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

• Fostering an Inquiry Mindset

• 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 December 15 th, 2024 AUD$425 

Early bird before February 28th, 2025 AUD$475 

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

For Group Discounts every five registered receive one free place.

Contact jenniferwathall@jenniferwathall.com 

Presenters:

Trevor MacKenzie

Trevor is a part-time high school teacher in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. His research, consultancy, and authorship have reached all parts of the world as he works with schools, districts, organizations, ministries, and departments of education in a variety of contexts. Policy advising, curriculum development, professional development, and systems change are Trevor’s areas of expertise. His four publications are globally recognized as “must reads” in the inquiry-based school of thinking. He is a highly regarded speaker known for his heartfelt storytelling, kind demeanour, and person-first philosophy.

Trevor’s graduate research focused on identifying and removing the barriers to implementing inquiry-based learning in the K-12 setting. He has four publications: Dive into Inquiry; Inquiry Mindset Elementary Edition; Inquiry Mindset Assessment Edition; and Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition all published by Elevate Books Edu. He has vast experience supporting schools across several years in implementation strategies in public schools, international schools, and International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP/MYP/DP). 

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.

Three accommodation options:

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

15 minutes to Leppington Anglican College

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/

25 minutes to Leppington Anglican College

15 Old Menangle Rd, Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia

Phone: +61 2 4645 0500

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.

Mercure Sydney Liverpool https://all.accor.com/hotel/7015/index.en.shtml?utm_campaign=seo+maps&utm_medium=seo+maps&utm_source=google+Maps

20 minutes to Leppington Anglican College

424/458 Hoxton Park Rd, Prestons NSW 2170, Australia

Phone: +61 2 8777 0600