GESS Talks Webinar 32 - The Next Era of Learning: Bold Visions for Change

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MEET THE PANELLISTS: 

Fiona McKenzie

Head of Education - Carfax Education

Leading an international education consultancy from Dubai, Fiona is a trusted advisor for many families and aspiring students, providing an invaluable compass through the complex landscape of education options and opportunities. Fiona has dedicated her career to education over the last 30 years and is a highly regarded and trusted figure in the field - often sought after as a keynote speaker at conferences and a media spokesperson, she regularly shares her insights and strategies with educators, students, and parents alike. Fiona is the Head Consultant for a global private schools guide, titled The Schools Index, and also stands as a highly recommended advisor in the Spear’s 500 Index. Renowned for her impartial, tailored and unmatched guidance, Fiona has positively inspired a new generation of learners to embrace their educational journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

Darren Coxon

Founder - Coxon.AI

Darren Coxon is the Founder of CoxonAI, a consultancy specialising in integrating AI into schools and colleges. An educator for 25 years, Darren has most recently managed the operation of school groups, notably Brighton College’s international schools, Forfar Education, and Britus Education, Bahrain, where he was COO. Darren has been at the forefront of educational technology for many years, including leading the first state 6th form in the UK to move to an iPad 1:1 model. He is a major thought leader on AI in education and has delivered keynotes and workshops for HMC, COBIS, BSME, the National College, GESS Dubai, and the Cottesmore AI Festival.

Gavin McCormack

Co-founder - Upschool.co

With a career deeply rooted in education and a passion for fostering real-world skills and positive change in the educational sector, my journey has been both rewarding and humbling. As a co-founder of Upschool.co, a platform designed to empower students with real entrepreneurship skills that make a tangible impact, I have been fortunate to contribute to the educational growth of children in over 180 countries. This initiative underscores my commitment to providing purposeful education that transcends traditional learning boundaries. With over two decades of experience as a Montessori-trained teacher, I have had the privilege of teaching in multiple countries, which has enriched my understanding of diverse educational needs and practices. My role as the Montessori Australia Ambassador and my experiences as a TEDx speaker on the transformative power of education reflect my ongoing dedication to innovative educational practices.

Matt Green

Owner/Director - JGM Science Tutors

TikTok Sensation, TV broadcaster, teacher, and tutor Matt Green, aka The Rapping Science Teacher, is known for his educational rapping videos across social media. After creating multiple viral videos, being chosen by Will.i.am on ITV's The Voice, and performing acclaimed freestyles on BBC Blue Peter, The One Show, and BBC 1Xtra, content creator Matt now has over a million followers on social media and is a mainstay on primetime TV and radio. Matt uses his skills to educate and entertain millions of students by releasing 30-second-long science rap videos once a week with subjects ranging from respiration to electrolysis, teamed with soundtracks from Central Cee, Stromzy, Skepta, and Dave. Matt creates campaign rap videos for many leading brands, such as Disney, Marvel, YouTube, Three, EE, Oxford University Press, Unite Students, and many more. Matt, a father of three from North London, has a bachelor's degree from Kent University and a master's degree from Imperial College London. Prior to running his tutoring business, JGM, full-time, Matt was a Head of Department at a London high school (aged 11–18). Since launching in 2017, JGM now has over 90 fully qualified tutors, providing science tuition to over 300 students a week across the UK, New Zealand, and Dubai. Matt says his ambition is to help as many students as possible excel in science.

Michael Bradbury

Director of Education - The CEA

I am a skilled and enthusiastic educational leader committed to driving game design and Esports in the MENA region. I'm proud to have been recognised by Epic Games as the first Unreal Authorised Instructor in the UAE. I have over ten years of experience using video games and related software in education. I have led various professional development sessions and delivered keynote speeches on using these tools for the classroom, resulting in sustainable and positive changes in learning. I am also proud to have introduced Esports into the UAE curriculum