[Principals' Conference] Panel Discussion: Incorporating and Implementing SEL in Curriculum

Overview

[Principals' Conference - by Invitation Only] Despite growing recognition of its value, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) remains significantly underrepresented in many school systems. The 2021 OECD report reveals a stark gap between educators’ belief in SEL’s importance and their confidence or preparedness to implement it effectively.

For too long, our definition of success has emphasised exams, competition, and achievement—often at the expense of joy in learning, collaboration, and intrinsic motivation. The result? For many students, education becomes a decades-long grind. Their emotional needs and social skills are often sidelined, leaving them feeling lost and disconnected from themselves during their most formative years, while constantly being judged by the adults around them.

Far from being the icing on the cake, SEL is foundational. For children, it cultivates self-awareness, emotional regulation, and sound decision-making — skills that underpin both academic success and personal development. For teachers and parents, understanding and embodying the principles of SEL in everyday life — with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental ear — is the most powerful form of teaching. With such support, young people are far better equipped to become resilient, confident individuals who understand their interests, strengths, and areas for growth — ready to navigate life beyond the classroom.

Incorporating and Implementing SEL in the Curriculum will bring together principals from Hong Kong schools to share their on-the-ground experiences, joined by Ms Devi Sahny, Founder of The Edge, who offers global perspectives on embedding SEL in both formal and informal learning. The session will be moderated by Ms Cam Cheung, Co-founder of EDiversity, a charity with a mission: Respect Diversity. Transform Learning. Together, they will offer actionable strategies for embedding SEL at the heart of education.