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Festival of Education 2019 | Headliners announced

05 Mar 2019

Taking place on Friday 12th April and Saturday 13th April 2019, the Wellington College China Festival of Education promises to be the best of what is now an annual event that celebrates, debates and explores education and the place it has in a rapidly changing world. Following the opening event in Shanghai, the festival will then move to Wellington College Hangzhou on 14-15th April, and to Wellington College Tianjin on 19-20th AprilThe Festival of Education brings together the industry’s most forward-thinking minds, practitioners of change, policy makers, and teachers, at one of the leading forums for thought leadership, CPD and debate. With more than 40 expert speakers delivering over 90 presentations, talks and workshops spanning seven days and dispersed over three different cities, the 2019 festival is an event that will inspire debate, encourage the sharing of knowledge, and advocate international ‘best practice’. Whether you are a parent, an educator or someone who is interested in teaching and learning, there is plenty on offer during the festival. Educators who attend the Shanghai event can request a certificate of attendance as part of their professional development.

Headline Speakers | 2019

The Wellington College China Festival of Education never fails to provide an inspiring line-up and this year is no different. Alongside over 20 speakers, we are also delighted to host the following headliners:

Writer, performer and mental health campaigner, Ruby Wax will question her audience on what is it that makes us truly human.

Outstanding novelist, non-fiction writer and broadcaster Ian Merchant will talk about alternative education.

Festival returnee Ian Warwick will develop his thoughtful contributions from 2016 and 2017.

Dr Terry Qian, a renowned independent researcher, and educational consultant will discuss how a radical rethink of the education system is required to help children succeed in their lives after school.

Inventor of the Leuven Scales for emotional wellbeing, Professor Ferre Laevers, will offer his perspectives on what it means to be properly involved with life.

Writer Lenora Chu, author of the book ‘Little Soldiers', will explore the tension between Chinese and Western concepts of education.

Charity Director, photographer and film producerm, Bee Gilbert set up a charity called Anno's Africa. She will present 'Gender inequality in education in poor environments'.

Year 5 Teacher and IPC Coordinator of Wellington College International Shanghai, Tia Luker has 12 years of teaching experience. She will talk about 'Engineering with confidence'.

Learning Support and Dyslexia Therapist, Elis Poh will advise parents and teachers on the best approaches and provisions to support the development and achievement of the child.

After living in eight different countries across four different continents, Patricia Zayan has acquired a personal understanding of what it means to be a TCK (Third Culture Kid). She will talk about the anxiety about being a 'third culture kid'.

These outstanding presentations, plus a debate about the possibilities for technology in education, North American University Application guidance, and a host of other important educational issues, will all come together to give the festival a dynamic and diverse character. In addition, negotiations are well under way to bring in other speakers with interesting, unconventional and controversial things to say about education – more news on them when their participation is confirmed.

Tickets are available now!

The Wellington College China Festival of Education will take place on 19-20 April 2019 at Wellington College Tianjin.In 2017, over 500 people purchased tickets to attend the Festival of Education. This academic year, there are 2 types of tickets available:

One Day Festival tickets
Full Festival tickets

Book your tickets now!

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