New academic director appointed

Dr George Pook has been appointed to fill the post of academic director at the International Baccalaureate (IB), from January 2007, replacing Monique Conn who will be departing to join the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

George, who is currently working at the IB as assessment director, has done an outstanding job since his appointment in 1996. In that role, he has worked closely with the academic director, which has provided the opportunity to be in close contact with a wide range of issues relating to programme development, curriculum review, and other aspects of international education.

George has been working in education for over 27 years, in teaching and assessment roles in both the UK and overseas. During his time at the IB George has been in close contact with a wide range of issues relating to programme development, curriculum review and considerations of international education. He began his career at the IB as a subject area manager, engaging in curriculum review, examinations work and providing teacher training through workshops. In his more recent role he has focused on assessment in the Diploma Programme, as well as helping to develop and manage effective moderation procedures in the Middle Years Programme and contributing to discussions on the role and expectations of assessment in the Primary Years Programme.

The interview committee considered many other applicants with different professional qualifications and experience for the role. In the end, however, the committee unanimously agreed that George had the combination of required skills, experience and personal qualities to ensure that the reputation of the IB is maintained, and that the organization’s developing role in the areas of educational research and professional development of teachers can grow.

Monique Conn will be leaving the IB in late January 2007 to join the Academies Unit within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). She will be based at the Aga Khan’s Secretariat, located near Paris, France. In her new role of academic director, Monique will be responsible for leading the definition, development, implementation support and quality assurance of the academic programmes throughout the growing Aga Khan Academies network. 

The vacant position of assessment director will be subsequently advertised in December 2006. George will continue to provide oversight for the assessment department until the post is filled.