GESS Talks Webinar 37 - Exploring opportunities in the K-12 Sector in Saudi Arabia

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Our Speakers 

Chairperson: Rachel Rogers, Head of Sales, ISC Research

Rachel has over 25 years’ experience in the education sector, having spent most of her career working in Edtech, supporting schools to realise the benefits of technology to support teaching and learning. Before joining ISC Research, Rachel led an international sales team at GL Education, selling to schools across the globe. ISC Outreach was a key tool for her team’s sales planning activities! After studying psychology at university, she has always been interested in how psychology is applied to organizations and businesses. She completed her Master's research looking at leadership across Multi multi-academy trusts.

Clemmie Stewart – Executive Principal Beech Hall School 

Clemmie has enjoyed over 15 years in the education sector, having taught, led and supported in a variety of settings including state, independent, and academy schools. Clemmie has held roles such as Head of School and Senior Head of Prep Schools and Director of Learning and Teaching for Chatsworth Schools and Blenheim Schools. Now Executive Principal at Beech Hall School Riyadh, Clemmie is proud to be leading the first fully inclusive school in Riyadh, offering a holistic and innovative curriculum, enabling children to reach and unleash their potential.

She also supports educational staff to teach and lead with confidence, developing pedagogy and enhancing the curriculum on offer. In addition to this, she has delivered a TEDx talk on snowplough parenting, has co-hosted an educational podcast with Dr Emma Kell, and completed her Masters in Educational Leadership, alongside a Level 7 Apprenticeship. She has also written a book with Emma, looking at how educators can build effective and positive relationships with parents and carers. She has also been listed as one of Business Women in Educations Women to Watch list, in the Trailblazer category. She is also one of ISC's 20 Edruptors for 2024.

Helen Olds, Director of Schools, British International School Riyadh

Helen has 20 years of experience working in leadership positions in international schools in Asia and the Middle East, serving as Principal of the British International School Riyadh since 2019 before becoming Director of Schools for the BISR group in 2023. Her experience spans the 3-18 age range, including start-up schools through to the growth and development of well-established international schools. She has experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, including single-campus and multi-campus models. She has broad experience across different curriculum models and is passionate about providing high-quality learning and co-curricular experiences for students, with a strong emphasis on student well-being. Additionally, she recognises the importance of high standards in international education, supporting this through leading/participating in BSO, CIS and WASC inspection/accreditation teams.

Paul McConnell - Deputy Director General, Riyadh Schools - Misk City

After graduating in 1995, Paul spent the first 15 years of his career teaching Physical Education in the North East of England. In 2009, he transitioned into international education, moving overseas with his wife and two daughters. He spent the first 8 years in Thailand before stepping into his first headship in Qatar, followed by leadership roles in China, Singapore, and currently, Saudi Arabia. Throughout his career, Paul has gained extensive experience in senior leadership across a diverse range of educational settings.

Paul has led schools using various curriculum models and is currently part of the dynamic team building 44 new schools across Saudi Arabia as part of the Riyadh Schools Group. These schools are adopting the US Common Core Standards in collaboration with National Geographic Learning.

As a leader, Paul’s driving force is the building and nurturing of highly effective teams. He thrives when others around him are flourishing, which likely stems from his early days in the PE department. Currently pursuing his NPQEL, Paul has also recently completed an accreditation visit for an American curriculum school in Dubai. Despite his busy schedule, he makes time to stay active with his family. His two daughters, who have both graduated, have followed in their parents’ footsteps and joined the teaching profession, proudly continuing the family tradition of "the best job in the world