Reflections on Education for a Complex Future

February saw school leaders from across our community come together at The British Library in London to discuss the key challenges facing educators today. I would like to share some reflections on the event and consider the importance of what was discussed for educators around the world.

What was particularly inspiring was that the sessions gave an excellent opportunity to hear from experts as well as giving volume to the voices of the 10,000 global students who completed the IB poll conducted in the months preceding the conference. The poll was one of the largest of its type ever conducted, and provided a truly global perspective on the key issues of sustainability and Artificial Intelligence. The polling work of Public First and the International Baccalaureate gave us some insightful views which were shared by our expert panelists and featured prominently in the outstanding discussions that we were fortunate to listen to.

Throughout the day the focus was on what we can do and what our students want us to do to help them feel confident and able to tackle the big questions. That there is a need for action was eloquently proven by Olli-Pekka Heinonen’s keynote which set out the ‘era of change’ that we are currently experiencing. Expertly marshalled facts from the World Economic Forum plus his own experience in the Finnish government set the agenda for the day and gave panelists and audience alike a mighty task. That all rose to this is testament to the character and quality of IB educators.

The solutions proposed were practical and grounded. Matt Glanville and Paul Ford gave us insight and advice on working with AI and utilising it in education. Paul detailed the work being done with Multi Academy Trusts to use AI to help track patterns in areas such as attendance, whilst Matt spoke of the possible utilisation of AI for Assessment.

Our expert Climate Crisis panel gave considered thought to what is needed now to deliver educational change to facilitate greater optimism in the student body. Both Jodie Bailey-Ho and Judith Plummer-Braeckman were firmly of the view that the teaching of climate should be in an interdisciplinary manner, rather than solely the preserve of the sciences.

Finally, we were fortunate to hear the insights of Ed Dorrell and Rachel Sylvester into Post-16 educational reform in the UK. They spoke about the Times Education Commission and 'solution focused journalism', as well as considering the merits of the government's recent announcement of the Advanced British Standard (ABS) proposal. These views were particularly insightful as the ABS is entering into a consultation phase, and the audience were fascinated to debate how these might co-exist with the internationally recognised and respected International Baccalaureate programmes.

All in all, an excellent event that rightly places the International Baccalaureate and IB schools and educators at the centre of educational debate in the UK - a place which is totally deserved.

Richard Markham, CEO, IBSCA