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STAFF
DEVELOPMENT 2024 - 2025 |
| The mission
of our staff development is to enhance the professional competence
of our staff and to provide a variety of programmes to support
them to become proactive and life-long learners. |
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Workshop on ˇ§AI in Educationˇ¨ |
As part of our ongoing AI initiatives to enhance teachersˇ¦ knowledge and skills for improving classroom practices, Mrs. A. Fong, Mrs. M. Iu, Mr. W.K. Lo, Mr. H. Ng, Mrs. I. Wong, Mrs. V. Au Yeung, Mrs. C. To, Ms. J. Au, Mr. B. Tang, and Ms. K. Yu attended a workshop on "AI in Education" on 13 June 2025, organized by the Grant School Council at Ying Wa Girlsˇ¦ School. Presenters from Solomon shared insights on global trends and challenges in integrating AI into teaching, learning, and assessment. The workshop focused on the "goodclass.ai" platform and showcased subject-specific tools. Teachers from various disciplines had the opportunity to reflect on potential classroom applications and the benefits of these tools for enhancing teaching efficiency and improving student outcomes.
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Qi-gong Workshop |
On 29 May 2025, our school ran a Qi-gong Workshop. Guolin Qigong, in terms of overall wellness, introduced by Qigong instructor Ms. Cheng Ming Fung, combines traditional Chinese Qigong with principles of Chinese medicine, focusing on "Qi and Blood Circulation" and "Meridians." This practice is effective for disease prevention, recovery, and health maintenance, having been integrated into the Clinical Oncology Department at Hong Kong University since 1998, which solidified its scientific foundation. Its core philosophy emphasizes achieving mental balance through calmness, promoting smooth meridian flow, balancing Qi and blood, enhancing overall circulation, sleep quality, and boosting immunity. Founded in 2008 by cancer patients, the Hong Kong Guolin Qigong Association supports individuals with chronic illnesses, empowering them to regain confidence and resilience. For teachers, practicing Guolin Qigong offers numerous benefits: it enhances personal well-being by reducing stress and anxiety, improves focus and concentration, fosters emotional stability, and promotes better vocal projection through diaphragmatic breathing.
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A Productive Meeting with Pearson International |
On March 31, 2025, our school had the pleasure of welcoming Ms. Ellie Sorell, Product Manager for International Curriculum Teaching & Learning Resources, and Ms. Connie Lee, Senior Regional Development Manager from Pearson International, for a meeting held in the English Room. This event was attended by Sr. Margaret Wong and approximately 30 participants, including Heads and subject teachers from various IAL and IGCSE subject panels.
During this visit, Ms. Sorell addressed teachersˇ¦ concerns regarding the curriculum, assessment practices, and the teaching resources available, including textbooks, exam practices, and online platforms offered by Pearson. The session provided a unique opportunity for Sr. Margaret and the English Panel members to gain a deeper understanding of the new IGCSE ESL specification and the Speaking Exam which is a recent requirement.
The afternoon proved to be both fruitful and enlightening, offering valuable professional development for all participants and enhancing our commitment to providing the best educational experience for our students. The school extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Ellie Sorell for her informative presentation and to Ms. Connie Lee for her excellent facilitation of this invaluable event.
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Solomon AI educational platform and Promethean Interactive Whiteboard |
On September 10, 2024, our school hosted an Active Panel training session to help new teachers familiarize themselves with interactive whiteboard tools. During the second term, on April 10, 2025, we conducted two IT sessions: "Solomon AI for Teaching and Learning" for all teachers and a Promethean Workshop for Panel Heads, ICT teachers, new teachers, and others interested. The first session introduced "Goodclass.ai," an AI-powered platform designed to help schools, teachers, and students manage their work more efficiently, serving as a comprehensive solution for AI in education. The Promethean Workshop showcased the latest features of interactive whiteboard models. The overarching vision of these initiatives is to cultivate a forward-thinking educational ecosystem that leverages technology to enhance teaching and learning, equipping educators with advanced tools and fostering collaboration to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.
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Sharing by school social workers |
On August 20, 2024, our school social workers conducted a staff development session focused on critical issues affecting students' mental health and effective intervention strategies. The session addressed post-COVID factors contributing to declining mental well-being, such as delayed social development, heightened social anxiety, and disorganized routines. Teachers play a vital role in supporting students facing these challenges, particularly in a competitive academic environment that can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and guilt. The session emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs of emotional distress. Teachers were encouraged to adopt caring, attentive, and collaborative approaches with social workers to identify and support at-risk students. Attachment theory was a central theme, highlighting how students' attachment styles influence their behavior and interactions. As primary attachment figures outside the family, teachers can foster healthy, secure attachments that enhance student performance. In conclusion, the session underscored the essential roles of educators and social workers in creating a nurturing environment. Our school can better support students' academic and emotional growth by addressing mental health challenges, understanding attachment, and implementing effective crisis management strategies.
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