Schools Programme - 24 January 2026

This session looks beyond diagnostic terms to the individual learner, recognising that the neurodivergent brain tends to process information differently from the neurotypical brain and, that one size does not fit all. Drawing on current research and lived experience, the session offers practical, affirming strategies to help educators and parents unlock potential, build confidence and support every learner in developing their strengths, academic and beyond, and becoming all that they can be.

- BEYOND DIAGNOSTIC LABELS: SUPPORTING EDUCATORS AND PARENTS IN HELPIING NEURODIVERGENT LEARNERS TO - - - - REALISE THEIR UNIQUE POTENTIAL
- BULLY DIALOGUES
- AI IN SCHOOLS: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
- TEACHING OTHELLO TO GRADE 12
- SUPPORTING THE CHILD ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM IN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

- BEYOND DIAGNOSTIC LABELS: SUPPORTING EDUCATORS AND PARENTS IN HELPIING NEURODIVERGENT LEARNERS TO - - - - REALISE THEIR UNIQUE POTENTIAL
- BULLY DIALOGUES
- AI IN SCHOOLS: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
- TEACHING OTHELLO TO GRADE 12
- SUPPORTING THE CHILD ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM IN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Thirty-seven years after the tumultuous events of their high school years, Schimmel and Fein had a reconciliation which resulted in a close friendship and a need to speak out on bullying. Through raw unfiltered dialogue they expose the emotional, psychological and social complexities of bullying – why it happens, how it shapes lives, and what can be done to reduce harm. Bully Dialogues goes beyond blame and punishment, sparking uncomfortable yet necessary conversations around how bullying is addressed in the home, schools, workplaces, sport and now most notoriously in social media.

There are damaging ways in which AI is infiltrating schools. There is science on how people who regularly use ChatGPT for essay writing retain less information on what they are writing and get worse at crafting coherent text. On the flip side research shows AI tutors that can be useful. I will discuss the use of AI, with particular reference to the use of AI in schools, and conclude with a message that is empowering for educators and learners, enabling them to use AI to teach in a positive way.

Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a different, not defective, way of thinking. This lecture will introduce the diagnostic criteria and levels classification of ASD. We will spend a significant amount of time looking at the cognitive, emotional and social profile of learners with ASD, and will then explore how girls and boys on the autism spectrum present differently to one another. Time will also be spent discussing how schools, health professionals and parents are able collaboratively to support learners on the autism spectrum.

This lecture offers critical analysis of Othello and possible approaches to teaching the play in the classroom. Different theoretical approaches to a literary text and the insights of some famous critics will be surveyed, as well as the cultural/historical background of Othello, and the play’s history on the stage. We will discuss how to approach the literary essay. There will be enough time for questions and discussion as we go along.