Leo Thompson 🌱 (Edsplorer)

Founder of 🌱Edsplorer

I was privileged to guide the strategic integration of iCanStudy's services into educational institutions such as schools and universities - as well as help build meaningful relationships and valuable win, win partnerships. In short, the big goal is to equip people from all walks of life with 'learning to learn' skills that can give them ownership of learning and truly lift them to become the best versions of themselves. It is time to leverage current cognitive research to shift the education paradigm from spoon-fed to holding the spoon. During my time at iCS, I read published research extensively and received training on specific approaches and strategies. I designed a ground breaking professional development programme and successfully implemented it in schools.

Contracted by CIS as a School Support and Evaluation Officer, I was privileged to work as a 'partner' in international school development and accreditation. The work was broad in scope, covering vital areas ranging from student and staff wellbeing, mission, governance and leadership, to curriculum, high-quality learning, teaching and assessment, global citizenship, community partnerships, facility improvement, etc. I strove to be a reliable 'guide by the side' in the service of schools who are aiming to do their best for their children and staff. I love learning and each school I worked with taught me something new that I could then share to benefit other schools.

I spent two years as Head of Secondary and an interim Head of School in a unique IB World (PYP, MYP, DP) School dedicated to providing a well-rounded international education of the highest standard. Amadeus offers both regular day and boarding on a lovely campus in one of Vienna's most picturesque districts. It also has an outstanding Music and Arts academy with many students progressing to some of the world's top conservatories. I lead the initial drive for the successful Council of International Schools Accreditation and simultaneous three (IB) programme re-authorisation. The school has an inclusive, caring ethos and is very student-centred in its approach.

I spent five years leading a passionate team of teachers and developing an innovative learning environment in the heart of wonderful Oman. The school focused on challenging students, personalising learning and making it a motivating and engaging experience. Led a successful IB Diploma authorisation process, a full mission and vision review, and a successful drive for CIS accreditation. Played a central part in a $25 million expansion project designed by architects Fielding Nair International.

I spent six fantastic years at VIS, where I managed Grade 11 and 12 Diploma students, taught MYP English and DP English Language/Literature and DP Theory of Knowledge. I chaired the team responsible for the school's new mission statement and was heavily involved in the school's CIS reaccreditation process. Also contributed to a Board policy review and oversaw the development of the school's new public website. Advocated for 21st-century learning technologies. Coached football and table tennis.

I spent three years in this highly regarded school in the UAE. teaching KS3 (SAT), KS4 (GCSE) English, and KS5 (A Level) Media. I was a member of the school’s Quality Learning Group - a think tank aimed at improving results and sharing good practice. I also coached a football team.

Taught TEFL English to many nationalities and ages in Oxford. The lessons ranged from basic to advanced and covered phonetics, pronunciation, lexical work and grammar. I developed my own lessons and supervised trips to British tourist venues.

A Masters in Educational Leadership and Management. A consistent passion and theme in my research and dissertation was on the topic of using anonymised feedback to help teachers and leaders to reflect on their practice and develop professionally. I combined empirical research with practice. Other papers and units focused on how to embed mission statements and what constitutes international education and conceptualizing an ideal international school.

This Masters relates to my passion for writing and communication in its many forms. The course was cutting edge and I learned about many New Media technologies and worked with some highly regarded authors and professionals. I integrated the learning into my writing, teaching and coaching.