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Andrew Mowat at the AI for Educators workshop in Singapore earlier this year. Following the success of AI for Educators  in Singapore earlier this year, EdEvents is pleased to announce a series of upcoming workshops with Andrew Mowat designed to build AI capability and confidence across school communities. These hands-on sessions—tailored for both teaching and non-teaching staff—offer practical guidance, useful tools, and collaborative activities to help schools navigate the evolving role of AI in education. Whether you're in administration or the classroom, these sessions are designed to empower you to work smarter and lead confidently in the age of AI. 📍 Upcoming AI Events AI for Non-Teaching Staff – Singapore   📅 12 Sep 2025 | 🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 💲155 SGD   📍 International Community School, Singapore Designed specifically for admin and operations teams, this workshop explores how AI can streamline communication, document handling, and daily task management. Participants will leave with tools and strategies to improve efficiency and accuracy—without needing to be tech experts. View details . AI for School Admin Support Staff – Bangkok   📅 29 Oct 2025 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 💲120 USD   📍 Bangkok Patana School, Thailand Similar in scope to the Singapore session, this Bangkok-based workshop is tailored for school support staff. With a focus on real-world tools and ethical implementation, it’s ideal for those looking to reduce administrative burdens and adopt smarter workflows. View details. AI Essentials for Educators – Bangkok   📅 29 Oct 2025 | 🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 💲120 USD   📍 Bangkok Patana School, Thailand This introductory session is perfect for teachers beginning their journey with AI. Through practical tasks, participants will learn how to use AI to create learning resources, improve engagement, and stay ahead of technological shifts in the classroom. View details. Why These Workshops Matter Andrew Mowat continues to explore, test, and refine frameworks to help schools implement AI effectively, ethically, and sustainably. These workshops are grounded in ongoing research and school-based insights, ensuring the content is timely and directly relevant to school environments. “AI in schools can’t just be a teacher thing. It has to work across admin, finance, HR, admissions. Every team deserves to benefit,” said Andrew Mowat. “The most effective AI adoption happens when we move beyond the fear of the unknown and into the excitement of hands-on possibilities. When schools approach AI with intentionality and support for all staff levels, they create sustainable change that benefits the entire learning community. The best AI learning happens when people can touch it, try it, and see immediate relevance to their daily work — that’s when confidence transforms into competence.” About Andrew Mowat Andrew Mowat is an experienced educator, principal, leadership consultant, and author who has worked extensively with schools across the Asia-Pacific region. Known for his engaging delivery and practical, research-informed approach, Andrew has become a leading voice in helping schools navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. His current focus is on building frameworks that support whole-school AI implementation—from the classroom to the back office—ensuring staff at all levels feel confident, capable, and in control. If your school is interested in hosting a live public AI workshop for educators or admin staff in your city or booking a private, in-house training for staff, reach out to EdEvents at info@ed.events .

In conversations about AI and the future of education, I’ve seen a recurring idea: that grade levels should be obsolete. With technology enabling personalised learning at scale, some argue we no longer need to group students by age at all. It’s an attractive concept in theory - students progressing entirely at their own pace, unconstrained by age-based expectations. But here’s the problem: this view misunderstands both what year levels are for and how differentiation already works in well-designed education systems. As a former primary teacher in New South Wales, I worked for years in classrooms where students had a wide range of abilities, needs, and interests. That’s not new. What’s often overlooked by EdTech people is that systems like those in NSW already have a curriculum built around stages, not rigid grade levels. These stages span two years and are designed to support varied learning paths within a cohort... and students work and are assessed at their level of ability. A student in Year 4 may be working at Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) in maths and Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4) in English. That’s expected. Our five-point achievement scale (from ‘A’ to ‘E’) is built to reflect a student’s progress relative to their stage outcomes, not their age. This structure supports acceleration and support simultaneously - without removing students from their social and emotional peer group. That matters. Grouping students by age isn’t about admin convenience, it’s grounded in the reality of child development. Students greatly benefit from learning alongside peers who are at a similar stage socially and emotionally... not just academically. Year levels create shared experiences, stable peer relationships and a rhythm of growth that supports confidence and identity. If we were to disrupt that structure too radically in the name of personalisation, we risk isolating students from the developmental context they need to thrive. This is where AI and technology can make a real impact. Not by eliminating year levels but by enhancing differentiation within them. By helping teachers identify individual needs earlier, personalise content delivery, and free up time for deeper engagement, technology can support the system we already have - rather than tear it down. For example, AI powered tools can assist Learning Support teams by analysing student writing samples or assessment data to flag early signs of difficulty - often before they’re visible in the classroom. Teachers can use adaptive platforms to assign targeted practice or enrichment tasks without segregating students or adding to their workload. These aren’t replacements for human judgment but tools that amplify it. The result is more responsive teaching but most importantly... delivered within a stable, developmentally appropriate classroom environment. And a final note about language. In Australia, like many countries, we speak in "years", not "grades". That’s more than a cultural difference. "Year" implies a period of time, a shared journey. "Grade" obviously suggests a ranking or score. The language we use reflects the values we carry into education reform - and we should choose carefully. The future of education isn’t structureless. It’s structured well. Not year-free but better differentiated. Not driven by novelty but grounded in what works. Let’s build on that.

Where are we at... and where should we be heading? Pulse is a short, anonymous survey for educators working in international and bilingual schools. Its aim is simple: to build a clearer picture of how professional learning is experienced across schools today. The survey is open to teachers, leaders, and support staff who have completed at least one full school year at their current school. It takes just a few minutes to complete. Why it matters Global insights will highlight current trends, challenges, and strengths Member schools will receive anonymised, school-level data to compare with these global insights and support reflection, planning, and improvement The results will help build a clearer, shared understanding of professional learning across the international schools community “This is a deliberately simple survey. It’s designed to measure the same things across schools and over time. The aim is to give everyone a consistent, useful set of data each semester that educators and schools can reflect on together.” - David Burke, EdEvents. Take part — or help spread the word If you’ve been working at your school for at least the last 12 months, we’d love for you to complete the survey. If you’re a leader or coordinator, please consider sharing the link with your team or staff. 🔗 ed.events/pulse The more responses we gather, the more useful the picture becomes.

As international schools continue to grow in cultural diversity, a new online workshop aims to equip Chinese parents with the tools to better navigate the cross-cultural dynamics that shape their children’s education. “Cross-Cultural Communication for Chinese Parents” , hosted by The Bright Side Coaching and Training, will take place on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 , from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (SGT) . Delivered in Mandarin and priced at SGD 50 , the session provides practical insights into how cultural backgrounds influence communication between parents, children, and educators in international school settings. The workshop is the first in a new series focused on cross-cultural communication. It addresses the growing need for culturally responsive support for parents whose children are immersed in Western-style education systems. Through relatable educational scenarios — such as navigating parent-teacher conferences or understanding a child’s emotional development in a multicultural context — the session will help parents develop strategies to more confidently engage with teachers and support their children at home. “This workshop invites parents to go beyond language barriers and develop a deeper awareness of cultural differences.”said The Bright Side's Flora Xu. “By appreciating and respecting diverse perspectives, parents can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with educators and better support their children’s international school journey.” International schools are encouraged to share this opportunity with their Chinese parent communities. Not only does it empower parents to take a more active role in their child’s education, but it also strengthens the vital home-school connection that contributes to student success. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust Tickets are available online  for SGD 50. To register or learn more, visit:   https://www.ed.events/event-details/cross-cultural-communication-for-chinese-parents-may-2025

There’s so much happening across international schools — from jobalikes and TeachMeets to informal PD sessions — but it’s not always easy to know what’s out there. At EdEvents, we’re changing that. We’re building a central hub for international educators — a place where you can discover a wide range of professional learning and networking opportunities, all in one spot. Whether you’re looking for something in your region or exploring what’s happening globally, EdEvents helps you stay connected and inspired. If you're organising a free, non-commercial event that’s open to other educators, you can list it with us at no cost. From staff-led workshops and virtual discussions to regional meetups, your event can reach the wider international schools community. If it’s free, it’s free. That’s our simple promise. If your event isn’t tied to a paid product or service, there’s no charge to list it. We’ll do our bit to help it get seen. And every event shared adds to a growing network of educator-led learning — open, collaborative, and always evolving. By listing your event, you're not just promoting a single session — you're contributing to a bigger vision: a well-connected, global community of educators who are learning, sharing, and growing together. Let’s make it easier to stay informed, build connections, and keep learning — together. 👉 Submit your free event here.

Last week, The Bright Side Coaching and Training, in association with EdEvents , had the pleasure of hosting a professional dinner conversation in Bangkok with international school leaders focused on professional development (PD). Set against the stunning backdrop of the Bangkok skyline, the evening was an opportunity to connect, reflect, and explore how schools across the region are approaching PD. The conversation covered a wide range of ideas—from current practices to creative ways schools are working together to support staff growth and learning. One key takeaway? The value of relationships. When school leaders have the chance to connect in informal settings, new ideas surface, partnerships strengthen, and the potential for collaboration grows. We're grateful to those who joined us for this thoughtful and engaging evening. Strengthening professional networks is an important part of making PD more meaningful and more effective across schools. If you're based in Bangkok and would like to be included in future conversations, we’d love to hear from you. Keep an eye out for future networking opportunities through EdEvents. Bright Side Coaching and Training - Solutions Profile

Professional development (PD) is essential for educators, but are we truly making the impact we intend? On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, PD Directors and school leaders in Bangkok will have a unique opportunity to discuss this very question—over a complimentary dinner with a skyline view. An Exclusive Evening of Insights & Connections Hosted at the stunning Cielo Sky Bar and Restaurant, this event isn’t just another workshop—it’s a focused, informal conversation led by Sarah Aldous (The Bright Side Coaching and Training). Attendees will explore: ✔ What’s working in professional learning ✔ The biggest challenges schools face ✔ What’s missing in effective PD With limited seats available, this is a rare chance to engage in meaningful discussions with like-minded professionals while enjoying a great meal—completely free of charge. 📍 Location: Cielo Sky Bar and Restaurant, พระโขนงเหนือ, Bangkok 📅 Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 ⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM 💡 Who should attend? PD Directors, school leaders, and anyone responsible for professional learning at their school. Seats Are Limited—Secure Yours Today! This is more than just a dinner—it’s an opportunity to exchange ideas, expand your network, and gain valuable insights to enhance teacher development at your school. 🔗 RSVP Now to reserve your spot before it's too late!

Last week, educators from across Singapore gathered at Dulwich College for the AI Essentials for Educators workshop, led by Andrew Mowat. This hands-on session helped teachers build confidence in using AI, understand its role in education, and explore practical applications for the classroom. The workshop covered key areas, including effective AI prompting, research tools, AI-powered lesson planning, and content creation. Participants worked with ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and AI image generators, developing skills they could immediately apply to their teaching. Many attendees found the session highly valuable, particularly in improving their prompting skills and understanding AI’s potential. One participant shared, "I have definitely learnt more about writing good prompts and have the confidence to experiment." Another noted, "I love the new tech I can implement and new resources I can share with colleagues." A huge thank you to Andrew Mowat for leading this insightful session and to all the educators who took part. As AI continues to evolve, it’s clear that teachers are eager to explore its possibilities and bring new innovations into the classroom. Andrew is the co-founder of EduSpark . To discover more professional learning opportunities such as this workshop, explore the EdEvents directory for upcoming events.

Whilst Singapore is often ranked among the world's most expensive cities, there are options to consider. If you’re an international teacher preparing to move to Singapore for the new academic year, you’re in for an exciting adventure. Singapore is one of the most vibrant, diverse, and efficient cities in the world, offering an exceptional quality of life, world-class public transport, and endless opportunities for exploration. However, when it comes to settling in, there are some key tips to help you make smart decisions—especially when it comes to housing, lifestyle choices, and managing your budget effectively. 1. Don’t Commit to Housing Before You Arrive One of the most common mistakes new expats make is securing an apartment before even setting foot in Singapore. While the idea of having your home sorted in advance may seem comforting, nothing beats physically visiting properties to get a true feel for the space, the neighbourhood, and the commute. Most schools will provide temporary accommodation—usually a hotel—for your initial arrival. Use this time wisely. Explore different areas, take note of the commute to your school, and understand how public transport connects you to the rest of the city. Singapore is compact and easy to navigate, so there’s no need to rush. You’ll find that taking your time leads to better decisions and more satisfying living arrangements. Your school may also connect you with an estate agent to assist in finding accommodation. While this can be helpful, remember that agents work on commission—they’re often keen to get you into a property as quickly as possible. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision before you’re ready. Make the agent work for you: be clear about your needs, take your time, and don’t hesitate to stay in your temporary accommodation a little longer if needed. The short-term expense of an extra week or two in a hotel will be insignificant compared to the money you’ll save over the course of your rental contract by choosing the right home. 2. Proximity to Public Transport: The Smart Way to Save Singapore’s public transport system is nothing short of exceptional. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network is fast, reliable, and covers most of the island. However, living right next to an MRT station often comes with a premium price tag. A smart alternative? Look for properties along major roads with frequent bus services. On many of Singapore’s main roads, buses come every minute or so, meaning you won’t even need to check a timetable. You’ll quickly become familiar with the bus numbers that serve your route, and there’s rarely a long wait. Covered walkways link to bus stops and MRT stations. When choosing a place to live, also consider the importance of covered walkways. Singapore’s tropical climate means intense heat and sudden downpours are common. Finding a property with covered walkways leading to nearby bus stops or MRT stations will make your daily commute far more comfortable. Imagine stepping from your apartment into a shaded walkway, hopping onto an air-conditioned bus, then transferring seamlessly to an air-conditioned MRT—life becomes incredibly easy. While a 10-minute walk to transport might seem manageable on paper, it can feel much longer in Singapore’s heat and humidity. Prioritising proximity to well-connected bus stops with good shelter is a smart move for both comfort and convenience. 3. Rethink the ‘Condo Lifestyle’ Many expats are drawn to condominiums (condos) with luxurious facilities like swimming pools, gyms, and BBQ pits. While these perks sound appealing, ask yourself: Will I really use them enough to justify the cost? Condos often come with hefty rental prices, and it’s easy to find yourself spending an extra $20,000 to $35,000 SGD per year for amenities you might rarely use. Instead, consider renting an HDB (Housing & Development Board) flat. These government-built apartments are modern, spacious, and often located in vibrant neighbourhoods with local shops, food courts, and markets just a short walk away. HDB estates in Singapore are well connected to public transport and close to amenities. You could easily find a three-bedroom, two-bathroom HDB flat for around $3,500 SGD per month, including air conditioning throughout. This is significantly cheaper than an equivalent condo and offers excellent value for money. Plus, with Singapore’s abundance of gyms, top-class public swimming complexes, and beautiful parks, you won’t miss out on an active lifestyle. Many gyms are located within walking distance of residential areas, and public sports facilities are affordable and well-maintained. 4. Get Out and Explore Before You Decide Before signing a lease, take the time to explore the neighbourhoods you’re considering. Walk around during different times of day to get a feel for the area. Test your commute to work—don’t just rely on Google Maps. See what amenities are nearby, like grocery stores, coffee shops, gyms, parks, and food courts. One of the great things about living in Singapore is its remarkable safety. Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, Singapore offers peace of mind whether you’re walking home late at night, commuting on public transport, or living in a bustling neighbourhood. This level of safety extends across both upscale condos and HDB estates, giving you the freedom to explore different areas without worry. You might find that an area you hadn’t considered is actually a perfect fit. Conversely, an apartment that looks great on paper might feel isolated or inconvenient once you see it in person. Key points to consider when exploring: Singapore is compact , and it’s easy to explore multiple neighbourhoods in a single day. You’re not in a rush.  Taking an extra week or two to find the right place will save you money and stress in the long run. There’s no shortage of housing.  With a city of over 5.5 million people, new listings are always popping up. Safe at all hours.  You can confidently walk around at night to see how neighbourhoods feel after dark. 5. Budget Smart, Travel More By making cost-effective housing choices, you’ll free up significant funds to enjoy what really matters—travel and experiences. Singapore’s Changi Airport, often ranked the world’s best, connects you to countless destinations across Asia. Weekend trips to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, or Malaysia are both affordable and accessible. You can even take a quick ferry to Indonesia  for a beach getaway or enjoy luxurious holidays in Bali, the Maldives, or beyond - all thanks to the money you’ve saved by avoiding unnecessary rental expenses. Key Takeaways: Don’t rush into renting —stay in your school-provided hotel first and explore the city. Make agents work for you —don’t let them rush you into a lease just to close a deal. Prioritise public transport access —living near a bus stop on a major road can save you money while keeping your commute easy. Look for covered walkways —they make a big difference in Singapore’s tropical climate. Consider HDB flats —they’re spacious, affordable (around $3,500 SGD/month for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom flat with air conditioning), and offer a rich local living experience. Get out and explore —visit neighbourhoods, test commutes, and find the right fit for your lifestyle. Enjoy peace of mind —Singapore’s outstanding safety makes it easy to explore and live comfortably. Think of housing savings as travel funds —Singapore’s location is perfect for exploring Asia’s best destinations. Remember, if you were living in Sydney, London, or Vancouver, you wouldn’t automatically choose the most expensive homes. Apply the same logic in Singapore, and you’ll find that life here can be both affordable and incredibly rewarding. Welcome to Singapore... your international teaching adventure awaits!

Dulwich College Singapore is the venue for the upcoming workshop "AI Essentials for Educators". Educators looking to build confidence and practical skills in artificial intelligence (AI) will have the opportunity to do so at the upcoming workshop, "AI Essentials for Educators,"  led by Andrew Mowat. Scheduled for February 24, 2025, at Dulwich College Singapore, this three-hour session is designed for educators new to AI, focusing on its transformative role in education and how it can be seamlessly integrated into teaching practices. The workshop aims to equip educators with foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in using AI tools effectively. Participants will explore how AI is shaping the future of education, learn strategies to optimize AI interactions, and develop the confidence needed to experiment with AI in their classrooms. Key learning outcomes include Understanding AI as a transformative technology that requires new teaching approaches. Recognizing the implications of AI for student learning and future preparedness. Gaining practical skills in prompt optimization for better AI-generated outputs. Developing iterative prompting techniques to refine responses. Utilizing AI tools for creating educational resources and reducing workload. Building critical thinking skills to evaluate AI outputs for accuracy and reliability. The workshop also touches on ethical considerations in AI usage within education, including strategies to maintain academic integrity. Agenda Highlights The Future of AI in Education:  A 30-minute session covering AI’s current trajectory and its impact on teaching and learning. Practical Applications:  Identifying how AI can support lesson planning, assessments, and personalization. Hands-on with AI Tools:  Engaging exercises using platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity for research and content creation. AI in Visual Learning:  Demonstrations of AI image generators such as Ideogram and MidJourney for developing creative educational materials. Interactive Q&A:  A 15-minute plenary session for participants to address questions and share insights. Meet the Workshop Leader: Andrew Mowat Andrew Mowat, workshop leader. Andrew Mowat brings over 40 years of educational experience to this session. His diverse roles have included teacher, principal, Director of IT at the Australian International School, and Global Head of Learning and Development for Cognita. As co-founder of EduSpark, he focuses on professional development that leads to real-world educational change. Mowat’s expertise in integrating AI into educational contexts helps demystify this technology, making it accessible and practical for educators. His background in educational neuroscience, leadership, and learning design ensures participants receive comprehensive insights into both the technical and pedagogical aspects of AI. Registration Information Educators interested in attending can buy tickets  to secure their spot. For further inquiries, schools and individuals can reach out to EdEvents at info@ed.events . This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for educators to not just learn about AI but to confidently lead their classrooms into the future with new tools and strategies. Event: AI Essentials for Educators Date:  Monday, February 24, 2025 Time:  2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location:  Dulwich College Singapore

SAC 2025 will be held on 7-8 March 2025 at Shekou International School, China. EdEvents is proud to partner with PeerSphere and International School Services (ISS) to support the 3rd Annual School Administration Conference (SAC), held at Shekou International School in Shenzhen on March 7-8, 2025. This year’s theme, “Forge Ahead Together: Building Professional Relationships,” emphasises collaboration and effective management practices as vital components for success in international schools. With workshops, expert keynotes, and networking opportunities tailored for administrative leaders and staff, SAC 2025 is a must-attend event for professionals in HR, operations, marketing, and more. 📌 Why Attend SAC 2025? Gain actionable strategies from leading experts. Participate in tailored sessions addressing real-world challenges. Build lasting connections within the international education community. Hurry—early bird pricing ends December 31, 2024! ➡️ Register Now | Become a Sponsor | Submit a Proposal EdEvents is delighted to support PeerSphere and ISS on this impactful initiative, and we look forward to seeing you there!

EdEvents is thrilled to support WomenEd Singapore in presenting Level Up: The Career Clinic, a free event dedicated to empowering women and allies to thrive both personally and professionally. 📅 Date: Saturday, 18th January 📍 Location: The Institute, Tanglin Trust School This dynamic event features: Inspiring Keynote: Begin the day with motivational insights to spark your journey. Tailored Workshops: Topics range from leadership skills and professional development to work-life balance and financial health. Engaging Panel Discussion: Explore the value of being 10% braver in making bold career moves. Keynote speaker: Kathryn Hemming, Executive Consultant and Educational Leadership Coach. At EdEvents, we celebrate initiatives like these that provide actionable tools and foster connections within the education community. Supporting events that prioritise growth, leadership, and collaboration reflects our mission to elevate opportunities for all educators and leaders alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow and thrive. View the full event details here: https://www.ed.events/events/level-up%3A-the-career-clinic Register here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/level-up-the-career-clinic-tickets-1096160679099