Secondary Education Adviser, English Schools Foundation
After a career in accountancy, then two decades teaching in classrooms in the UK, Europe and Asia, John Turner is now the Secondary Education Adviser for the English Schools Foundation (ESF) in Hong Kong.
A specialist teacher of physics and the theory of knowledge, external accreditation visitor, and a boarding school teacher with significant experience in pastoral care; he has a diversity of experiences in pedagogical and curriculum innovation, change leadership, and programme evaluation. His educational interests span far beyond the classroom; in John’s experience, some of the most powerful learning happens spontaneously and in the most unexpected situations.
His current priorities include: supporting authentic student voice, agency and leadership; building and strengthening a diverse range of learning pathways fit for all students; facilitating professional collaborations; and leading our transition towards truly sustainable education.
He believes that schools have a pivotal role to play in shaping the future of our civilisation but fears that current educational structures and approaches are no longer truly fit for the vital purpose they must serve. He encourages everyone with a stake in education to be bold in imagining a better future, and creative in overcoming the numerous hurdles that lie in our way.
Our collective wisdom asserts that the world is currently changing at breakneck speed and schools are tasked with preparing the next generation for an “unknowable future”. Meanwhile, external stakeholders expect us to continue generating data they can use to judge our effectiveness today. The system guides students to place maximum value on collecting qualifications and grades that might or might-not have enduring value.
By the age of eighteen, most students will have spent about eighteen thousand hours at school. Are we maximising that investment of time, resource and childhood? There is a significant opportunity cost to schooling; we should feel obliged to regularly question whether our offer truly honours the trust students place in us.
The teaching profession is a dynamic community of dedicated experts; educational thinking continuously evolves. But are our approaches to learning evolving fast enough? And are we sure they are moving in the right direction?
This workshop will be a chance for educators to come together to explore some fundamental questions about the state of schooling today, other possible futures, roadblocks to progress, and creative solutions to drive immediate improvement. The workshop leader will present, and invite a critical evaluation of, his innovative “manifesto for education”.