International Forum for Teachers 2025 Highlights Inclusive Classrooms
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The seventh International Forum for Teachers (IFT), organised by Gateway Graduate School in partnership with the University of Flinders (Australia) and Pearson Edexcel, concluded on Saturday at the BMICH, Colombo, bringing together a wide cross-section of teachers from state, private and international schools across Sri Lanka and the region.
This year’s theme, “Inclusive Classrooms: Teaching Every Child, Reaching Every Mind,” underscored the urgent need to adapt education to increasingly diverse classrooms, while highlighting innovation, empathy, and collaboration as central tools for teachers.
Global and Local Expertise
The event featured an impressive line-up of keynote speakers. Dr. Alberto Luis August (University of Nottingham Malaysia) spoke on climate-conscious, child-centred approaches to inclusion, while Professor Gretchen Geng (Flinders University) showcased strategies for integrating digital play and XR technologies in early childhood learning. Psychologist Rasini Bandara drew attention to mental health in schools, urging teachers to build environments that support emotional safety and resilience. Kushil Gunasekera, founder of the Foundation of Goodness, reminded participants of the role of ethics, values and service in nurturing whole individuals, not just academically strong students.
Insightful Panel Discussion
Adding depth to the day’s conversations were a distinguished panel of local and regional leaders:
Prof. Saumya Liyanage, scholar-practitioner and former Dean at the University of the Visual & Performing Arts, highlighted the power of performance, culture and embodied learning in building inclusive classrooms and bridging divides.
Ms. Premila Paulraj, Director of Market Growth (South Asia) at Pearson, spoke on equity in education and how tailored solutions can create pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to access global opportunities.
Mr. Sidath Wettimuny, former Sri Lankan cricketer turned education advocate, drew on his experiences in both sport and policy reform to emphasise the importance of accessible opportunities. He also stressed the need to give students freedom of choice in pursuing their career paths, encouraging teachers and parents to support individuality rather than imposing predefined routes.
Ms. Thaji Dias, principal dancer and lead teacher at the Chitrasena Dance Company, illustrated how traditional and contemporary dance practices can foster discipline, creativity and inclusivity through the arts.
Flinders Master of Education Programme
A key highlight of IFT 2025 was the introduction to the Flinders University Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Sri Lanka, to be delivered exclusively through Gateway Graduate School. The Programme is designed to meet the growing demand for advanced professional development among educators.
The programme offers three specialist streams—Student Inclusion, Leadership in Education, and Digital Innovation & Artificial Intelligence in Education—allowing students to customise their learning journey. With international recognition, flexible delivery, and strong local support, the M.Ed. promises to set a new benchmark for postgraduate education in Sri Lanka.
Applications are now open for the February 2026 intake, with early-bird bursaries available. Graduates will be equipped to pursue leadership, curriculum design, policy, and specialist inclusion roles, equipping them to influence education both locally and globally.
Details on can be obtained by calling Lakisha on 0779 256 356 or Indrika on 0772 256 356 or by writing to info@gatewaygraduateschool.com
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