https://www.scmp.com/rss/325224/feed Brian Cooklin is the Principal of Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong and has led schools across three continents. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com More and more, climate change is grabbing headlines around the world. Many of them feature 17-year-old Swedish student Greta Thunberg, front and centre. But while Thunberg does her thing – sailing across the Atlantic, addressing the United Nations – what is really happening at schools around the world for the average student? In truth, climate change has been an issue for young people for a long time. I have been a school principal in three continents for more than 20 years and this has always... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3052648/while-greta-thunberg-channels-enduring-climate-change?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3052648/while-greta-thunberg-channels-enduring-climate-change?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Feb 2020 06:47:31 +0000 What is 21st century learning, and what are the 21st century skills people will need? It is impossible to attend any education conference or exhibition without being bombarded by companies trying to sell their app, software or gizmo which will enhance 21st century learning. In the same way, conference speakers and workshop leaders can regale you with their lists of the skills that you simply must have. The implication being you don’t have them already and you should be worried. Equally, there... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2183331/adaptability-vital-key-survival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2183331/adaptability-vital-key-survival?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Jan 2019 02:03:14 +0000 I believe that building a child’s confidence is the key to success. But what has the biggest impact on building that confidence? In school, the main factor is the relationship between the pupil and the teacher. If a rapport or understanding can be developed, then great progress can be made. Every teacher and every subject can contribute to that. Each person is a unique individual who will respond differently. That is why different teaching styles are equally valid because they will elicit... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2172911/creativity-and-play-are-vital-steps-building-confidence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2172911/creativity-and-play-are-vital-steps-building-confidence?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Nov 2018 04:45:45 +0000 “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence” said Helen Keller, the first deaf and blind person to graduate with a bachelor’s degree over a century ago. I couldn’t agree more with her sentiments. I strongly believe that every child can achieve success by building up their confidence. Firstly, it is important to praise what they can do, and not find fault about what they cannot do. However, overusing praise does not help a child’s development.... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2166133/confidence-key-great-achievement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2166133/confidence-key-great-achievement?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Sep 2018 06:30:30 +0000 Schools should be an active and caring community working towards the development of all pupils so that they can become successful, lifelong learners who develop into healthy, contributing citizens of the world. However, unless schools and family work together effectively, children are less likely to develop the strong relationships they need or make their best progress towards these goals. To be effective, we must have resilient home/school partnerships; with parents, pupils, teachers and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2134109/tips-parent-school-interaction-help-your-child-succeed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2134109/tips-parent-school-interaction-help-your-child-succeed?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Feb 2018 02:00:45 +0000