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Homepage News and Media Festival of Education 2020 | Keynote Speakers announced

Festival of Education 2020 | Keynote Speakers announced

14 Jan 2020

  “We should think about our schools as laboratories for our brain. How do we use data, Artificial Intelligence, neurology, biology, psychology and all of these things to maximize the way the brain works? Schools should be about teaching us how to adapt, and then we will adapt throughout life.” Brett Schilke Director of Impact at Singularity University   The Wellington College China Festival of Education originates from the Festival of Education held by Wellington College in England. Since its inauguration in October 2015, the China Festival has enjoyed similar success. Large numbers of participants attend this annual event to take part in workshops and conversations that relate to the biggest and most important questions facing modern education. The evolution of education is a process that is constantly being revised, reviewed, and renewed, and the Festival of Education aims to remain a relevant and effective part of that process. With the Festival showing the same positive development every year, experts from around the world can gain insights and observe trends in the industry together through this inspirational event.   The Future of Education: Beyond Technology? In a world that is constantly adapting to social, economic, environmental, and technological changes, understanding how to adapt and integrate change into daily teaching has become an important topic of conversation and debate. It is for this reason that the Festival of Education has invited a number of remarkable guests to host workshops and presentations relating to the theme of this year’s Festival ‘The future of education’.   The Wellington College China Festival of Education never fails to provide an inspiring line-up and this year is no different. Alongside over 30 speakers, we are delighted to host the following headliners.  Brett Schilke Director of Impact at the University of Singularity in Silicon Valley Brett is a globally-recognised expert on the future of learning and the future of work, who currently leads and develops initiatives to redesign the global K-12 education system at Singularity University. He is the co-creator of the City X Project, a problem-solving, design, and engineering course for children that is used in more than 75 countries and nationwide across China. Brett’s first book with Rockport Publishers, Adventures in Engineering for Kids, will be released in May 2020. An education innovator and community instigator, Brett will discuss reshaping learning to prepare children and adults to positively impact our world during this year’s Festival of Education. 

Greg Chivers

Novelist and TV Producer

A factual television producer best known as the showrunner for ‘NASA’s Unexplained Files,’ and ‘What on Earth?’ on the Science Channel, Greg has more recently focused on writing; his debut novel The Crying Machine is a thriller that links power, religion, and artificial intelligence. The Crying Machine imagines new political factions of the future and asks some thought-provoking questions about how far humanity’s obsession with technology should go. With more than 20 years of experience in documentary-making and now writing, Greg is likely to inspire audiences at the Festival of Education to think about their own use of technology and how it can be implemented (but not exploited) for the betterment of humanity.


Dr Andy Cope Author, Teacher, and Wellbeing expert A best-selling author, teacher, and happiness expert, Dr Andy Cope has spent the last 15 years researching happiness, wellbeing, and human flourishing. He has worked with some very large businesses including Microsoft, DHL, Kellogg, Hewlett Packard, IKEA, and Marriott Hotels. The ‘Dr of Happiness’ is a sought-after keynote speaker and has previously been featured in The Telegraph, Daily Mail, and Esquire. Understanding the importance of human emotion and wellbeing in education is key to the success of any pupil; understanding the role this plays in relation to technology and its use in schools is a topic worth exploring in depth. Dr Andy Cope will bring his unique expertise and opinions on the subject to this year’s Festival of Education. In addition, we are now confirming a number of speakers who will be announced in our next WeChat article early February. Many of them will lead on forward-thinking, innovative and unconventional discussion about education. Do not miss the opportunity to join and listen to them!   Join us at Wellington College China's Festival of Education! Come and join the thousands of other festival-goers who explore, celebrate, learn, debate, and connect. Be inspired by our speakers, participate in workshops and activities, and connect with other leading educationalists, teachers and parents. Ticketing The fifth annual Wellington College China Festival of Education will take place at Wellington College International Shanghai on 11-12 April. As a benchmark international education event, the Festival is open to the public and welcomes attendees from all walks of life who are passionate about the education industry. Scan the QR code to reserve your tickets!