technology
GEMS Education

Effective leadership is essential for driving excellence in any educational institution. This session equips school leaders with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of Middle Eastern ed...

Effective leadership is essential for driving excellence in any educational institution. This session equips school leaders with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of Middle Eastern education.

Gain practical guidance on fostering innovation within your school, motivating and inspiring your team, and navigating complex challenges.

We’ll delve into effective communication techniques, strategic planning methods, and best practices for fostering a collaborative and results-oriented school culture.
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

Four fifteen-minute meetings with five-minute buffers between.
3:05 pm - 3:25 pm

Main Room

From data to development

Famida Choudhary

Assessment Coordinator and English Language Educator
GEMS New Millennium School

Join us for an engaging session exploring data-driven insights in assessment practices.

We’ll examine diverse assessment types to foster reading competencies, enhance academic skills, and empower educators to drive their learni...

Join us for an engaging session exploring data-driven insights in assessment practices.

We’ll examine diverse assessment types to foster reading competencies, enhance academic skills, and empower educators to drive their learning journeys.

Discover strategies to track student progress, understand skill development, and unlock actionable insights that support meaningful growth.
3:25 pm - 3:45 pm

Main Room

Keynote presentation - Preparing pupils for the future world of work

Dr Sunitha Kshatriya

Director AEIC and Associate Professor of Management
American University in Dubai

Imagine preparing your students not just for jobs, but for thriving in the ever-evolving world of work!

This keynote presentation unveils proven strategies to equip young minds with the confidence, competence, and personal skills ...

Imagine preparing your students not just for jobs, but for thriving in the ever-evolving world of work!

This keynote presentation unveils proven strategies to equip young minds with the confidence, competence, and personal skills vital for future success.
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Main Room

Chair's closing remarks and next actions

Sir Christopher Stone

Senior Education Adviser

Let’s reflect on what we have learned over the last two and discuss with those that we have this experience with.

What are your key takeaways? Which idea stood out the most for you? How will the learning be implemented in your s...

Let’s reflect on what we have learned over the last two and discuss with those that we have this experience with.

What are your key takeaways? Which idea stood out the most for you? How will the learning be implemented in your school?
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

Optional networking and refreshments
10:20 am - 11:00 am

Breakout Room 1

Workshop - Navigating stakeholder management for global education success

Phil Redhead

Education Partner
EdV (a service-led global education consultancy)

Join Phil Redhead, a seasoned international education buyer with 25+ years of experience, for a workshop tailored to education supplier partners.

Gain practical strategies for effective stakeholder analysis and management – a c...

Join Phil Redhead, a seasoned international education buyer with 25+ years of experience, for a workshop tailored to education supplier partners.

Gain practical strategies for effective stakeholder analysis and management – a critical, yet often missed, area for sustained international success.

Learn to navigate the complexities of working with suppliers, schools, teachers, and students to drive growth and align diverse perspectives in the global education landscape.
11:05 am - 11:25 am

Breakout Room 1

Transformation through SEL

Annu Pramod

Managing Director
PeoplePro Training Institute LLC-FZ

In this rapidly changing and technically advancing world, it is imperative that we adapt and adopt the changes in order to remain abreast with the times. However, as all of you will agree, everyone adapts and learns at his/her own pace. ...

In this rapidly changing and technically advancing world, it is imperative that we adapt and adopt the changes in order to remain abreast with the times. However, as all of you will agree, everyone adapts and learns at his/her own pace. All students do not learn and grow identically. It therefore becomes necessary to ensure that all students get equal opportunities to excel in life. Social and Emotional learning must be taught in all schools to empower and equip students with critical skills required to overcome challenges and become catalysts of positive change in a complex and often very challenging environment.
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm

Breakout Room 1

Connecting with International Schools

Rachel Rogers

Head of Sales
ISC Research

The international schools market is thriving.

With over 14,000 schools and a 50% growth rate in the last ten years, connecting with this growing sector is a vital consideration for any education supplier. In Western Asia, interna...

The international schools market is thriving.

With over 14,000 schools and a 50% growth rate in the last ten years, connecting with this growing sector is a vital consideration for any education supplier. In Western Asia, international schools now generate over $15 billion USD, up 15% of all schools worldwide.

Join Rachel Rogers, Head of Sales at ISC Research, to find out where the market is growing, which trends matter to international schools and how to make vital connections for your business.
2:05 pm - 2:25 pm

Breakout Room 1

Aligning digital strategy with educational goals

Philippa Wraithmell

Founder & CEO
EdRuption

Dan Franklin

Education Leadership Consultant
EdRuption

This session will introduce EdRuption’s approach to digital transformation in education.

We’ll explore strategies on how to collaborate with stakeholders to identify key objectives, goals, and outcomes to be achieved throu...

This session will introduce EdRuption’s approach to digital transformation in education.

We’ll explore strategies on how to collaborate with stakeholders to identify key objectives, goals, and outcomes to be achieved through digital integration.

Learn how to ensure that the digital strategy supports the school’s overall vision, pedagogical approaches, and educational objectives!
2:05 pm - 2:25 pm

Breakout Room 2

How to achieve excellence in teaching

Louise Dawson

Inclusion Specialist
Louise Dawson Prof & Mgmt Dev Training

This session unlocks the secrets of effective pedagogy in today’s dynamic classrooms. Renowned educators will share their expertise and showcase practical strategies to elevate your teaching practice.

Learn how to create eng...

This session unlocks the secrets of effective pedagogy in today’s dynamic classrooms. Renowned educators will share their expertise and showcase practical strategies to elevate your teaching practice.

Learn how to create engaging lesson plans, differentiate instruction to cater to diverse learners, and cultivate a positive and stimulating learning environment.

We’ll explore innovative assessment methods to track student progress and provide meaningful feedback that fosters growth and a love for learning.
2:05 pm - 2:25 pm

Breakout Room 3

Fostering a culture of learning through Professional Learning Communities

Dr Ambika Gulari

Principal and CEO
The Millennium School

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 ...

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.

Day 1
Day 2

Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

ISPN MIDDLE EAST AGENDA

ISPN Middle East 202419 - 20 November, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

19 November 2024

8:30 am - 9:30 am

Main Room

Optional breakfast, networking and registration

9:30 am - 10:00 am

Main Room

Registration

10:00 am - 10:15 am

Main Room

Chair’s opening remarks

Sir Christopher Stone

Senior Education Adviser

10:15 am - 10:45 am

Main Room

Education 33

Fatma Belrehif

CEO of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) KHDA

10:50 am - 11:30 am

Main Room

Keynote panel - Making education accessible to all

Sir Christopher Stone

Senior Education Adviser

Tai Paschall

Digital Education and Learning Lead Bloom Education

Matthew Burfield

Executive Principal, CEO, Senior Vice President – Education GEMS Founders School, Dubai

Yasmeen Aslam

Head of School Taaleem

Aisha Brooks

Assistant Principal Clarion School

11:35 am - 11:55 am

Main Room

Shark Tank – Speed presentations

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

1:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Main Room

Lunch and networking

1:45 pm - 2:05 pm

Main Room

Unlock the Mathematical Potential with Magma Maths

Henrik Appert

Founder & CEO Magma Maths

2:10 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Leading on student wellbeing

Sajid Gulzar OBE

Principal Kings’ School Al Barsha

2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Main Room

Are you AI Ready? Unlocking the Power of Data and AI for Student Success

Michelle Ferreol

Director, Product Strategy PowerSchool

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

4:05 pm - 4:35 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote presentation - 4 pillars: empowering change

Philippa Wraithmell

Founder & CEO EdRuption

4:35 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

Chair’s closing remarks, optional networking and refreshments

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Main Room

Invitation-only networking dinner

2:10 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 1

Utilising AI to enable excellence in the classroom

Tom Sale

Director of IT and Innovation Kent School Dubai

2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Breakout Room 1

How international schools can meet essential requirement and raise standards.

Jamie Ganley

ISPN Middle East 2024

19 - 20 November, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

CEO of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB)
KHDA

Digital Education and Learning Lead
Bloom Education

Executive Principal, CEO, Senior Vice President – Education
GEMS Founders School, Dubai

Head of School
Taaleem

Assistant Principal
Clarion School

Founder & CEO
Magma Maths

Principal
Kings’ School Al Barsha

Director, Product Strategy
PowerSchool

Founder & CEO
EdRuption

Director of IT and Innovation
Kent School Dubai

International Education Consultant
The National College

Deputy Head – Primary
The Arbor School

CEO
CENTURY

Associate Principal
Taaleem Dubai Schools Al Barsha

Group Director
ImpactEd Group

Managing Director
ImpactEd Group

CEO / Senior Vice President, Education
GEMS Wellington International School / GEMS Education (Dubai)

Head of Education
Britus Education (Bahrain)

Middle East & Asia Expeditions Manager
Camps International

Managing Director of Raleigh International
Raleigh International

Director of Digital Technology
GEMS Education

High School Technology Integrator
American School of Dubai

Deputy Head
Amity International School Abu Dhabi

Education Leadership Consultant
EdRuption

Director of Digital Technology
GEMS Education