UWCSEA Forum
Learning to shape the future
22–23 April 2022
UWCSEA celebrated 50 years of educating for peace in Singapore with a year-long series of community and educational engagement activities in 2021/2022. Culminating in the two-day capstone UWCSEA Forum, the College took up the challenge of reimagining how we might bring our mission to life through a holistic, sustainable education over the next 50 years–and beyond.
Over two days an inspirational line-up of keynote speakers and internationally recognised thought leaders in education were joined by guest presenters, researchers, expert practitioners, students, alumni and parents. Under the themes of Inclusion, Innovation, Partnership, Peace and Sustainability, the series of key note addresses set the course for our exploration of the future of K–12 education.
We were excited to launch findings of research into elements of our holistic education programme, alongside over 30 sessions delivered by staff, alumni, students, parents and partners who have contributed to making UWCSEA who we are today. A series of virtual booths showcased some of the exciting projects underway across the College: continue to explore these under the Our Big Ideas menu.
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EXPLORE THE KEYNOTE PROGRAMME
We gathered a truly inspirational line-up of keynote speakers and guests who are internationally recognised thought leaders in education, together with researchers and expert practitioners from our UWC community and beyond.
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 1: Howard Gardner – Good Work for Our Time – From Ideas to Impact
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 2: Andreas Schleicher – Holistic Education in a High-Tech Era
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 3: Musimbi Kanyoro – The UWC Movement
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 4: Faith Abiodun – Commitment to Change
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 5: Forrest Li – World of Work – Towards the Future
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 6: Kishore Mahbubani – Can the 21st Century remain peaceful?
22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 1: Howard Gardner – Good Work for Our Time – From Ideas to Impact
Good Work for Our Time – From Ideas to Impact
Drawing on two decades of qualitative research as one of the Founding Directors at the Harvard Graduate School of Education Good Project, and sharing insights from recent research on the role of education in a good society, Professor Gardner will explore the meaning of good work and civic participation.
After a 30 minute lecture, Professor Gardner and members of his team will answer questions from the audience as we explore the nature of education and its power as a force for good in society.
Speaker
HOWARD GARDNER
Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 2: Andreas Schleicher – Holistic Education in a High-Tech Era
Holistic Education in a High-Tech Era
Andreas Schleicher will share reflections on teaching and learning in a post-pandemic world, and the role of mission-led schools offering holistic education in an every-changing world.
Speaker
ANDREAS SCHLEICHER
Director for Education and Skills, and Special Advisor on Education Policy to the Secretary-general at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris
22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 3: Musimbi Kanyoro – The UWC Movement
The UWC Movement
At this session, Musimbi Kanyoro, Chair of UWC International, Leon Toh, UWCSEA Governor and Carma Elliot, UWCSEA College President will have a conversation about the role of UWC in building a more peaceful and sustainable future.
As they reflect on 50 years of making education a force for good, they will also look to the future of the UWC movement, the role of UWCSEA within the movement and the need for the global UWC community to ensure our mission remains both an inspiration and a positive call to action.
Speaker
Dr Musimbi Kanyoro
Chair of UWC International Board, and Board Member of CARE International and UN Global Compact
Leon toh
UWCSEA Governor and the Managing Partner of Damson Capital
Carma Elliot
College President, UWCSEA
23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 4: Faith Abiodun – Commitment to Change
Commitment to Change
Faith Abiodun, new Executive Director of UWC International, will share his vision for the Movement, followed by an onstage conversation with a student panel, including questions from the audience. The conversation will be wide-ranging, from the origins of the Movement to the change we must embrace to ensure we stay relevant and active in an evolving global community.
Speakers
FAITH ABIODUN
Executive Director, UWC International
23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 5: Forrest Li – World of Work – Towards the Future
World of Work – Towards the Future
This session leads with a discussion on the importance of holding on to one's ideals when embarking on a career; the need to remain curious as an important career life-skill while the future grows more complex and uncertain; and an exhortation to students to use their generation's technologies to do good in the world.
Forrest and his team will then take questions from the audience.
Speaker
FORREST LI
Founder and Group CEO of Sea Limited
Jesscia Shao
Senior Director, People Strategy and Leadership at Sea Limited
Yan Shuicheng
Director Of Sea AI Lab (SAIL) and Group Chief Scientist of Sea Limited
23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 6: Kishore Mahbubani – Can the 21st Century remain peaceful?
Can the 21st Century Remain Peaceful?
In this dialogue, Kishore Mahbubni and Carma Elliot will continue the conversation they began in September 2021 on the topic of peace in the 21st century. Covering themes including changes in global geo-political landscapes, the war in Ukraine and the role leaders in maintaining international peace, the conversation will be a fitting final session for our Forum, as we explore the learning that will shape the future.
Speakers
Kishore Mahbubani
Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore (NUS) and former Chair of UWCSEA Board of Governors
Carma Elliot
College President, UWCSEA
WATCH THE UWCSEA FORUM
Our programme was organised around five key themes. Watch all the sessions by expanding the menus below. We hope you enjoy exploring the UWCSEA Forum.
Peace
We understand Peace to include concepts such as justice, equity and human rights and to be more than the absence of conflict. We aspire to promote Peace in all of its contexts—for the individual, our communities and our global societies.
Educating for peace
Learn more about our programmes and partnerships as we extend the reach of our mission. Explore Our Big Ideas
EXPLORE THE PEACE TRACK
* indicates PEACE is the primary topic
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Transformative Peace Education*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Learner Agency as an Enabler of Change
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Education Under Siege – Dutch Education During Nazi Occupation*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Mirrors and windows – Reflecting and Amplifying Children's Lived Experiences Through Literature
- 22 APRIL 2022 | What Might Teaching for Peace Look Like in a Classroom?*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Seeing the Whole Child – Using a Holistic Lens to See Our Students Within a Broader Context
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Reciprocal Partnerships for Social Change
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 3: Musimbi Kanyoro – The UWC Movement*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | How Ethical Behaviour Affects your Future
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Understanding Student Conceptions of Peace*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Moving Towards an Inclusive Linguistic Community
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Sustainability and Partnerships
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Amala Partner Presentation: The Power of Education – Transforming the Lives of Refugees*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 6: Kishore Mahbubani – Can the 21st Century remain peaceful?*
22 APRIL 2022 | Transformative Peace Education*
Transformative Peace Education*
What is transformative learning? What are the core elements that encourage transformative learning experiences? When it comes to formal education, what is a possible framework for curricula and syllabi design that invites learners to engage with peace-building and conflict transformation questions?
Speakers
Qamaruzzaman (Q) Amir
Educator and Learner
Louie Barnett
UWCSEA IfP Toolkit Coordinator
22 APRIL 2022 | Learner Agency as an Enabler of Change
Learner Agency as an Enabler of Change
In this session, we will explore how we might consider empowering the learners of today to support one another in enabling the change necessary for a sustainable future. The session will focus on an exploration of what it means to cultivate a learning community that enables Learner Agency. As we explore the dispositional nature of Learner Agency and the purpose it serves, how might we consider moving towards using Learner Agency as an enabler of change?
Speakers
Ben CLAPP
Vice Principal Primary School, East Campus
PAULINE MARKEY
Principal Primary School, East Campus
TRACY JOCHMANN
Vice Principal Infant School, East Campus
Jennifer Juteau
Vice Principal Primary School, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Education Under Siege – Dutch Education During Nazi Occupation*
Education Under Siege – Dutch Education During Nazi Occupation
It is our mission to unite people, nations and cultures for peace through education. But what happens with ideals and missions like these when we find ourselves under extreme circumstances? In my presentation I will talk about choices made, and actions taken by Dutch school leaders, teachers and students during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Hopefully the case studies can be a starting point for a conversation about our values and goals in education.
Speaker
Nienke Altena
Teacher of History and Global Perspectives, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Mirrors and windows – Reflecting and Amplifying Children's Lived Experiences Through Literature
Mirrors and windows – Reflecting and Amplifying Children's Lived Experiences Through Literature and Learning Resources Focused on Diversity
This presentation will share the story of the UWCSEA Dover Infant School’s DEI Literacy Project, supported by a 50th Anniversary Innovation Grant. The aim of this project was to create and curate a collection of books, lessons and resources for teachers and parents of young children, in support of conversations centred on issues of DEI.
We will share the resources developed, the challenges and opportunities faced, and what we learned along the way.
Speakers
ANDREA Strachan
K1 Head of Grade and Infant School Curriculum Coordinator, Dover Campus
RASSAMEE HAYES
Teacher of Primary School, Dover Campus
Evelyn Hurtado
Head of Kindergarten 2, Dover Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | What Might Teaching for Peace Look Like in a Classroom?*
What Might Teaching for Peace Look Like in a Classroom?
Figuring out what 'educating for peace' means started for me at UWC Atlantic College and continued after I graduated whilst I tried to figure out how to put my 'peace education' into practice in the real world. That led me to teaching at UWCSEA (and still trying to figure out what peace education really means). I’m a little closer to finding out after using my Masters Thesis to research what it could mean in a Language Arts classroom. I’m looking forward to sharing what I found out.
Speakers
ANISHA WILMINK
Curriculum Leader: IB DP English A (Literature) Language and Literature, Teacher of English, Dover Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Seeing the Whole Child – Using a Holistic Lens to See Our Students Within a Broader Context
Seeing the Whole Child – Using a Holistic Lens to See Our Students Within a Broader Context
As a College, we provide a holistic education, yet when we discuss students who may need support we sometimes focus on singular evidence. In this interactive workshop, we introduce protocols and tools to help us think about and plan to support the whole child in a broader context.
Our holistic lens includes ecological factors, the unique cultural experiences of students in international schools, as well as the valuable insight offered by parents as partners and those gained through engaged listening to the student voice. We will consider how we can gather the information we need to bring a holistic perspective throughout the whole school.
Speakers
STEPHANIE HEPNER
Head of Student Support Services, East Campus
NATASCHA HOFF
Primary EAL Co-ordinator, East Campus
KATE MCGINTY
Head of Infant Learning Support, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Reciprocal Partnerships for Social Change
Reciprocal Partnerships for Social Change
Learn about processes and tools that build student agency and create sustainable partnerships with local Singaporean Volunteer Welfare Organisations (VWOs). Participants will explore the importance of student collaboration with VWO partners. This is an opportunity for educators to deepen their understanding of how to facilitate students through the process of taking informed, sustainable action.
Speakers
RICK HANNAH
Chair of Service and Sustainable Development, East Campus
NISHA FARAH
Service and Sustainable Development Specialist, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 3: Musimbi Kanyoro – The UWC Movement*
The UWC Movement
At this session, Musimbi Kanyoro, Chair of UWC International, Leon Toh, UWCSEA Governor and Carma Elliot, UWCSEA College President will have a conversation about the role of UWC in building a more peaceful and sustainable future.
As they reflect on 50 years of making education a force for good, they will also look to the future of the UWC movement, the role of UWCSEA within the movement and the need for the global UWC community to ensure our mission remains both an inspiration and a positive call to action.
Speaker
Dr Musimbi Kanyoro
Chair of UWC International Board, and Board Member of CARE International and UN Global Compact
Leon toh
UWCSEA Governor and the Managing Partner of Damson Capital
Carma Elliot
College President, UWCSEA
23 APRIL 2022 | How Ethical Behaviour Affects your Future
How Ethical Behaviour Affects your Future
Coming soon.
Format
Online and in-person audience
Speakers
Mark Clay
Family Representative to the Susilo Institute for Ethics in the Global Economy
David Epstein
Executive Director, Susilo Institute for Ethics in the Global Economy, Ahmass Fakahany Visiting Professor in Global Leadership, Visiting Professor of the Practice, Information Systems
23 APRIL 2022 | Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
Learn about processes and tools that build student agency and create sustainable partnerships with local Singaporean Volunteer Welfare Organisations (VWOs). Participants will explore the importance of student collaboration with VWO partners. This is an opportunity for educators to deepen their understanding of how to facilitate students through the process of taking informed, sustainable action.
Speaker
Eivind Lodemel
Head of High School Music, East Campus
23 APRIL 2022 | Understanding Student Conceptions of Peace*
Understanding Student Conceptions of Peace
This session shares the process and findings of a qualitative research study, which sought to better understand UWCSEA students' conceptions about peace, a central concept in the UWC mission. The session will explain how students' thinking about peace differs across the K-12 continuum, and how we can take developmental approaches to teach peace education.
The research study was conducted at UWCSEA's two campuses in Singapore during UWC Day celebrations on 21 September 2021.
Format
Online
Speakers
ERIN WITTHOFT
Head of Research and Curriculum Development, UWCSEA
CARLA Marschall
Director of Teaching and Learning, East Campus
23 APRIL 2022 | Moving Towards an Inclusive Linguistic Community
Moving Towards an Inclusive Linguistic Community
We will take participants on a journey to understand the why, what, how we have developed our thinking and practices around linguistic diversity at Dover. The session will be interactive, and designed to explore how our languages and the linguistic landscape of our College connect to our mission.
We will also reflect on the roles that each of us can play in this process, whether we are students, teachers, parents or other members of the community around our learners.
Speakers
ELLIE ALCHIN
Director of Teaching and Learning, Dover Campus
PILAR Jiménez
Head of Multilingualism, Dover Campus
23 APRIL 2022 | Sustainability and Partnerships
Sustainability and Partnerships
If we are to stop choosing convenience above climate, we require a carefully curated culture change that offers a systems-based approach in ensuring our alignment across all facets of life, and that will propel us forward towards our climate change goals.
Building on the theme of partnerships, this session will explore the idea that there is education in everything and how everybody on campus can actively support our students' learning objectives. In doing so, we enrich students' experience and at the same time offer members of staff a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Speakers
CLAIRE PSILLIDES
Head of Sustainable Development, East Campus
AMAN SINGH CHAUHAN
Head of Operations and Facilities, UWCSEA
23 APRIL 2022 | Amala Partner Presentation: The Power of Education – Transforming the Lives of Refugees*
The Power of Education - Transforming the Lives of Refugees
As the recent events in Ukraine and Afghanistan have shown, the number of refugees grows every year and today there are now more than 80 million displaced people around the world. It is often young people who bear the heaviest burden of displacement. As they get uprooted, their education is disrupted and future dreams shattered. Five years ago, two UWC alumni, Polly Akhurst and Mia Eskelund Pedersen founded the organisation Amala to solve a growing, global problem: the lack of high quality education available to young people who are displaced.
Amala has created the first international high school diploma programme for young refugees and also offers transformational non-formal educational programmes in countries that host large refugee populations including Jordan, Kenya, Greece and Malaysia. UWCSEA has been a committed partner since Amala’s founding, as staff, students and parents and supported Amala’s mission through curriculum development, providing expertise, volunteering, fundraising and raising awareness.
In this session, Polly and Mia will talk about their experiences of setting up Amala, the power of education in creating peaceful and sustainable futures in refugee communities and present on the future of their collaboration with UWCSEA and how the UWCSEA community can get involved.
Speakers
POLLY AKHURST
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Amala Education
Mia Eskelund Pedersen
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Amala Education
23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 6: Kishore Mahbubani – Can the 21st Century remain peaceful?*
Can the 21st Century Remain Peaceful?
In this dialogue, Kishore Mahbubni and Carma Elliot will continue the conversation they began in September 2021 on the topic of peace in the 21st century. Covering themes including changes in global geo-political landscapes, the war in Ukraine and the role leaders in maintaining international peace, the conversation will be a fitting final session for our Forum, as we explore the learning that will shape the future.
Speakers
Kishore Mahbubani
Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore (NUS) and former Chair of UWCSEA Board of Governors
Carma Elliot
College President, UWCSEA
Sustainability
We are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all within the means of nature. At UWCSEA we engage with these challenges by deepening our intellectual and moral capacities, and building our collective wisdom.
Education for sustainable development
Explore how we are integrating the skills, knowledge and qualities needed to help reach the UN SDG's into our learning programme. Explore Our Big Ideas
EXPLORE THE SUSTAINABILITY TRACK
* indicates SUSTAINABILITY is the primary topic
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Learner Agency as an Enabler of Change*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | The Internet of Things (IoT) and Its Impact on Sustainability*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Reciprocal Partnerships for Social Change
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Education and the Climate*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Outdoor Education at UWCSEA – Why, How, What Next?*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | OSU–Cascades Partner Presentation: The Role of Outdoor Experiences in a Sustainable Holistic Education
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 3: Musimbi Kanyoro – The UWC Movement*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Coffee Sustainability*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Future of Work – Inclusion, Sustainability and Innovation*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Sustainability and Partnerships*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Climate Change – the Roles of the Public and Private Sector*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Career Journey Towards Sustainability*
22 APRIL 2022 | Learner Agency as an Enabler of Change*
Learner Agency as an Enabler of Change
In this session, we will explore how we might consider empowering the learners of today to support one another in enabling the change necessary for a sustainable future. The session will focus on an exploration of what it means to cultivate a learning community that enables Learner Agency. As we explore the dispositional nature of Learner Agency and the purpose it serves, how might we consider moving towards using Learner Agency as an enabler of change?
Speakers
Ben CLAPP
Vice Principal Primary School, East Campus
PAULINE MARKEY
Principal Primary School, East Campus
TRACY JOCHMANN
Vice Principal Infant School, East Campus
Jennifer Juteau
Vice Principal Primary School, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | The Internet of Things (IoT) and Its Impact on Sustainability*
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Its Impact on Sustainability
Our lives are changing without us knowing it. Analysis of usage habits, smart tracking, adding sense and control is helping to optimize resources, reduce wastage, and educate people on sustainable living. Industries and institutions can benefit a lot by digitization, predictive maintenance, and enabling data based decisions.
The Internet of things has the ability to play a significant part in combating climate change and protecting the environment. This presentation will outline how the latest innovations in the IoT space are aimed at making the enabling technologies simpler, affordable and ubiquitous in our lives.
Speakers
Shantonu Bhadury
Design Engineering Director, Silicon Labs and UWCSEA Parent
22 APRIL 2022 | Reciprocal Partnerships for Social Change
Reciprocal Partnerships for Social Change
Learn about processes and tools that build student agency and create sustainable partnerships with local Singaporean Volunteer Welfare Organisations (VWOs). Participants will explore the importance of student collaboration with VWO partners. This is an opportunity for educators to deepen their understanding of how to facilitate students through the process of taking informed, sustainable action.
Speakers
RICK HANNAH
Chair of Service and Sustainable Development, East Campus
NISHA FARAH
Service and Sustainable Development Specialist, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Education and the Climate*
22 APRIL 2022 | Outdoor Education at UWCSEA – Why, How, What Next?*
Outdoor Education at UWCSEA – Why, How, What Next?
Join UWCSEA Heads of Outdoor Education as they present concepts, practice and ideas around the importance of outdoor education in a world that is changing at an unprecedented pace.
Speakers
CHRIS NEWMAN
Head of Outdoor Education, East Campus
OLIVER SAMPSON
Head of Outdoor Education, Dover Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | OSU–Cascades Partner Presentation: The Role of Outdoor Experiences in a Sustainable Holistic Education
Coming of Age in the Natural World: The Role of Outdoor Experiences in a Sustainable Holistic Education
Over the past eight years, Drs. Gassner and Wolsko have been conducting a longitudinal investigation into the effects of the UWCSEA Outdoor Education programme on adolescents’ development and psychological well-being.
This presentation emphasizes the unique characteristics of learning outdoors, the critical importance of maintaining a multidimensional connection with nature in an ever-urbanizing world, and the powerful and enduring Outdoor Education experiences of students at UWCSEA. For more background on this work, see these UWCSEA Perspectives links:
- Flourishing People in Place: Understanding the Impact of Outdoor Education (first published in Dunia magazine 2017/2018)
- Journey as a Destination: Evaluating the UWCSEA Outdoor Education Programme (first published in Dunia magazine 2014/2015)
A number of key research findings are highlighted from several years of focus groups, in-depth interviews, participant observations, and surveys with students in Grade 6 and up:
- Consistent patterns of experience on outdoor expeditions facilitate positive socioemotional development among students, as reflected in the UWCSEA profile
- In turn, such positive development predicts higher psychological well-being and academic achievement
- Resilience, social bonding, and connection with nature are among the most profound experiences realized in Outdoor Education at UWCSEA
- Students who experience more connection with nature on their Outdoor Education expeditions report higher psychological well-being one and two years later
- Students who demonstrate more resilience on their Outdoor Education expeditions report higher levels of grit one and two years later
The logistical challenges of maintaining an effective Outdoor Education programme during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the necessity of initiating local Singapore trips, have coincided with UWCSEA’s increased focus on deeply understanding and mitigating of the ecological consequences of travelling far and wide to experience the outdoors. With an eye on sustainability, this talk concludes by examining the trade-offs associated with exploring nearby nature versus accessing unique environments abroad.
Speakers
Dr Michael Gassner
Senior Instructor and Program Coordinator, Tourism Recreation and Adventure Leadership (TRAL) programme at Oregon State University - Cascades, and Honorary Assistant Professor, University of Hong Kong
Dr Christopher Wolsko
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Oregon State University - Cascades
22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 3: Musimbi Kanyoro – The UWC Movement*
The UWC Movement
At this session, Musimbi Kanyoro, Chair of UWC International, Leon Toh, UWCSEA Governor and Carma Elliot, UWCSEA College President will have a conversation about the role of UWC in building a more peaceful and sustainable future.
As they reflect on 50 years of making education a force for good, they will also look to the future of the UWC movement, the role of UWCSEA within the movement and the need for the global UWC community to ensure our mission remains both an inspiration and a positive call to action.
Speaker
Dr Musimbi Kanyoro
Chair of UWC International Board, and Board Member of CARE International and UN Global Compact
Leon toh
UWCSEA Governor and the Managing Partner of Damson Capital
Carma Elliot
College President, UWCSEA
23 APRIL 2022 | Coffee Sustainability*
Coffee Sustainability
Coffee sustainability is an effort to bring the importance of smallholder farmers and their livelihood into the equation and also the adoption of shade grown coffee to support forest conservation.
Indradi will share tips on how to create new collaborations with like-minded individuals and organisations to contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals. This session is drawn from Indradi's lecture topic at Singapore University of Social Sciences.
Speaker
INDRADI SOEMARDJAN
Owner of Soma Coffee Cafes and UWCSEA Parent
23 APRIL 2022 | Future of Work – Inclusion, Sustainability and Innovation*
Future of Work – Inclusion, Sustainability and Innovation
In this session, four parents from different worlds of work discuss the connection between the world of learning and the future of work. How do we ensure that we are developing innovators? How do we honour differences in our learning styles and capabilities so that all kinds of people enter the world of work with confidence and the ability to bring their unique perspectives to their interactions with others? How do we ensure that our students are able to bring their passion for sustainable ideas and their commitment to an equitable culture to the workplace?
Hosted by Nick Alchin, Head of UWCSEA East, this panel discussion, incorporating questions from the audience, will bring together different ideas and perspectives as we define the future of work.
Speakers
Jason Plamondon
Regional Sustainability Manager, Equinix
SONIA GUPTA
Managing Director, Growth and Innovation for Growth Markets, Accenture
SAUMYA SANJEEV '01
UWCSEA Alumnus and Technology Enthusiast
DR SCOTT FLOWER
Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Western Australia
23 APRIL 2022 | Sustainability and Partnerships*
Sustainability and Partnerships
If we are to stop choosing convenience above climate, we require a carefully curated culture change that offers a systems-based approach in ensuring our alignment across all facets of life, and that will propel us forward towards our climate change goals.
Building on the theme of partnerships, this session will explore the idea that there is education in everything and how everybody on campus can actively support our students' learning objectives. In doing so, we enrich students' experience and at the same time offer members of staff a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Speakers
CLAIRE PSILLIDES
Head of Sustainable Development, East Campus
AMAN SINGH CHAUHAN
Head of Operations and Facilities, UWCSEA
23 APRIL 2022 | Climate Change – the Roles of the Public and Private Sector*
Climate Change – the Roles of the Public and Private Sector
This session explores climate change and the different roles played by the public sector and private sector. While public sector is setting the frameworks for regulatory action, the private sector is also getting involved in solving the challenge. But what’s in it for them?
Speaker
MALAVIKA JAIN BAMBAWALE
Managing Director for APAC for Engie Impact and UWCSEA Parent
23 APRIL 2022 | Career Journey Towards Sustainability*
Career Journey Towards Sustainability
The Dover PA Sustainability team will share the career transitions that helped to further align them with their sustainability aspirations and the importance of lifelong education.
Our guest speakers will highlight the need to include sustainability at every level of organisation and the opportunities for professionals to start their journey in sustainability as we drive the required change for a sustainable future.
Speakers
ROBIN CARNEY
Head of Philanthropy at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and PA Dover Sustainability Volunteer
MASAYO HADA
Corporate Sustainability Lead and PA Dover Sustainability Founding Member
ARMIN GELTINGER
Advisor and Trainer at Fitch Singapore and PA Dover Sustainability Volunteer
SMITA MITRA
Criminal Intelligence Specialist with Interpol and PA Dover Sustainability Volunteer
KATARINA RADOSAVLJEVIC
Architect and PA Dover Sustainability Founding Member
WAYNE VISSER
Head Tutor and Lecturer at University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Professor of Integrated Value at Antwerp Management School, and Director of Kaleidoscope Futures
Innovation
We look towards future possibilities in education, while preserving what we value most about our current impact on students and their learning. We reflect, research and act upon our thinking about how learning will change, both in evolutionary and transformational ways. We seek opportunities to connect learning, enterprise, digital technology and external partnerships.
Reimagining education
Find out more about how we are engaging with thinkers and leaders in education and beyond as we evolve our unique programmes to meet the needs of tomorrow. Explore Our Big Ideas
EXPLORE THE INNOVATION TRACK
* indicates INNOVATION is the primary topic
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 1: Howard Gardner – Good Work for Our Time – From Ideas to Impact
- 22 APRIL 2022 | The Nature and Benefits of Inspirational Teaching and How Schools Can Nurture It*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Digital Decolonisation*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | The Internet of Things (IoT) and Its Impact on Sustainability*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | AI Ethics*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 2: Andreas Schleicher – Holistic Education in a High-Tech Era*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Future of Work – Inclusion, Sustainability and Innovation*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Reimagine Mathematical Education*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | East-Dover Virtual Reality (VR) Portal – a window into the future of VR at UWCSEA*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 5: Forrest Li – World of Work – Towards the Future*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Network Based Learning – How Technology Enabled P2P Learning is Saving Lives*
- 23 April 2022 | Climate Change – the Roles of the Public and Private Sector
22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 1: Howard Gardner – Good Work for Our Time – From Ideas to Impact
Good Work for Our Time – From Ideas to Impact
Drawing on two decades of qualitative research as one of the Founding Directors at the Harvard Graduate School of Education Good Project, and sharing insights from recent research on the role of education in a good society, Professor Gardner will explore the meaning of good work and civic participation.
After a 30 minute lecture, Professor Gardner and members of his team will answer questions from the audience as we explore the nature of education and its power as a force for good in society.
Speaker
HOWARD GARDNER
Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
22 APRIL 2022 | The Nature and Benefits of Inspirational Teaching and How Schools Can Nurture It*
The Nature and Benefits of Inspirational Teaching and How Schools Can Nurture It*
A workshop designed to get educators to think about what it means to be an inspirational teacher, why it matters, how we can strive to be more inspirational, and how schools can impact our ability to inspire our students.
Speakers
STEPHEN ROWCLIFFe
I/C Environmental Systems and Society, Dover Campus
JUDSON TOMLIN
Teacher of Biology and Science, Dover Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Digital Decolonisation*
22 APRIL 2022 | The Internet of Things (IoT) and Its Impact on Sustainability*
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Its Impact on Sustainability*
Our lives are changing without us knowing it. Analysis of usage habits, smart tracking, adding sense and control is helping to optimize resources, reduce wastage, and educate people on sustainable living. Industries and institutions can benefit a lot by digitization, predictive maintenance, and enabling data based decisions.
The Internet of things has the ability to play a significant part in combating climate change and protecting the environment. This presentation will outline how the latest innovations in the IoT space are aimed at making the enabling technologies simpler, affordable and ubiquitous in our lives.
Speaker
Shantonu Bhadury
Design Engineering Director, Silicon Labs and UWCSEA Parent
22 APRIL 2022 | AI Ethics*
22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 2: Andreas Schleicher – Holistic Education in a High-Tech Era*
Holistic Education in a High-Tech Era
Andreas Schleicher will share reflections on teaching and learning in a post-pandemic world, and the role of mission-led schools offering holistic education in an every-changing world.
Speaker
ANDREAS SCHLEICHER
Director for Education and Skills, and Special Advisor on Education Policy to the Secretary-general at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris
23 APRIL 2022 | Future of Work – Inclusion, Sustainability and Innovation*
Future of Work – Inclusion, Sustainability and Innovation
In this session, four parents from different worlds of work discuss the connection between the world of learning and the future of work. How do we ensure that we are developing innovators? How do we honour differences in our learning styles and capabilities so that all kinds of people enter the world of work with confidence and the ability to bring their unique perspectives to their interactions with others? How do we ensure that our students are able to bring their passion for sustainable ideas and their commitment to an equitable culture to the workplace?
Hosted by Nick Alchin, Head of UWCSEA East, this panel discussion, incorporating questions from the audience, will bring together different ideas and perspectives as we define the future of work.
Speakers
Jason Plamondon
Regional Sustainability Manager, Equinix
SONIA GUPTA
Managing Director, Growth and Innovation for Growth Markets, Accenture
SAUMYA SANJEEV '01
UWCSEA Alumnus and Technology Enthusiast
DR SCOTT FLOWER
Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Western Australia
23 APRIL 2022 | Reimagine Mathematical Education*
23 APRIL 2022 | Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning*
Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
This session will present the ongoing innovation project, named Project Fu Xi, which was made possible by the UWCSEA 50th Anniversary Innovation Grants. The presentation will highlight how UWCSEA’s culture of autonomy and innovation made it possible to bring together many parts of our learning programme and members of the wider community to develop a healthcare solution for persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This exciting project is a great example of the UWC mission in practice!
Speaker
Eivind Lodemel '01
Head of High School Music, East Campus
23 APRIL 2022 | East-Dover Virtual Reality (VR) Portal – a window into the future of VR at UWCSEA*
East-Dover Virtual Reality (VR) Portal – a Window Into the Future of VR at UWCSEA
Learn how both UWCSEA campuses are working together to create powerful learning experiences within Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR). As a pilot project to explore the potential of VR/AR technologies in the school context, the UWCSEA libraries have been facilitating the development of an East-Dover VR Portal, a VR “Ready Player One” book club and encouraging students to develop skills as active creators and developers for and within VR/AR.
The recent growth of VR/AR technologies is rapidly altering the global information landscape. These changes offer incredible learning opportunities for students right now, while enabling them to develop the information literacy skills they will need to engage with this technology ethically and effectively in the future.
Speakers
KURT WITTIG
Head of Libraries, Dover Campus
PHILIP WILLIAMS
Head of Library Services, East Campus
23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 5: Forrest Li – World of Work – Towards the Future*
World of Work – Towards the Future
This session leads with a discussion on the importance of holding on to one's ideals when embarking on a career; the need to remain curious as an important career life-skill while the future grows more complex and uncertain; and an exhortation to students to use their generation's technologies to do good in the world.
Forrest and his team will then take questions from the audience.
Speaker
FORREST LI
Founder and Group CEO of Sea Limited
Jesscia Shao
Senior Director, People Strategy and Leadership at Sea Limited
Yan Shuicheng
Director Of Sea AI Lab (SAIL) and Group Chief Scientist of Sea Limited
23 APRIL 2022 | Network Based Learning – How Technology Enabled P2P Learning is Saving Lives*
Network Based Learning – How Technology Enabled P2P Learning is Saving Lives
The session focusses on the real impact of inclusive peer or cohort based learning. Using examples from the medical world, where peer to peer learning amongst doctors is saving lives, the session takes real life examples from doctors across South East Asia and highlights how technology is enabling doctors to connect, to drive better outcomes for their patients and ultimately to save lives. The session concludes by summarising how these examples from the healthcare world can be applied to all facets of our lives.
Speaker
INDRANIL ROYCHOWDHURY
Co-founder and CEO of Docquity and UWCSEA Parent
23 April 2022 | Climate Change – the Roles of the Public and Private Sector
Climate Change – the Roles of the Public and Private Sector
This session explores climate change and the different roles played by the public sector and private sector. While public sector is setting the frameworks for regulatory action, the private sector is also getting involved in solving the challenge. But what’s in it for them?
Speaker
MALAVIKA JAIN BAMBAWALE
Managing Director for APAC for Engie Impact and UWCSEA Parent
Inclusion
We embrace the complexity of being a diverse and inclusive community, seeking to deepen our understanding of ourselves and each other, so as to cultivate a strong sense of belonging in all. We support the development of individual agency, and are committed to understanding how we can enhance the education of all students and members of our community.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Our UWCSEA Strategy 2018–2023 renewed our commitment to building a community that is intentionally inclusive and equitable. Explore our work here
Explore the Inclusion track
* indicates INCLUSION is the primary topic
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Learner Agency as an Enabler of Change
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Is UWCSEA Inclusive?*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Mirrors and windows – Reflecting and Amplifying Children's Lived Experiences Through Literature*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | What Might Teaching for Peace Look Like in a Classroom?
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Seeing the Whole Child – Using a Holistic Lens to See Our Students Within a Broader Context*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 3: Musimbi Kayoro – The UWC Movement
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 4: Faith Abiodun – Commitment to Change
- 23 APRIL 2022 | How Ethical Behaviour Affects your Future*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
- 23 APRIL 2022 | All Inclusive? Diversity and Division and Inclusion*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Future of Work – Inclusion, Sustainability and Innovation
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Breaking Access Barriers to Leaders and Mentors*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Amala Partner Presentation: The Power of Education – Transforming the Lives of Refugees*
22 APRIL 2022 | Learner Agency as an Enabler of Change
Learner Agency as an Enabler of Change
In this session, we will explore how we might consider empowering the learners of today to support one another in enabling the change necessary for a sustainable future. The session will focus on an exploration of what it means to cultivate a learning community that enables Learner Agency. As we explore the dispositional nature of Learner Agency and the purpose it serves, how might we consider moving towards using Learner Agency as an enabler of change?
Speakers
Ben CLAPP
Vice Principal Primary School, East Campus
PAULINE MARKEY
Principal Primary School, East Campus
TRACY JOCHMANN
Vice Principal Infant School, East Campus
Jennifer Juteau
Vice Principal Primary School, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Is UWCSEA Inclusive?*
Is UWCSEA Inclusive?
UWCSEA has embarked on several inclusive activities and should now take it to the next level; what might that look like?
This may entail clarifying our individual values towards ‘disabilities’ and nurturing an inclusive community within UWCSEA that resonates Singapore’s aspiration to always be an Inclusive Nation.
Speakers
JOHN SEE TOH
Founder and Chairman Runninghour Co-operative
CHRIS HORTIN TAN
Volunteer, Vice-chairwoman and Events at Runninghour (RH)
FATHIMA ZOHRA
Admin, Programme and Centre Manager for Runninghour (RH)
GILES JACOBSON
Teacher of Mathematics, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Mirrors and windows – Reflecting and Amplifying Children's Lived Experiences Through Literature*
Mirrors and windows – Reflecting and Amplifying Children's Lived Experiences Through Literature and Learning Resources Focused on Diversity
This presentation will share the story of the UWCSEA Dover Infant School’s DEI Literacy Project, supported by a 50th Anniversary Innovation Grant. The aim of this project was to create and curate a collection of books, lessons and resources for teachers and parents of young children, in support of conversations centred on issues of DEI.
We will share the resources developed, the challenges and opportunities faced, and what we learned along the way.
Speakers
ANDREA Strachan
K1 Head of Grade and Infant School Curriculum Coordinator, Dover Campus
RASSAMEE HAYES
Teacher of Primary School, Dover Campus
Evelyn Hurtado
Head of Kindergarten 2, Dover Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | What Might Teaching for Peace Look Like in a Classroom?
What Might Teaching for Peace Look Like in a Classroom?
Figuring out what 'educating for peace' means started for me at UWC Atlantic College and continued after I graduated whilst I tried to figure out how to put my 'peace education' into practice in the real world. That led me to teaching at UWCSEA (and still trying to figure out what peace education really means). I’m a little closer to finding out after using my Masters Thesis to research what it could mean in a Language Arts classroom. I’m looking forward to sharing what I found out.
Speaker
ANISHA WILMINK
Curriculum Leader: IB DP English A (Literature) Language and Literature, Teacher of English, Dover Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Seeing the Whole Child – Using a Holistic Lens to See Our Students Within a Broader Context*
Seeing the Whole Child – Using a Holistic Lens to See Our Students Within a Broader Context
As a College, we provide a holistic education, yet when we discuss students who may need support we sometimes focus on singular evidence. In this interactive workshop, we introduce protocols and tools to help us think about and plan to support the whole child in a broader context.
Our holistic lens includes ecological factors, the unique cultural experiences of students in international schools, as well as the valuable insight offered by parents as partners and those gained through engaged listening to the student voice. We will consider how we can gather the information we need to bring a holistic perspective throughout the whole school.
Speakers
STEPHANIE HEPNER
Head of Student Support Services, East Campus
NATASCHA HOFF
Primary EAL Co-ordinator, East Campus
KATE MCGINTY
Head of Infant Learning Support, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 3: Musimbi Kayoro – The UWC Movement
The UWC Movement
At this session, Musimbi Kanyoro, Chair of UWC International, Leon Toh, UWCSEA Governor and and Carma Elliot, UWCSEA College President will have a conversation about the role of UWC in building a more peaceful and sustainable future.
As they reflect on 50 years of making education a force for good, they will also look to the future of the UWC movement, the role of UWCSEA within the movement and the need for the global UWC community to ensure our mission remains both an inspiration and a positive call to action.
Speaker
Dr Musimbi Kanyoro
Chair of UWC International Board, and Board Member of CARE International and UN Global Compact
Leon toh
UWCSEA Governor and the Managing Partner of Damson Capital
Carma Elliot
College President, UWCSEA
23 APRIL 2022 | Keynote Address 4: Faith Abiodun – Commitment to Change
Commitment to Change
Faith Abiodun, new Executive Director of UWC International, will share his vision for the Movement, followed by an onstage conversation with a student panel, including questions from the audience. The conversation will be wide-ranging, from the origins of the Movement to the change we must embrace to ensure we stay relevant and active in an evolving global community.
Speakers
FAITH ABIODUN
Executive Director, UWC International
23 APRIL 2022 | How Ethical Behaviour Affects your Future*
How Ethical Behaviour Affects your Future
Coming soon.
Speakers
Mark Clay
Family Representative to the Susilo Institute for Ethics in the Global Economy
David Epstein
Executive Director, Susilo Institute for Ethics in the Global Economy, Ahmass Fakahany Visiting Professor in Global Leadership, Visiting Professor of the Practice, Information Systems
23 APRIL 2022 | Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
This session will present the ongoing innovation project, named Project Fu Xi, which was made possible by the UWCSEA 50th Anniversary Innovation Grants. The presentation will highlight how UWCSEA’s culture of autonomy and innovation made it possible to bring together many parts of our learning programme and members of the wider community to develop a healthcare solution for persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This exciting project is a great example of the UWC mission in practice!
Speaker
Eivind Lodemel '01
Head of High School Music, East Campus
23 APRIL 2022 | All Inclusive? Diversity and Division and Inclusion*
23 APRIL 2022 | Future of Work – Inclusion, Sustainability and Innovation
Future of Work – Inclusion, Sustainability and Innovation
In this session, four parents from different worlds of work discuss the connection between the world of learning and the future of work. How do we ensure that we are developing innovators? How do we honour differences in our learning styles and capabilities so that all kinds of people enter the world of work with confidence and the ability to bring their unique perspectives to their interactions with others? How do we ensure that our students are able to bring their passion for sustainable ideas and their commitment to an equitable culture to the workplace?
Hosted by Nick Alchin, Head of UWCSEA East, this panel discussion, incorporating questions from the audience, will bring together different ideas and perspectives as we define the future of work.
Speakers
Jason Plamondon
Regional Sustainability Manager, Equinix
SONIA GUPTA
Managing Director, Growth and Innovation for Growth Markets, Accenture
SAUMYA SANJEEV '01
UWCSEA Alumnus and Technology Enthusiast
DR SCOTT FLOWER
Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Western Australia
23 APRIL 2022 | Breaking Access Barriers to Leaders and Mentors*
23 APRIL 2022 | Amala Partner Presentation: The Power of Education – Transforming the Lives of Refugees*
The Power of Education - Transforming the Lives of Refugees
As the recent events in Ukraine and Afghanistan have shown, the number of refugees grows every year and today there are now more than 80 million displaced people around the world. It is often young people who bear the heaviest burden of displacement. As they get uprooted, their education is disrupted and future dreams shattered. Five years ago, two UWC alumni, Polly Akhurst and Mia Eskelund Pedersen founded the organisation Amala to solve a growing, global problem: the lack of high quality education available to young people who are displaced.
Amala has created the first international high school diploma programme for young refugees and also offers transformational non-formal educational programmes in countries that host large refugee populations including Jordan, Kenya, Greece and Malaysia. UWCSEA has been a committed partner since Amala’s founding, as staff, students and parents and supported Amala’s mission through curriculum development, providing expertise, volunteering, fundraising and raising awareness.
In this session, Polly and Mia will talk about their experiences of setting up Amala, the power of education in creating peaceful and sustainable futures in refugee communities and present on the future of their collaboration with UWCSEA and how the UWCSEA community can get involved.
Speakers
POLLY AKHURST
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Amala Education
Mia Eskelund Pedersen
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Amala Education
Partnerships
We work in partnership with Singapore, families and a diverse range of other partners across the world. We create strategic, mutually supportive relationships with like-minded agencies and individuals, so as to further the reach of our mission to use education as a force to create a better world for all.
Extending our partnerships
UWCSEA is committed to building mutually supportive relationships that contribute to our mission. Learn about our partnership with Amala
Explore the Partnerships track
* indicates PARTNERSHIPS is the primary topic
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Is UWCSEA Inclusive?
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Return to Travel – Managing the Health and Safety of Your Staff and Students*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Reciprocal Partnerships for Social Change*
- 22 APRIL 2022 | Outdoor Education at UWCSEA – Why, How, What Next?
- 22 APRIL 2022 | OSU–Cascades Partner Presentation: The Role of Outdoor Experiences in a Sustainable Holistic Education*
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Coffee Sustainability
- 23 APRIL 2022 | East-Dover Virtual Reality (VR) Portal – a Window Into the Future of VR at UWCSEA
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Sustainability and Partnerships
- 23 APRIL 2022 | Amala Partner Presentation: The Power of Education – Transforming the Lives of Refugees*
22 APRIL 2022 | Is UWCSEA Inclusive?
Is UWCSEA Inclusive?
UWCSEA has embarked on several inclusive activities and should now take it to the next level; what might that look like?
This may entail clarifying our individual values towards ‘disabilities’ and nurturing an inclusive community within UWCSEA that resonates Singapore’s aspiration to always be an Inclusive Nation.
Speakers
JOHN SEE TOH
Founder and Chairman Runninghour Co-operative
CHRIS HORTIN TAN
Volunteer, Vice-chairwoman and Events at Runninghour (RH)
FATHIMA ZOHRA
Admin, Programme and Centre Manager for Runninghour (RH)
GILES JACOBSON
Teacher of Mathematics, East Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | Return to Travel – Managing the Health and Safety of Your Staff and Students*
Return to Travel – Managing the Health and Safety of Your Staff and Students
With borders opening as we enter the era of endemicity, travel as we once knew it has changed. What can schools do to prepare staff, students, and even parents, for the new travel reality? In line with the UN SDG3, this session aims to address:
- How schools can manage the good health and wellbeing, as well as safety, of participants (students and staff) as school trips resume?
- How can digital tools and technology help schools to prepare for trips?
- How can partnering with a health and safety provider help
Speaker
DR Akiko Nomura
Regional Medical Director, Assistance Services, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and India, International SOS
22 APRIL 2022 | Reciprocal Partnerships for Social Change*
Reciprocal Partnerships for Social Change
Learn about processes and tools that build student agency and create sustainable partnerships with local Singaporean Volunteer Welfare Organisations (VWOs). Participants will explore the importance of student collaboration with VWO partners. This is an opportunity for educators to deepen their understanding of how to facilitate students through the process of taking informed, sustainable action.
Speakers
RICK HANNAH
Chair of Service and Sustainable Development, East Campus
NISHA FARAH
SERVICE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, EAST CAMPUS
22 APRIL 2022 | Outdoor Education at UWCSEA – Why, How, What Next?
Outdoor Education at UWCSEA – Why, How, What Next?
Join UWCSEA Heads of Outdoor Education as they present concepts, practice and ideas around the importance of outdoor education in a world that is changing at an unprecedented pace.
Speakers
CHRIS NEWMAN
Head of Outdoor Education, East Campus
OLIVER SAMPSON
Head of Outdoor Education, Dover Campus
22 APRIL 2022 | OSU–Cascades Partner Presentation: The Role of Outdoor Experiences in a Sustainable Holistic Education*
Coming of Age in the Natural World: The Role of Outdoor Experiences in a Sustainable Holistic Education
Over the past eight years, Drs. Gassner and Wolsko have been conducting a longitudinal investigation into the effects of the UWCSEA Outdoor Education programme on adolescents’ development and psychological well-being.
This presentation emphasizes the unique characteristics of learning outdoors, the critical importance of maintaining a multidimensional connection with nature in an ever-urbanizing world, and the powerful and enduring Outdoor Education experiences of students at UWCSEA. For more background on this work, see these UWCSEA Perspectives links:
- Flourishing People in Place: Understanding the Impact of Outdoor Education (first published in Dunia magazine 2017/2018)
- Journey as a Destination: Evaluating the UWCSEA Outdoor Education Programme (first published in Dunia magazine 2014/2015)
A number of key research findings are highlighted from several years of focus groups, in-depth interviews, participant observations, and surveys with students in Grade 6 and up:
- Consistent patterns of experience on outdoor expeditions facilitate positive socioemotional development among students, as reflected in the UWCSEA profile
- In turn, such positive development predicts higher psychological well-being and academic achievement
- Resilience, social bonding, and connection with nature are among the most profound experiences realized in Outdoor Education at UWCSEA
- Students who experience more connection with nature on their Outdoor Education expeditions report higher psychological well-being one and two years later
- Students who demonstrate more resilience on their Outdoor Education expeditions report higher levels of grit one and two years later
The logistical challenges of maintaining an effective Outdoor Education programme during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the necessity of initiating local Singapore trips, have coincided with UWCSEA’s increased focus on deeply understanding and mitigating of the ecological consequences of travelling far and wide to experience the outdoors. With an eye on sustainability, this talk concludes by examining the trade-offs associated with exploring nearby nature versus accessing unique environments abroad.
Speakers
Dr Michael Gassner
Senior Instructor and Program Coordinator, Tourism Recreation and Adventure Leadership (TRAL) programme at Oregon State University - Cascades, and Honorary Assistant Professor, University of Hong Kong
Dr Christopher Wolsko
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Oregon State University - Cascades
23 APRIL 2022 | Coffee Sustainability
Coffee Sustainability
Coffee sustainability is an effort to bring the importance of smallholder farmers and their livelihood into the equation and also the adoption of shade grown coffee to support forest conservation.
Indradi will share tips on how to create new collaborations with like-minded individuals and organisations to contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals. This session is drawn from Indradi's lecture topic at Singapore University of Social Sciences.
Speaker
INDRADI SOEMARDJAN
Owner of Soma Coffee Cafes and UWCSEA Parent
23 APRIL 2022 | East-Dover Virtual Reality (VR) Portal – a Window Into the Future of VR at UWCSEA
East-Dover Virtual Reality (VR) Portal – a Window Into the Future of VR at UWCSEA
Learn how both UWCSEA campuses are working together to create powerful learning experiences within Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR). As a pilot project to explore the potential of VR/AR technologies in the school context, the UWCSEA libraries have been facilitating the development of an East-Dover VR Portal, a VR “Ready Player One” book club and encouraging students to develop skills as active creators and developers for and within VR/AR.
The recent growth of VR/AR technologies is rapidly altering the global information landscape. These changes offer incredible learning opportunities for students right now, while enabling them to develop the information literacy skills they will need to engage with this technology ethically and effectively in the future.
Speakers
KURT WITTIG
Head of Libraries, Dover Campus
PHILIP WILLIAMS
Head of Library Services, East Campus
23 APRIL 2022 | Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
Music and Dementia – Innovation and Service Learning
This session will present the ongoing innovation project, named Project Fu Xi, which was made possible by the UWCSEA 50th Anniversary Innovation Grants. The presentation will highlight how UWCSEA’s culture of autonomy and innovation made it possible to bring together many parts of our learning programme and members of the wider community to develop a healthcare solution for persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This exciting project is a great example of the UWC mission in practice!
Speaker
Eivind Lodemel '01
Head of High School Music, East Campus
23 APRIL 2022 | Sustainability and Partnerships
Sustainability and Partnerships
If we are to stop choosing convenience above climate, we require a carefully curated culture change that offers a systems-based approach in ensuring our alignment across all facets of life, and that will propel us forward towards our climate change goals.
Building on the theme of partnerships, this session will explore the idea that there is education in everything and how everybody on campus can actively support our students' learning objectives. In doing so, we enrich students' experience and at the same time offer members of staff a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Speakers
CLAIRE PSILLIDES
Head of Sustainable Development, East Campus
AMAN SINGH CHAUHAN
Head of Operations and Facilities, UWCSEA
23 APRIL 2022 | Amala Partner Presentation: The Power of Education – Transforming the Lives of Refugees*
The Power of Education - Transforming the Lives of Refugees
As the recent events in Ukraine and Afghanistan have shown, the number of refugees grows every year and today there are now more than 80 million displaced people around the world. It is often young people who bear the heaviest burden of displacement. As they get uprooted, their education is disrupted and future dreams shattered. Five years ago, two UWC alumni, Polly Akhurst and Mia Eskelund Pedersen founded the organisation Amala to solve a growing, global problem: the lack of high quality education available to young people who are displaced.
Amala has created the first international high school diploma programme for young refugees and also offers transformational non-formal educational programmes in countries that host large refugee populations including Jordan, Kenya, Greece and Malaysia. UWCSEA has been a committed partner since Amala’s founding, as staff, students and parents and supported Amala’s mission through curriculum development, providing expertise, volunteering, fundraising and raising awareness.
In this session, Polly and Mia will talk about their experiences of setting up Amala, the power of education in creating peaceful and sustainable futures in refugee communities and present on the future of their collaboration with UWCSEA and how the UWCSEA community can get involved.
Speakers
POLLY AKHURST
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Amala Education
Mia Eskelund Pedersen
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Amala Education
Explore other activities in our 50th anniversary impact programme
As we consider our mission and take stock of the impact of our 50 year legacy in Singapore, we are considering how we can continue to use our education as a force to contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable future – over the next 50 years and beyond.
We are excited to share and celebrate what we have achieved through our Impact programme running throughout our 50th year, which culminated in the UWCSEA Forum.
Please use the sign-up forms linked below to stay up to date and receive invitations to join us as we reflect on our progress and gather thinking to inform the future through the ongoing Kishore Mahbubani Spearer Series, the launch of our remaining UWCSEA White Papers and future events.