Future Ready: GISA gathers strong momentum in Accra

The German International School Accra continues to move forward as a future-oriented Begegnungsschule. On 21 February 2026, colleagues Bernard Mensah and Russell Adu attended the Cambridge International Schools Day in Ghana. The conference, held under the theme “Future-Ready: Navigating a Changing Educational Landscape,” brought together education leaders and practitioners from across Africa.

The full-day event offered a rich programme of keynotes, breakout sessions and networking opportunities. At the heart of the discussions were key questions of modern school development: How can schools effectively prepare learners for an increasingly complex world? What leadership structures are needed in times of rapid change? And what role will artificial intelligence play in everyday school life?

Key impulses included sessions on adaptive leadership, future skills such as critical thinking and creativity, and responsible strategies for working with AI. A clear message emerged: successful school development is driven not only by technology, but by coherent pedagogical concepts, shared guidelines and a strong school culture.

In the breakout workshops, participants explored topics such as assessing schools’ AI readiness, strengthening learning through metacognitive strategies, and fostering constructive collaboration within staff teams. The discussions confirmed many of the development pathways already being pursued at the German International School Accra.

One strategic insight stood out in particular: internationally successful schools are increasingly embedding AI structurally, for example through a whole-school AI policy and a clearly designated coordination role. Such approaches provide orientation, strengthen coherence and support the sustainable implementation of innovative learning practices.

The GISA delegation was equally impressed by the depth of the conference. “Future readiness does not begin with technology — it begins with mindset and clear strategy,” Bernard Mensah reflected after the event. Russell Adu highlighted the power of international exchange: “When schools learn from one another across borders, real innovation happens — and that was clearly visible here.”

Beyond the formal sessions, the representatives of the German International School Accra made strong use of the networking opportunities with schools from West, East and Southern Africa. Exchanges on curriculum development, staff development, student wellbeing and digital transformation were widely described as highly valuable.

Overall, participation in the Cambridge International Schools Day provided important perspectives for the school’s ongoing development. With its clear focus on quality, innovation and international collaboration, the German International School Accra is well positioned to continue its journey towards becoming a truly future-ready school.