B.04 AI in Education

B.05 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Schools

B.06 Rethinking Classroom Spaces

B.07 Wellbeing & Mental Health in Schools

What role does AI play in education, particularly in relation to student voice and agency? 

AI is already being used in education for personalised learning, assessment, and automation of tasks. Should AI be a tool that supports teachers, or could it one day replace some aspects of teaching? What are the ethical concerns around AI in education? How do we ensure AI benefits all students equally and doesn’t widen existing inequalities? 

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

Should the voting age be lowered, and what role should schools play in civic education?

Schools play a vital role in shaping future citizens. But do they really equip students to participate in democracy, engage in social issues, and take action in their communities? What are some great examples of student-led civic engagement? Should schools do more to encourage political literacy and activism? How can schools prepare students to be active citizens?

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

How does the design of learning environments impact education? 

Most classrooms still follow a traditional design with desks facing a teacher at the front. How does the physical space of a school shape learning experiences? What are some innovative approaches to classroom and school design? How can students have a say in designing learning spaces that work for them? 

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

How can we create more inclusive environments? 

Schools are increasingly recognising the importance of student mental health, but are current efforts enough? What role do students play in shaping school wellbeing initiatives? How can we ensure wellbeing support is accessible, non-stigmatising, and student-led? 

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

E.14 Wellbeing & Mental Health in Schools 

E.15 Building Stronger Partnerships 

E.16 Phone Bans in Schools: Balancing Safety and Student Autonomy 

Wellbeing & Mental Health in Schools 

How can we create more inclusive environments? 

Schools are increasingly recognising the importance of student mental health, but are current efforts enough? What role do students play in shaping school wellbeing initiatives? How can we ensure wellbeing support is accessible, non-stigmatising, and student-led? 

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

Building Stronger Partnerships 

How can students be true partners in school decision-making? 

Many schools claim to value student voice, but how often are students actually involved in decision-making in a meaningful way? What decisions should students be involved in, and what structures enable that to happen effectively? How do we move from consultation to co-creation in decision-making? 

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

Phone Bans in Schools: Balancing Safety and Student Autonomy 

Do phone bans in schools promote focus, or do they undermine student agency and autonomy? 

Many schools have implemented phone bans to reduce distractions and improve focus. However, phones can also serve as valuable tools for learning and communication. What are the pros and cons of phone bans from a student perspective? How can schools strike a balance between ensuring safety and minimising distractions while also empowering students to use technology responsibly? Should students have a say in the policies surrounding phone use, and if so, how can schools involve them in the decision-making process? 

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

How can teachers effectively amplify and support student voice in the classroom and beyond?

Teachers are key in creating environments where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to express their opinions and ideas. What are some effective strategies teachers can use to ensure all students have a voice in their learning? How can teachers balance their role as facilitators with allowing students to lead discussions, shape classroom culture, and influence decisions? What are the challenges teachers face in fostering student voice, and how can they overcome them to build a more inclusive, participatory classroom?

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

Redefining Education 

If you could redesign school from scratch, what would it look like? 

If we weren’t constrained by tradition, what radical changes would we make to education? How would we design a system that truly meets the needs of all students? What should schools focus on in the next 10-20 years to remain relevant and impactful? 

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

How can we ensure student voice is inclusive of all backgrounds and experiences?

Many students experience barriers to education based on race, disability, gender, sexuality, or socio-economic background. What are the biggest equity challenges in schools today? How can schools move beyond just talking about diversity to actively ensuring inclusion? How can student voice be central to making schools more equitable?

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

Student-Led Climate Action 

How can students drive meaningful action on climate change in schools and communities? 

Students are often at the forefront of climate activism, yet schools and institutions can be slow to respond. This session explores how students can lead real change, from advocating for sustainable school policies to engaging with local councils and national decision-makers. What are the biggest barriers to student-led climate action? How can schools better support student initiatives? What strategies have been successful in embedding sustainability into education? 

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

I.26 Youth Political Engagement & The Voting Age 

I.27 Explicit Instruction 

I.28 The Role of Teachers in Amplifying Student Voice 

Are traditional exams and grades still relevant for today’s students?

Many argue that standardised tests and traditional grading systems do not fully reflect students’ skills and knowledge. What alternative models exist for assessing student learning? Should assessment be more about growth and progress than ranking students? How do we balance accountability with more student-centered approaches?

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation. 

Explicit Instruction 

How does the rise of explicit instruction impact student voice and agency in learning? 

Explicit instruction is often praised for its structured, teacher-led approach that ensures clarity and consistency in learning. However, student voice and agency emphasise autonomy, choice, and active participation. How can these approaches coexist? Are there ways to integrate explicit instruction while still fostering student-led inquiry, decision-making, and engagement? Consider examples where explicit instruction supports or limits student agency, and discuss potential strategies for balancing both. 

These sessions are designed to be participant-led, meaning the conversation will evolve based on the interests, experiences, and ideas of those in the room. Facilitators will let the discussion flow organically and only refer to the prompts if needed to spark new ideas or refocus the conversation.