Empowering Learners Through Concepts and Inquiry

Join us for an immersive 1.5-day professional learning opportunity hosted by Leppington Anglican College, designed to deepen your practice and inspire transformative teaching.

Day 1 – Conference (July 20th) will be a full day of rich professional learning exploring seven key themes:

• Concept-Based Curriculum & Instruction — strengthening the foundations of conceptual teaching

• Inquiry as a Vehicle for Student Agency — empowering students to drive their own learning

• Interdisciplinary (Integrated) Units of Inquiry — connecting learning across subject areas

• Agency and Agility in Assessment — rethinking how we assess in responsive and meaningful ways

• AI-Powered Pedagogy — exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance classroom practice

• Differentiation Through Conceptual Teaching & Learning — meeting every learner where they are

• Authentic Learning Visits — a preview of the collaborative, classroom-based learning to come

Day 2 – Classroom Visits (July 21st) offers a half-day of authentic learning visits, where participants will have the rare opportunity to step inside classrooms, observe concepts and inquiry in action, and reflect alongside fellow teachers in a genuine school setting.

Presenters

Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall 

Jennifer is an education consultant, author, and part-time instructor at the University of Hong Kong. With over 30 years in international education, she has delivered numerous keynote addresses and workshops on concept-based mathematics, curriculum, and educational technology to Pre-K-12 educators. Her expertise in educational technology, supported by her master's and doctorate, allows her to lead professional learning on innovative digital tools and AI-Powered Pedagogy. She co-authored student companions for IB Diploma Mathematics courses published by Oxford University Press. Her bestselling book, "Concept-Based Mathematics: Teaching for Deep Understanding in Secondary Schools," has profoundly influenced secondary mathematics education. Jennifer's latest release, "AI-Powered Pedagogy: Redefining Education," debuted in June 2024.

Nicole Thorson 

Nicole is a dedicated educator and certified trainer in Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction and an associate of Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall Consulting. She passionately promotes balancing factual knowledge with disciplinary skills and deep conceptual understanding, while fostering lifelong skills for global citizenship. With experience in IB and independent schools, Nicole now leads Teaching and Learning at a new school in Sydney. Her collaborative approach creates a supportive environment emphasizing professional development, peer coaching, and reflective practice. Nicole aims to empower educators, fostering deep understanding and a love for learning among teachers and students alike. Her work continues to inspire and guide educators and learners toward reaching their full potential.

Juan Carlos Cairos

Juan Carlos is an experienced international educator, speaker, and consultant specializing in inquiry and storytelling. By remaining in the inquiry classroom, he is in a unique position to bring his workshops to life using authentic examples and strategies from his classroom.

Juan Carlos supports a diverse range of schools, universities, and government organizations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, bringing a global perspective and the agility to meet varied educational needs. He believes in the power of dynamic, interactive experiences, empowering teachers to step into the ‘productive struggle’ —experimenting, reflecting, and growing alongside their students.

Three accommodation options:

The Hermitage Motel https://www.guestreservations.com/the-hermitage-motel-campbelltown/booking

15 minutes to Leppington Anglican College

The 4-star Hermitage Motel - Campbelltown is located 45 km from Kingsford Smith airport and offers a saltwater pool as well as a fitness area.

Ridges https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/campbelltown/

25 minutes to Leppington Anglican College

15 Old Menangle Rd, Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia

Phone: +61 2 4645 0500

Perfectly situated within the heart of the historic Macarthur region, this contemporary urban hotel is a short drive from the area’s leisure, sporting, commercial, and industrial facilities, making it the ideal location for both business and leisure travellers. Less than an hour from Sydney International and Domestic airports and with direct access to the Hume Highway, M5 and M7 motorways, Rydges Campbelltown is the perfect location for guests travelling from all parts of Sydney and surrounds.

Mercure Sydney Liverpool https://all.accor.com/hotel/7015/index.en.shtml?utm_campaign=seo+maps&utm_medium=seo+maps&utm_source=google+Maps

20 minutes to Leppington Anglican College

424/458 Hoxton Park Rd, Prestons NSW 2170, Australia

Phone: +61 2 8777 0600