OxfordAQA, in partnership with Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan, organized the final event in a series of national conferences for educators, policymakers, and academic experts in Karachi.
The conference focused on discussions surrounding the transformative role of educational management, innovative teaching methods, and the integration of digital advancements in education.
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of Oxford University Press Pakistan, opened the event by sharing OxfordAQA’s vision to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students.
Salma Adil, Director of OxfordAQA Pakistan, spoke about using digital technologies to expand outreach and enhance educational impact.
Dr Fouzia Khan, Chief Advisor at the School Education & Literacy Department of the Government of Sindh, delivered a keynote address stressing the importance of evolving assessment methods. She remarked, “As education evolves, our assessment approach must also change. OxfordAQA’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity ensures equal opportunities for every student.”
Husain emphasized that while rote memorization may produce results, the true challenge lies in engaging students and fostering meaningful learning. He added, “OxfordAQA is focused on bridging learning gaps and enhancing student well-being, ensuring that students don’t just gain university entry, but also thrive beyond that.”
Sajjad Syed, Principal of Links School, commended OxfordAQA’s curriculum, which aligns with their educational philosophy, emphasizing conceptual understanding and independent learning through analytical skills.
Andrew Coombe, Managing Director of OxfordAQA, addressed the growing importance of digital qualifications, stating, “In today’s digital world, we must continually adapt to maintain the relevance of education for both learners and educators.”
A panel discussion, moderated by Dr Farid Panjwani, Dean of Agha Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development, explored innovations in teaching and learning. Additionally, Neda Mulji, Senior Manager for Professional Development at Oxford University Press Pakistan, led a roundtable discussion on the need for collaboration and effective leadership in driving educational change.
Eoin MacGabhann, International Development Manager at OxfordAQA, discussed equitable assessments and inclusivity in evaluation processes.
The conference concluded with a panel featuring Theresa Crisham-Nimmo, Head of OxfordAQA Marketing; Amanda Ingram, Director of Exams at the British Council Pakistan; and Muhammad Ejaz Ahsan, Director of IBCC. Ingram highlighted the British Council’s partnership with OxfordAQA to support schools in Pakistan, while Ahsan confirmed that OxfordAQA qualifications are recognized by IBCC, with International GCSEs and A-levels equivalent to Pakistan’s Secondary Schools Certificate and Higher Secondary School Certificate.