DR. Catherine Ball
DR. Aidan McCarthy
Step into the future of education at the WA Education Summit 2025, where educators, IT leaders, and school decision-makers will explore how we can harness the power of AI to build more human-centred learning environments. This year’s theme invites us to reimagine education through the lens of empathy, ethics, and purposeful technology use.
Across a series of thought-provoking keynotes, expert-led workshops, and panel discussions, you’ll hear from leading educators, researchers, and industry experts on how AI can support—not replace—human connection in learning. From practical classroom strategies to big-picture leadership insights, each session will offer tools to help you use AI responsibly, creatively, and with impact.
Join a vibrant community of changemakers as we explore how to prepare students for an AI-driven world—while keeping humanity at the heart of education.
Dr. Catherine Ball is a scientific futurist, technologist, and AI thought leader shaping the future of education. As an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and champion of emerging technologies, she explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital transformation in learning environments.
At the forefront of AI-driven education, Dr. Ball envisions a world where technology enhances—not replaces—human potential. She advocates for the responsible integration of AI in schools and universities, empowering educators with tools that personalise learning, foster critical thinking, and prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow. From adaptive learning platforms to AI-assisted creativity, her work challenges traditional models of education, urging institutions to embrace innovation while maintaining ethical responsibility.
A passionate advocate for STEM education, Dr. Ball works with industry leaders and policymakers to ensure that AI and emerging technologies drive positive societal impact. Her expertise spans quantum computing and ethical AI—key themes shaping the future of education. She has advised organisations globally, including the Schmidt Ocean Institute and Australia’s Robotics Advisory Council, on the responsible adoption of new technologies.
As the keynote speaker at the WA Education Summit, Dr. Ball will share insights into how AI is transforming education, the future of work, and how institutions can navigate the digital era with confidence. Her mission is clear: to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Dr Aidan McCarthy is a global thought leader in education, with over 30 years of experience driving digital transformation across schools, universities, and education systems. He has led high-impact teams in both public and private sectors, holding senior roles at global technology giants including Microsoft, where he served as Worldwide General Manager for K–12, and Apple, shaping Global Digital Strategy. Recognised as one of Australia’s Top 50 Technology and Digital Chiefs, Aidan is known for his visionary approach to integrating technology, data, and AI in education.
Currently, Aidan leads the Digital Transformation Agenda for GEMS Education and serves as Chief Digital and Product Officer for a new “AI First, Learner First, Family First” platform under the Varkey Group. His doctoral research and published work focus on enabling educators to expand their digital pedagogies through mobile and emerging technologies.
At the WA Education Summit 2025, Aidan will explore a bold question: If we could start over, how would we reimagine a school or education system? In this session, he will share a transformative vision and real-world journey toward building an AI-powered, data-driven education platform, designed to personalise learning, empower educators, and connect families through intelligent, equitable, and human-centred digital experiences.
Founder of Cyber Safety Project & Collective Education Australia
Founder of Cyber Safety Project & Collective Education Australia
Principal Education Officer Department of Education
Principal Education Officer Department of Education
Co-founder of Next Learning
Co-founder of Next Learning
Head of IT and Innovation at Great Southern Grammar
Head of IT and Innovation at Great Southern Grammar
Principal Education Officer at Statewide Services
Principal Education Officer at Statewide Services
Founder of Cyber Safety Project & Collective Education Australia
Founder of Cyber Safety Project & Collective Education Australia
Principal Education Officer Department of Education
Principal Education Officer Department of Education
Co-founder of Next Learning
Co-founder of Next Learning
Head of IT and Innovation at Great Southern Grammar
Head of IT and Innovation at Great Southern Grammar
Principal Education Officer at Statewide Services
Principal Education Officer at Statewide Services
Deputy Principal at Frederick Irwin Anglican School
Deputy Principal at Frederick Irwin Anglican School
ICT Manager, Peter Carnley Anglican Community School
ICT Manager, Peter Carnley Anglican Community School
Leadership and Education Strategy Lead - Apple Education ANZ
Leadership and Education Strategy Lead - Apple Education ANZ
Education Consultant at the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia
Education Consultant at the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia
Service Delivery Manager at Solutions IT
Service Delivery Manager at Solutions IT
Deputy Principal at Frederick Irwin Anglican School
Deputy Principal at Frederick Irwin Anglican School
ICT Manager, Peter Carnley Anglican Community School
ICT Manager, Peter Carnley Anglican Community School
Leadership and Education Strategy Lead - Apple Education ANZ
Leadership and Education Strategy Lead - Apple Education ANZ
Education Consultant at the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia
Education Consultant at the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia
Service Delivery Manager at Solutions IT
Service Delivery Manager at Solutions IT
Time | AGENDA | ||
---|---|---|---|
From 7.30am | Open for Registration | ||
8:40-8:45am |
Opening address
Trent Ray |
||
8:45-9:45am |
No One Knows a Child Like Their Teacher: The Irreplaceable Human Insight Beyond AI
Dr Catherine Ball |
||
9:45 – 10:15am |
Discussion Panel Creativity vs Security: A dynamic discussion bridging the classroom and IT perspectives on fostering innovation while protecting students in the age of AI. Michael Raymond, Dr Catherine Ball, Shane Parnell and Simon Fittock, Jonathan Stanley |
||
10:15 – 10.55am | Morning tea | ||
Leadership and Governance | IT Management | Teaching and Learning | |
10:55 -11:35am |
AI as the Smartest Teammate on your Senior Leadership Team?
Paul Reid |
Unlocking the Future of IT Management: Tools and Technologies for
Enhanced Efficiencies and Security
Steve Payne |
Apple Intelligence for Education: A New Era of Innovation
Linda Pitt and Ashlee Dale |
11:40am – 12:20pm |
Building Digital Capability
Bhavneet Brar and Paul Johnston |
Apple Platform Security
Patrick Lawrence and Andrew Johnson |
Navigating deepfakes, misinformation and the social media ban
Trent Ray |
12:25pm-1:05pm |
WA Leadership School Case Study A
Details to be confirmed |
Unleashing the power of data with Microsoft Fabric |
AI Hidden in the Tools You Already Have!
Paul Reid and Ashlee Dale |
1:05pm – 2pm | Lunch | ||
2pm-2:40pm |
WA Leadership School Case Study B
Details to be confirmed |
Wi-Fi 7: Faster Connections, Fewer 'The Wi-Fi Ate My Homework' Excuses
Richard Vanderwaal |
Minecraft as a scaffold tool to support classroom equity
Kieran Bailey |
2:45pm-3:30pm |
Reimagining Education: A Vision for a Learner-First, AI-Driven Future
Dr Aidan McCarthy |
||
3:30pm-4:30pm | Closing and drinks |
A really interesting cross-section of information about technology and school.
Rehoboth Christian CollegeGreat day. Love this day for catching up with people and learning. Love it. Had some great information from speakers as well.
Virtual School NetworkIt’s awesome and worth the time away from school. I have lots of reading to do now but I’m excited to get started
Living Waters Lutheran CollgeWell organised and positive experiences, relevant content and ran on time.
CEWA333 Victoria Park Drive Burswood, Perth, Western Australia
We strive to deliver the best IT services and solutions to fastest-growing organisations across Western Australia and beyond.
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Fantastic event. Great speakers. Great food. Great venue. Thank you!!
Marmion Primary