Empowering Learners Through Concepts and Inquiry

Join us for a highly engaging and interactive two-day conference on Thursday and Friday, July 17th - 18th 2025 focused on empowering learners through developing deep conceptual understanding in an inquiry-based environment. This conference will bring together educators, administrators, and thought leaders to explore effective approaches to teaching and learning. Through a series of interactive workshops, participants will gain practical insights and strategies to enhance their educational practices.

Broad Conference Themes

• Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction

• Direct Instruction and Inquiry - Balancing factual knowledge, disciplinary skills, and conceptual understanding

• Modeling and teaching dispositions/habits of mind

• Interdisciplinary (Integrated) Units and Assessment

• Agency and Agility in Assessment

• AI-Powered Inquiry-Based Learning

Audience 

All teachers of all age groups and all subject areas 

Investment 

Early early  bird before November 30th, 2024 AUD$425 

Early bird before February 28th, 2025 AUD$475 

Standard conference fee after February 28th, 2025 AUD$495

For Group Discounts of five or more contact jenniferwathall@jenniferwathall.com 

Presenters:

Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall 

Jennifer is an education consultant, author, and part-time instructor at the University of Hong Kong. With over 30 years in international education, she has delivered numerous keynote addresses and workshops on concept-based mathematics, curriculum, and educational technology to Pre-K-12 educators. Her expertise in educational technology, supported by her master's and doctorate, allows her to lead professional learning on innovative digital tools and AI-Powered Pedagogy. She co-authored student companions for IB Diploma Mathematics courses published by Oxford University Press. Her bestselling book, "Concept-Based Mathematics: Teaching for Deep Understanding in Secondary Schools," has profoundly influenced secondary mathematics education. Jennifer's latest release, "AI-Powered Pedagogy: Redefining Education," debuted in June 2024.

Nicole Thorson 

Nicole is a dedicated educator and certified trainer in Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction and an associate of Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall Consulting. She passionately promotes balancing factual knowledge with disciplinary skills and deep conceptual understanding, while fostering lifelong skills for global citizenship. With experience in IB and independent schools, Nicole now leads Teaching and Learning at a new school in Sydney. Her collaborative approach creates a supportive environment emphasizing professional development, peer coaching, and reflective practice. Nicole aims to empower educators, fostering deep understanding and a love for learning among teachers and students alike. Her work continues to inspire and guide educators and learners toward reaching their full potential.

Michael Newton  

Michael is the founding Principal of Leppington Anglican College (LAC) and has been a teacher and educator for over 20 years. He is a national award winner for excellence in music education and is most passionate about building learning communities with great culture. Key to this at LAC has been establishing collaborative teams that value the strengths of every individual and harness them to continually improve their practice.

Two accommodation options in Campbelltown:

The Hermitage Motel https://www.guestreservations.com/the-hermitage-motel-campbelltown/booking

The 4-star Hermitage Motel - Campbelltown is located 45 km from Kingsford Smith airport and offers a saltwater pool as well as a fitness area.

Ridges https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/campbelltown/

Perfectly situated within the heart of the historic Macarthur region, this contemporary urban hotel is a short drive from the area’s leisure, sporting, commercial and industrial facilities, making it the ideal location for both business and leisure travellers. Less than an hour from Sydney International and Domestic airports and with direct access to the Hume Highway, M5 and M7 motorways, Rydges Campbelltown is the perfect location for guests travelling from all parts of Sydney and surrounds.