i.
Creating
They counsel us on the architecture of our academic programmes: the shape of the curriculum, the standing of each subject, and the habits of thought a child should leave us with.
Scholarship & Programme
The Academic Council
Our Academic Insights Council advises CSI in creating, adapting, and implementing its academic programmes, engaging with international discourses so our education reflects the very best global trends.
The working principle of the council
ii.
Adapting
They keep us in conversation with the best of international practice, in pedagogy, teacher development, and assessment, then help us judge what to bring home.
iii.
Implementing
Their counsel reaches into the classroom: how a lesson should land, how a teacher should be supported, how a child should be measured, and what for.
The Council
The scholars
04scholars
in counsel
in counsel
No. i
DoctorateParis Nanterre
Civil ServiceSince 1984
SeatExtended learning
Dr. Safdar Sohail
Sociologist & Public Policy Expert
Sociologist & Public Policy Expert
Council Member
Dr. Safdar Sohail
Paris Nanterre University sociologist, former civil servant, and founding director of major public policy institutions.
Dr. Sohail received his Ph.D. in Sociology from Paris Nanterre University, France - and joined the civil service in 1984. He has since been actively involved in research and teaching, including courses at Paris University, France and Punjab University, Pakistan.
He has served as the Founding Executive Director of the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development, the CPEC Centre of Excellence, and the Social Protection Resource Center. He has also served as Dean of the National Institute of Public Policy (NSPP), Lahore.
Dr. Safdar Sohail brings vast experience of teaching and research to help CSI better design the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities within its extended learning programme, so they advance CSI's Constellation of Character in students.
Doctorate
Sociology, Paris Nanterre University
Previously
Dean, National Institute of Public Policy
Founded
PITAD, CPEC Centre of Excellence
Contribution
Co-curricular and character development
No. ii
DoctorateIOE-UCL
M.Sc.LSE
SeatTeacher training
Dr. Fawad Shams
Teacher Development Specialist
Teacher Development Specialist
Council Member
Dr. Fawad Shams
Institute of Education, University College London and LSE alumnus, known for teacher training and continuous professional development.
Dr. Shams received his Ph.D./EdD from the Institute of Education, University College London - and his M.Sc. in Economic History from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is globally recognized for innovative methods of teacher training and continuous professional development.
He has provided technical advice to international development partners including USAID, FCDO, ADB, and the British Council, and is known for work improving learning outcomes in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, South Sudan, and the United Kingdom.
He brings invaluable experience in Teaching and Learning methodologies to CSI, helping the school train its teachers more effectively and improve the learning environment inside classrooms.
Doctorate
Institute of Education, UCL
Master's
Economic History, LSE
Domain
Teacher training and CPD
Contribution
Teaching and learning practice
No. iii
DoctorateDeakin University
ResearchI-SAPS
SeatAssessment design
Dr. Rizwana Shahzad
Assessment & Education Research Expert
Assessment & Education Research Expert
Council Member
Dr. Rizwana Shahzad
Deakin University Ph.D. and education researcher specializing in assessment design, digital assessment, and learning materials.
Dr. Shahzad received her Ph.D. from Deakin University, Australia - and is an expert in designing student assessments and preparing cutting-edge teaching and supplementary materials that help students acquire knowledge and skills.
She has worked on education projects in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Australia, and has been associated with the Institute of Social and Policy Sciences (I-SAPS) on projects dealing with education sector reform.
She is known for her work on Professional Autonomy and Digital Assessments (PADA), which examined the growing role of EdTech in assessment and its impact on teachers' professional practices and autonomy. Her guidance helps CSI design and deliver student assessment tools that gauge learning and academic development accurately and effectively.
Doctorate
Deakin University, Australia
Domain
Student assessment and EdTech
Projects
Pakistan, Afghanistan
Contribution
Assessment tools and learning evidence
No. iv
CurrentlyDean, LUMS SOE
DoctorateCambridge
SeatEquity & policy
Dr. Tayyaba Tamim
Dean, School of Education, LUMS
Dean, School of Education, LUMS
Council Member
Dr. Tayyaba Tamim
Dean of the School of Education at LUMS, Cambridge Ph.D., and scholar of social justice, equity, and inclusivity in education.
Dr. Tayyaba Tamim is currently Dean of the School of Education at Lahore University of Management Sciences - and faculty lead for the Pedagogical Partnership Programme at the LUMS Learning Institute.
She has a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge as a fully funded RECOUP scholar and an MPhil in Research in Second Language Education Across Cultures from Cambridge as a British Council Chevening scholar. She also holds an MA ELT from Kinnaird College for Women University and an MA English from the University of Punjab.
Dr. Tamim has led funded research projects with national and international partners including USAID, the British Council, and the World Bank. Her work covers social justice, equity, and inclusivity in education, with specific reference to languages in education, language policy, gender, and caste.
Currently
Dean, School of Education
Doctorate
University of Cambridge
Scholarship
RECOUP and Chevening scholar
Contribution
Equity, inclusion
A curriculum is only as strong as the questions it can survive.
The Academic Insights Council works with the academic office on curriculum coherence, teacher development, assessment culture, and the translation of global practice into classrooms that serve CSI children.