Global Education Network LIVE
Live webinar panel discussion
Beyond Grades (Part II): Embedding Human Skills – including SEL – in the Life of a School
Free CPD event
Date: Thursday 9th April
Duration: 1 hour with Q&A
1:00 PM | United Kingdom | BST
2:00 PM | Central Europe | CEST | GMT+2
3:00 PM | Eastern Europe | EEST | GMT+3
4:00 PM | Gulf Standard Time | GST | GMT+4
6:30 PM | India | IST | GMT+5:30
7:00 PM | Thailand | ICT | GMT+7
8:00 PM | China / Singapore | CST / SGT | GMT+8
10:00 PM | Japan | JST | GMT+9
8:00 AM | Eastern Time (US) | ET / EDT | GMT-4
A certificate of attendance will be sent upon completion of the event
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and we'll send you the recording to watch on-demand
In partnership with
About this event
In this second session of the Beyond Grades series, we move from why human skills matter to how schools are embedding them into everyday practice.
As expectations from universities, employers, and families continue to evolve, schools are under increasing pressure to develop students who are not only academically strong, but also resilient, self-aware, and capable of navigating complexity.
This discussion brings together international school leaders from different regions around the world to explore how broader human skills – including social and emotional learning – are being meaningfully integrated into the life of a school, not as an add-on, but as a core part of the student experience.
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Meet our speakers
Chris Long
Executive Head
Globeducate
Chris Long leads the academic and cultural development of students aged 3–18 at O Castro British International School in Vigo, Spain. He is an advocate for STEM, the Arts, and the value of IGCSEs, promoting a holistic, “learning by doing” approach through initiatives such as the Creativity Lab, contributing to Globeducate initiatives and a balanced curriculum supporting student pathways and future success.
Christian Brady
Director of Studies
King's College School, La Moraleja
Christian is a senior leader with extensive experience in curriculum design, innovative teaching practices, and educational technology. An ISTIP mentor and ITT trainer, he also supports higher education pathways, particularly for Oxbridge and Medicine applicants, and is an A-Level Examiner, IB-certified educator, and Member of the Royal Society of Biology.
Laura Sylvester-Udoh
Career & University Guidance Counsellor
Amity International School Abu Dhabi & Minerva Virtual Academy
Laura is an education professional with over 10 years’ experience, specialises in career counselling, university guidance, employer relations, and curriculum development, taking a holistic, student-centred approach to supporting individuals in achieving their academic and career aspirations while fostering personal and professional growth.
Kirsten Perry
Middle School Counsellor
Singapore American School
Kirsten is a nationally recognised school counselling leader and former National School Counselor of the Year, specialises in social emotional learning (SEL), restorative practices, and whole-school wellbeing. She has led system-wide change across international education settings, supporting schools to embed student-centred approaches that strengthen wellbeing, behaviour, and long-term outcomes.
Joel Worrall
International School Director
Wellington College International
Joel is an experienced education leader with over 20 years in international and UK school settings, he is passionate about developing young people into confident, globally minded citizens and leaders. He has held a wide range of senior roles including Head, Governor, and Head of College at Fettes College Guangzhou, and now works strategically with Wellington College International to support premium schools worldwide.
David Turner
College & Career Counsellor
Dwight School Dubai
David is an experienced education professional with over 25 years in the sector, has built extensive global networks focused on strengthening higher education connections, collaboration, and community. He is dedicated to creating new opportunities and supporting learners and educators with relevant insights, helping guide informed decision-making and future planning in an evolving global landscape.
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Jessica Michalenko
Post-Secondary Enrollment Manager
Fusion Academy
Jessica is Post-Secondary Enrollment Manager at Fusion Academy, where she works closely with students to shape personalised pathways beyond school, from best-fit universities to gap years and alternative careers worldwide. With an M.Ed. in Counselling from Columbia University and a Psychology degree from the University at Albany, she brings over a decade of experience in postsecondary guidance. She is passionate about helping students turn their individual goals into clear, actionable plans for the future.
What you'll learn from attending this session
What this looks like in practice
Practical examples of how schools are translating skills like resilience, collaboration, and adaptability into daily routines, classroom experiences, and wider school culture.
Embedding skills across the whole school
How leading schools are integrating human skill development across academics, pastoral care, and extracurricular programmes – creating a consistent and aligned approach.
Balancing rigour with holistic development
Real insights into how schools are maintaining strong academic outcomes while also prioritising confidence, independence, and student wellbeing.
Building student reflection and ownership
Approaches that help students understand, articulate, and take ownership of their personal growth – from mentoring and goal-setting to student-led initiatives.
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and get access to the on-demand recording.
Agenda
Welcome & introduction
Max Humpston - Founder of the Global Education Network
Panelist introductions
Introduction of panelists & event sponsors
Moderated panel discussion (50 minutes)
Audience Q&A (10 minutes)
Your opportunity to ask questions to our expert panel
Optional networking opportunity post event
Join us for an optional 15 minutes to discuss the event, share experiences with peers and connect with other international educators.
Our sponsors for this event:
Summer Discovery & Oxford Summer Courses
Summer Discovery and Oxford Summer Courses empower students from around the world through immersive, academically rigorous summer experiences designed to build confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity. In partnership with leading schools and prestigious institutions, they create transformative learning environments that extend far beyond the traditional classroom.
Guided by a commitment to academic excellence and personal growth, their programmes combine subject exploration, seminar-style teaching, and real-world experiences that develop critical thinking, collaboration and agency. Through exposure to new ideas, cultures and challenges, students gain the skills and self-belief to thrive at school, university and beyond.