Conference Sub-Themes

This year’s theme, Connect, Share, Empower, invites a wide range of contributions, from empirical studies and theoretical insights to practical approaches and case studies. Whether your work highlights cultural identity, sustainability, governance, or future-focused education, SVC 2025 offers a platform for impactful dialogue and collaboration on the future of student empowerment.

This theme is supported by a number of sub-themes, to help understand the focus of sessions.

Cultural Identity & Safety

This subtheme explores the importance of cultural identity, belonging, and safety in educational spaces. Presenters are encouraged to share practices, policies, or research that support diverse cultural identities and create safe, inclusive environments for all students. Sessions in this subtheme may address Indigenous perspectives, intercultural understanding, or strategies to ensure cultural safety and representation within schools.

Future-Focused Education

With education evolving rapidly, this subtheme invites exploration into the skills, technologies, and pedagogies that prepare students for an unpredictable future. Topics might include digital literacy, critical thinking, AI in education, innovative classroom practices, and emerging trends that promote adaptive and forward-thinking approaches. We welcome sessions that push boundaries and inspire progressive educational models.

Safe & Supportive Schools

Building environments where students feel safe, respected, and valued is essential. This subtheme focuses on strategies to address bullying, discrimination, mental health, and emotional well-being within schools. Presenters might discuss whole-school approaches, policy initiatives, and evidence-based practices that foster supportive learning spaces where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Sustainability

Sustainability in education goes beyond environmental practices; it’s about preparing students to be responsible global citizens. This subtheme invites presentations on environmental education, climate action, sustainable school initiatives, and projects that integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into curricula. Whether it’s ecological literacy or student-led sustainability projects, this track highlights ways to make sustainability an integral part of education.

Active Citizenship

Active citizenship empowers students to become engaged, informed members of their communities. This subtheme encompasses civic education, student leadership, community engagement, and projects that encourage participation in democratic processes. Presenters can share programs or research that promote student agency, advocacy, and a sense of responsibility toward the broader society.

Governance & Decision-Making

When students are meaningfully included in school governance, they learn valuable leadership and decision-making skills. This subtheme is dedicated to models of participatory governance, including student councils, advisory boards, and collaborative decision-making structures within schools. Presentations may cover best practices, challenges, and case studies of student involvement in shaping policies and influencing school culture.