On the afternoon of 16 January 2025, BritCham Shanghai’s Education Committee, in partnership with the UK Department for Business and Trade, hosted the insightful “Safeguarding, Inclusion, and Sustainability in Schools” event at the British Centre. The event highlighted the growing importance of schools in fostering safe, inclusive, and sustainable environments that support both student well-being and educational outcomes.
The gathering commenced with a warm welcome from Barbara Amono-Oceng, British Deputy Consul-General, Shanghai, who extended her greetings to all the attendees and delivered the opening remarks.
Victoria Pugh, Assistant Director of Accreditation at COBIS, delivered the keynote address on “School improvement, safeguarding, and sustainability.” She emphasized COBIS’ mission to support British international schools in providing high-quality education and its vision to connect school communities, ultimately developing students who can positively impact society. Victoria discussed the COBIS guiding principles, which include inclusivity, collaboration, and ambition, and explained their importance in creating supportive and thriving school environments.
Drawing on Goodenow’s work on “Belonging“, she highlighted the need for schools to foster a culture of acceptance, respect, and inclusion. She also addressed the challenges faced by “third culture kids” (TCK), individuals raised in a culture different from their parents’ or nationality. Finally, Victoria spoke about sustainability, covering environmental responsibility, community engagement, student-led initiatives, and the importance of governance and strategic planning for long-term sustainability in schools.
Following the keynote address, a panel discussion moderated by Paul Farrell, Principal of Britannica International School, Shanghai, featured a lively exchange among experts on best practices in safeguarding, inclusion, and sustainability. The panelists included:
The panel discussion began with a focus on safeguarding, presenting a scenario for the panel to discuss. Key questions on safeguarding, inclusion, and sustainability were addressed, with each speaker focusing specifically on one of these areas in depth. Alastair emphasized the importance of clear procedures for responding to concerns and the need for staff training in safeguarding protocols. Victoria shared her observation, noting that the most successful schools globally take time to collaborate with parents and build strong partnerships to ensure student safety. The conversation then moved to the topic of sustainability, with Duncan highlighting the need to educate both children and adults, including parents, on emotional and academic support. He shared how their school integrates sustainability into the curriculum through scientific education, while also fostering positive relationships between parents and students. John discussed how engaging students in projects based on their passions can help foster a deeper commitment to sustainability. On the topic of inclusion, John stressed the importance of providing equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their backgrounds, and creating a safe space where students’ voices are heard. Victoria added that fostering respect for different cultures and celebrating diversity is essential in creating an inclusive school culture. The panel also discussed the role of schools in supporting the mental health and well-being of students, with clear procedures in place for reporting concerns confidentially. Finally, the discussion addressed the importance of involving parents and the wider community in sustainability efforts and creating a sense of belonging within the school environment.
The audience Q&A session fostered engaging discussions, with attendees posing thoughtful questions that prompted valuable responses from the speakers. The panelists shared practical examples from their own schools, offering useful insights into best practices for safeguarding, inclusion, and sustainability. Overall, the session provided the audience with actionable takeaways and a deeper understanding of how to implement these strategies in their own educational settings.
The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders from the education sector members, including representatives from international schools, bilingual schools, and universities. BritCham Shanghai’s Education Committee looks forward to continuing to host events that facilitate meaningful discussions on the future of education and the role of schools in nurturing well-rounded individuals.