Sally Livesey

Head of Primary Operations and Head of Primary History, Geneva English School, Switzerland

Workshop Information:

This session will explore how place-based learning creates authentic, meaningful experiences that connect children to their community and deepen curriculum relevance, particularly in international schools where students may feel detached from their surroundings.

Together, we’ll look at how to design experiential learning opportunities that start from the local environment and link meaningfully to curriculum objectives across subjects. From community spaces and local history to language and landscape, we’ll consider how to make learning more rooted, engaging, and inclusive, no matter which curriculum you follow.

The session will also explore challenges such as time constraints, curriculum alignment, and staff confidence, and offer a planning framework and practical examples that participants can adapt to their own school setting.

Session Outcomes:

• Understand how place-based learning supports engagement, a sense of belonging, and global citizenship.

• Use a flexible framework to connect local opportunities with your curriculum.

• Leave with planning prompts and practical strategies to bring learning to life through place.

Biography:

Sally is a senior leader at a British international school in Switzerland, passionate about building meaningful learning through bilingual, local and global curriculum connections.