Driving Innovation at LCIS: A New Director of Innovation Role

At La Côte International School (LCIS), we are proud to introduce a new leadership position: Director of Innovation. This role represents an important step in strengthening our commitment to delivering an exceptional, forward-thinking education—one that equips students with the knowledge, mindset, and future ready skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

As technology continues to reshape how we learn and work, this role will lead the development of teaching and learning across the school, ensuring our approach remains dynamic, relevant, and impactful.

My key objectives in my new role are to develop opportunities and experiences for students, and also to embed innovation, technology and enterprise throughout our school, from Primary to Secondary.

Siobhan Newell

Director of Innovation

Preparing Students for the Future: Life Skills at LCIS

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the way we live and work, the most valuable skills for the future are becoming increasingly human.

A Familiar Face Leading Innovation

We are delighted that Mrs Newell, a long-standing and highly valued member of the LCIS community, will take on this new role from August 2026. Her deep understanding of the school, combined with her passion for innovation, makes her ideally placed to shape this next chapter.

Currently serving as IB Diploma Phase Lead, Mrs Newell oversees both the academic and pastoral experience of Year 12 students, working closely with staff and senior leaders to support each learner’s journey.

Expertise and Leadership in Education

Mrs Newell brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Assistant Headteacher, Pastoral Lead, and Head of Design Technology & STEAM. Throughout her career, she has led curriculum development, introduced wellbeing initiatives, and delivered interdisciplinary programmes—including collaborations with MIT.

She holds an MA in International Education from King’s College London and is deeply committed to continuous growth, both for herself and the wider school community.

Focusing on Skills AI Cannot Replace

A key priority of the Director of Innovation role is ensuring that students develop the skills AI cannot replace. While artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of modern life, LCIS remains focused on nurturing the distinctly human qualities that enable students to thrive.

These include creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, empathy, and ethical decision-making. Mrs Newell will play a central role in embedding these skills across subjects and year groups, ensuring they are at the heart of every learning experience.

Embracing AI with Purpose

Alongside this, LCIS is committed to helping students understand and engage confidently with emerging technologies. Under Mrs Newell’s leadership, the school will continue to explore how AI can enhance learning, while promoting its responsible and thoughtful use.

This balanced approach ensures that students are not only prepared to work alongside AI, but are also equipped to question, challenge, and shape the world it is helping to create.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of the Director of Innovation role marks an exciting moment for LCIS. With Mrs Newell’s leadership, we look forward to further strengthening our approach to teaching and learning—ensuring every student is supported to become confident, capable, and truly future ready.