Gateway College has launched a new Teacher Exchange Programme with Wilderness School in Adelaide, Australia, creating opportunities for educators from both countries to share classroom practices, strengthen professional development and explore new approaches to teaching and learning.

The partnership has particular significance for Gateway through its relationship with SACE International and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Gateway became the first school in Sri Lanka and South Asia to introduce SACE International in 2022, following an agreement with the SACE Board of South Australia. The qualification is now offered at Gateway College campuses in Colombo, Kandy and Negombo, according to SACE International’s current school network.

As part of the exchange, two Gateway teachers travelled to Adelaide in August, spending time at Wilderness School observing lessons, meeting teachers and students, engaging with the leadership team and experiencing the school’s approach to education first-hand.

Established in 1884, Wilderness School is Adelaide’s oldest independent girls’ school and provides education from the early years through to Year 12, including boarding opportunities.

The school also has a strong record in the South Australian Certificate of Education. In its 2025 graduating cohort, 21 per cent of students were placed in the top one per cent nationally, 65 per cent in the top five per cent and 80 per cent in the top 10 per cent.

For the Gateway educators, however, the exchange went beyond academic results.

One of the key observations was Wilderness School’s emphasis on student agency, with pupils encouraged from an early stage to express ideas, make decisions and progressively take greater responsibility for their own learning.

Gateway teachers said the experience demonstrated how professional collaboration, thoughtful guidance and student independence could work together to strengthen classroom learning and student outcomes.

The visit also provided an opportunity to reflect on practices already in place at Gateway while identifying ideas that could be adapted to further enhance the student experience in Sri Lanka.

Teacher exchanges have become an increasingly valuable part of international education partnerships because they allow educators to see how different school systems approach curriculum delivery, classroom engagement, assessment and professional learning.

Wilderness School’s senior students study a range of SACE Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects, with Year 12 results contributing towards the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank used for entry to universities and other tertiary institutions in Australia.

The Gateway-Wilderness partnership will become fully reciprocal in January 2027, when Gateway College is scheduled to welcome two teachers from Wilderness School to Sri Lanka.

Their visit is expected to create further opportunities for classroom observation, professional dialogue and the sharing of teaching practices between the two schools.

The exchange also reflects the wider international focus of the SACE network, which supports professional learning and collaboration among schools delivering the Australian qualification overseas. SACE International says its support for partner schools includes teacher training, professional learning and resources aimed at strengthening student and teacher performance.

For Gateway College, the initiative represents more than an overseas professional development opportunity. It creates a two-way learning relationship in which teachers from Sri Lanka and Australia can exchange ideas, challenge established approaches and bring new perspectives back into their classrooms.

At its centre is a simple objective: when teachers learn from one another across borders, students ultimately stand to benefit.

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Educators, school leaders and education professionals from across Sri Lanka came together at the BMICH for the International Forum for Teachers (IFT) 2026, exploring how teaching must evolve to prepare young people for a future increasingly shaped by technology, uncertainty and rapid global change.

Held on 25 July under the theme “From Knowing to Being: Preparing for a World Yet to Be Defined,” the flagship annual event organised by Gateway Graduate School focused on moving education beyond the traditional transmission of knowledge towards developing critical thinking, resilience, creativity, sound judgement and a stronger sense of purpose among learners.

The conference brought together educators from national, private and international schools, alongside speakers representing education, technology, leadership, communication, entrepreneurship and professional development. The diversity of expertise enabled participants to examine the future of education from perspectives extending well beyond conventional classroom practice.

World Champion of Public Speaking Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, presenting “Learning to Navigate, Not Just Know,” highlighted the importance of equipping young people with critical thinking and decision-making skills, enabling them to respond confidently to changing circumstances.

Dr. Carl Salt of Flinders University, Australia, addressed the increasingly important relationship between education and technology through his session, “Staying in Charge in a Digital World.” His presentation encouraged educators to consider how technology and artificial intelligence can be used ethically, responsibly and mindfully within learning environments.

Resilience was another central theme of the Forum, with Vidusha Nathavitharana and Shaakya Nathavitharana presenting “Building Resilience for an Uncertain World.” The session explored adaptability, perseverance and emotional strength as essential qualities for navigating change and uncertainty.

Penny Butterworth, Regional Professional Development Manager at Oxford University Press and OxfordAQA, presented “Learning to Shape the Future,” examining how teachers can nurture creativity, innovation and problem-solving while giving young people the confidence to become active contributors to positive change.

A significant highlight of IFT 2026 was the announcement of Gateway’s partnership with Jolly Learning, UK, internationally recognised for Jolly Phonics. The partnership is expected to provide Sri Lankan educators with greater access to established early literacy programmes, teaching resources and professional development opportunities.

The Forum also featured a panel discussion bringing together Professor Deborah West of Flinders University; Thilanka Abeywardena of Microsoft; Anudi Gunasekara, Miss Sri Lanka 2024 for Miss World and Founder of the Saheli Foundation; and Celeste Janik Jayasuriya.

Drawing on experiences spanning education, technology, entrepreneurship, social responsibility, leadership and the arts, the panellists discussed resilience, recognising opportunities, pursuing meaningful career paths and preparing young people to contribute positively to society.

Beyond the presentations, IFT 2026 provided an important meeting point for educators working across different parts of Sri Lanka’s education system. While participants represented diverse teaching environments, the Forum created opportunities to exchange ideas, share experiences and reflect collectively on how education can respond to a future that cannot yet be fully predicted.

Participant feedback highlighted the relevance of the presentations, diversity of perspectives and practical insights shared throughout the conference, as well as the opportunity for educators to reflect on their own influence in shaping the lives and futures of young people.

IFT 2026 was supported by sponsors and partners including Flinders University, OxfordAQA, Eduko Pathways, the University of West London and HNB, helping provide participants with access to international perspectives, professional dialogue and learning opportunities.

As the flagship annual event of Gateway Graduate School, the International Forum for Teachers forms part of its wider commitment to strengthening the teaching profession through qualifications, professional development and opportunities for educators to connect and learn from one another.

That journey is set to continue, with the next International Forum for Teachers scheduled for July 2027.

Gateway Graduate School focuses exclusively on qualifications and professional development for educators, offering pathways ranging from certificate and diploma programmes to degree and master’s qualifications.

Educators interested in advancing their qualifications, developing their careers or joining the professional network can contact 077 225 6356 or 077 925 6256 for further information on Gateway Graduate School programmes and IFT 2027.

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Following successful training for English teachers in September, OxfordAQA continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting teachers with a sold-out training session for science teachers.

The two day training, held on 14-15 October 2025 at Renuka City Hotel, Colombo focused on OxfordAQA’s popular International GCSE Science qualifications and brought together over 30 teachers from leading international schools across Sri Lanka.

The sessions were conducted by Kevin Lancaster, Chief Examiner for several of OxfordAQA’s science specifications, who guided participants through effective teaching strategies, assessment practices, and why taking Sciences with OxfordAQA allows schools flexibility to deliver a quality education with the resources they have and also equips students with the skills they need to succeed.

Reflecting on this event, OxfordAQA Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Panchalika Kulatunga, said:
“Teachers who attended the OxfordAQA GCSE Science face to face workshop showed great enthusiasm and engagement throughout the sessions. They were particularly impressed by the transparency and fairness of the marking approach, which reinforced their confidence in the assessment process.”

OxfordAQA remain committed to supporting the education community in Sri Lanka by providing high-quality professional development opportunities for teachers, with further training opportunities scheduled for the coming months across a range of subjects.

OxfordAQA

OxfordAQA is a partnership between Oxford University Press (a department of the University of Oxford) and AQA, by far the UK’s largest provider of GCSEs and A-levels. www.oxfordaqa.com

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