• Exploring the current landscape and trends in the international school sector, and discussing areas of growth and innovation in school management and leadership that have emerged in the past year
• Discussing how the changing demand for private and international schooling is driving change in the sector, and how schools can navigate this and build strategic partnerships to support short- and long-term business goals in the region
• Preparing for the possibility of a permanently blended school environment, and discussing what international school leaders need to consider in delivering a sustainable and outstanding education offering for all stakeholders

Born to a poor family in Costa Rica, Sandra Cauffman nurtured her impossible dream of space travel and is now the Deputy Director for the Earth Science Division at NASA. She provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and overall management for the entire agency’s multi-billion Earth Science portfolio, from technology development, applied science, research, mission implementation and operation.

In this keynote address, Sandra Cauffman will share the key and necessary skills that every leader must have in order to inspire their teams, drive change and have an impact on their wider communities, particularly in the face of adversity.

• How can school leaders best manage their teams during school closures and overcome key challenges in staffing, admissions, or financial management?
• What can school leaders do to strengthen stakeholder engagement and communication management in order to meet the varied needs and expectations of all stakeholders?
• What are the critical skills that successful school leaders need to have in order to effectively lead their teams during times of crisis, while also looking after their own wellbeing?

• Understanding the process of identifying and implementing methods to drive business optimisation and operational efficiency across the school
• Discussing the key factors to consider to ensure that the school’s day-to-day operations are efficient, safe, and compliant, particularly on stretched budgets
• Highlighting the role of technology in driving and maintaining operational efficiency for example by elevating automation and streamlining processes

• Sharing practical guidance and strategies on how to build and establish a strong brand identity in order to market your organisation as a leading player in the market
• Navigating current marketing trends and exploring low-cost yet cutting-edge strategies that be implemented to improve marketing effectiveness and drive growth across the business
• Discussing the best customer engagement strategies to create meaningful interactions and in turn attract, acquire and engage different stakeholders

• Understanding where and how to start your campus transformation project, what your role as a school leader, and how to financially and strategically plan for the development process
• Sharing the key aspects that need to be taken into consideration during a campus transformation project, such as maintenance costs of future facilities and other practicalities, as well as timelines and time constraints
• Discussing the realistic implications and challenges in designing world class facilities from a school leader point of view, and sharing advice on how to overcome these with your team

• Outlining the importance of creating a strong business strategy and vision for the future that enables agile, flexible, and dynamic transformation during unpredictable times
• Building a resilient organisational culture incorporating a robust change management approach and a ‘preparedness leadership’ mindset
• Discussing the level of knowledge school leaders require around business and financial management in order to respond effectively to changing demands in international schooling

Delegates have the option to attend one of the following roundtable discussions. All roundtables are camera-on and delegate-led, to ensure all participants have the opportunity to share their experiences with one another, provide peer-to-peer support and guidance, and reflect on their current challenges and opportunities around a specific topic.  

• Roundtable C: What is Cultural Leadership and Why is it Important for School Leaders?

FACILITATOR: Marc Mesich, Founding Director and Principal, Osaka YMCA International School, Japan

• Sponsored Roundtable D: TBC

• Discussing the key priorities and responsibilities for international schools to contribute to a strong education system which places emphasis on local, global and intercultural awareness
• Considering how to strengthen the impact of international education to advance change, particularly by widening the access to high-quality and affordable education, increasing student mobility, and navigating changing globalisation trends
• Understanding the importance of professional development and the need for qualified staff to create a strong child-centred learning environment

*Programme subject to change