It was in January 2020 that the Admissions working group last met. Admissions officers from eleven different schools were represented, which made us the largest pre-conference group (19 people) at the AGIS in Hannover. I presented and organized the workshop together with Allegra Peruzzi from Bavarian IS. While some of us stayed in contact via online meetings, we have not had a chance to meet as a larger group and discuss what has changed in the world of admissions in German international schools since 2020.
Session 1- Introductions, Inquiry Slam and Round Table Discussion In this first session we look at a variety of activities that serve to promote problem solving, critical thinking, application of math in the real world, technology integration and global perspective. These tasks can be used in multiple areas of the mathematics program in secondary, can be incorporated into curricular frameworks such as IB, IGCSE. The activity will be followed by a round table discussion to address topics specific to our working group including, but not limited to best practice, differentiation, ATL’s, specific program items, resource sharing etc..
Session 2 – The Mathematics Internal Assessment in the IB and Project Based Mathematics In this session we will look specifically at the Exploration in the IB Mathematics program as an opportunity for students to complete independent research in a mathematical area. The focus will be on approaches to finding topics, how to address skills through lower secondary mathematics and will culminate in a group assessment activity to address the marks criteria. The session will also be useful for non DP IB teachers who wish to find ways to promote project based learning in mathematics.
Session 3 – Learning Walk and Plenary In this session we will venture into the surroundings of the Kongresshotel to take photos and/or collect artifacts that will be used to design tasks that will be shared within the group. The goal is to have a collection of activities we can all take back to our schools. We end the day with a reflection about the activities and begin looking at plans for the next conference.
09:30-10:00 Welcome and Introductions 10:00-12:30 First Session - PD for school counsellors 12:30-13:30 Lunch 13:30-15:30 Second Session - Collaborative Planning Time 15:30-16:00 Coffee Break 16:00-17:00 End of day plenary and wrap-up
In accordance with AGIS’ Policy handbook, every AGIS school is asked to commit to DEIJ-values and together as an AGIS community we can accelerate progress in this area by building communal solidarity. Each AGIS school is strongly encouraged to send at least two representatives to this pre-conference event.
As outlined in AGIS’ Policy Handbook:
“We at the Association of German International Schools (AGIS) are rooted in values-driven representation. We will develop an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Germany community, to better meet the needs and aspirations of our students, their families, and communities. We are committed to improving the cultural security and responsiveness of our workforce and ensuring that culturally diverse people are well-represented and supported at all levels across German international schools.”
The AGIS DEIJ working group meets in-person annually during the pre-conference day to put these claims into action by leveraging our collective expertise, supporting each other and contextualising how DEIJ-values can underpin all aspects of our schools’ ecosystems.
This year’s meet-up will reflect on student and staff experiences of othering and belonging and co-construct next actions for liberation and support.
We will explore what it means to uphold the dignity of all intersectional identities under our care during polarizing and politically tense times in Germany, Western Europe and across the globe. Ramifications of events in the US and across the EU will be discussed and shared. Tensions will be discussed and ways forward will be co-constructed by all present, utilizing the humanizing pedagogy guidance to support thinking and planning.
Deputy Head of School, Bavarian International School
La Mór (they/them) is an international educator and leader, currently working at the Bavarian International School, as Deputy Head of School. Their research and practice interests are agency and co-agency for the democratisation of education, evidencing learning and growth for efficacy... Read More →
This pre-conference session is for members of the AGIS Elementary Literacy working
group as well as for staff teaching literacy in the PYP primary school. We have students in our classrooms who love writing as well as students who find writing challenging and are reluctant to compose a text. In the course of their learning, students are exposed to a variety of texts forms according to the learning objectives. They write personal recounts, narrative as well as non-fiction texts. One way to help students become independent effective writers is through the use of mentor texts. By having a closer look into different sorts of mentor texts, students are exposed to a variety of genres and are given ideas of what written texts should look like. They detect writing conventions and realize that reading as well as writing are interconnected when making meaning of texts. Analysing mentor texts is not only about teaching students how to read and write but even more - teaching them to read texts like writers. The shift from "teaching writing" to "teaching the writer" is an important step in understanding the value of student agency within the IB classroom. The agenda of our session is as follows: 09:30-10:00 Welcome Coffee 10:00-12:30 First Session (Student agency and mentor texts: how to give students voice, choice and ownership) 12:30-13:30 Lunch 13:30-15:30 Second Session (Fostering literacy skills) 15:30-16:00 Coffee Break 16:00-17:00 End of day plenary and wrap-up (Main ideas and examples we take away)
This working group is for all educators responsible for /interested in the home language learning programmes at AGIS schools. The presenters will share examples (good and bad) from their schools, and invite all participants to bring examples from their school.
This year’s meeting will focus on the following aspects:
A. Comparison of different programmes at the AGIS Schools: - What can we learn from each other? - How can we / our students collaborate? - IB policies with regard to multilingual learning
B. Parent Communication: - How to encourage parents to invest in home language learning/lessons? - Why home language learning is important? - Communication of whole school language paths - Reports about home language learning
C. Translanguaging vs Translating: Finding the right balance - Use of home languages (= translanguaging) not only as a scaffold but a part of a linguistic repertoire and of the student’s identity - Translation policy/ guidelines for teachers of all subjects - Role of AI/technology: sharing of resources and discussion of challenges
The session is designed to bring secondary school humanities teachers to grow the working group and collaborate on issues and changes that impact humanities. Participants will share examples of best practise in planning, teaching, assessment and collaboration.
AGENDA (provisional) 08.30 - 09.00 Welcome Coffee 09.00 - 10.30 Warm welcome, introductions, review of the past year, discussion of the agenda 10.30 - 12.00 Sharing best practise, presentations on teaching ideas, resource sharing 12.00 - 13.00 LUNCH 13.00 - 15.00 The city is our classroom - visiting some sites of interest in Potsdam 15.00 - 15.30 Coffee Break 15.30 - 17.00Finalising the working groups activities for 2025-26
The aim of this pre-conference is to give AGIS librarians the opportunity to meet and share ideas and issues that are unique to the school libraries and their staff. Librarians are often working in professional isolation, with few or no other members of staff doing the same job in their schools. Spend a day with other international school librarians, discussing a wide range of issues influencing our students' success. Bring ideas to share; be prepared to participate in small group discussions and gain lots of new ideas!
10:00 - 10:15 Welcome 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch 10:15 - 10:30 Ice Breakers 13:30 - 14:30 Success Stories 10:30 - 11:00 New Tools 14:30 - 15:30 Breakout Groups 11:00 - 11:30 Book Sources 15:30 - 16:30 Book Talks 11:30 - 12:30 Challenges 16:30 – 17:00 Wrap Up
This pre-conference is aimed at modelling and sharing what an MYP classroom looks like when school staff collaborate, share and apply insights, utilise internal sources (staff, resources, data, etc.), apply numerous pedagogical approaches and systems, and interact with the local community. In addition, we will discuss, share and learn more about our programs to identify strategies, and applicable takeaways to further inspire, challenge and support learning at our schools.
Some areas of focus: MYP Program, educational activities outside of the classroom, Student Voice, MAP testing, Compass Education thinking systems, co-teaching, mentoring program, online tools, and displays.
The structure for our 2025 CC meeting is being decided during our meeting in March. These are the topics we aim to address: • Reaching out to German State Universities – Strategies and collaboration opportunities • Artificial Intelligence in the Admissions Process – School policies and counseling practices • Competitions and Their Role in the Application Process – Supporting supra-curricular activities • LinkedIn in University Admissions and College Counseling – Student profiles, alumni connections, university data • Uni-Assist Workshop (rescheduled from last year) • Country Application Strategies for IB Students in Germany – Canada, Japan, Korea
We will investigate the process of guiding student development and workshop best practices for delivering Service as Action and CAS programs. Examples of selflessness in service, projects, and their integration into units are contrasted with the more performative and comfortable service experiences that our privileged students often have. Prominent themes include successful projects at our schools and ways we integrate themes of service and actionable projects into the curriculum. For example, we will show how we introduce the meaning of service to our Grade 6 students in an InS unit at ISH and service mentorship at BIS. Our sessions will also include examples of programs that have been successful, programs we hope to build and expand, and the pitfalls and challenges our schools currently face in building meaningful service opportunities. We will also include some time for workshopping ideas and discussing issues around service learning in an international context.
The session is geared toward secondary programs, but primary teachers may also find it useful. **The presentation includes a dog, so allergies or fears should be indicated.**
Data privacy in schools is no longer a future concern—it’s a present-day necessity. More than five years since the introduction of GDPR, schools continue to grapple with its implementation amidst evolving regulations, emerging technologies like AI, and shifting vendor practices. This full-day workshop, "Data Privacy by Design," provides a practical framework for embedding privacy-conscious practices into your school’s culture.
The morning focuses on GDPR fundamentals, German-specific regulations, and the EU AI Act, with real-world examples that demonstrate how these laws directly impact schools. After lunch, participants will engage in hands-on activities, such as evaluating software for compliance, navigating privacy policies, and understanding essential documentation like DPIAs and RoPAs. These practical exercises will equip attendees with actionable strategies and workflows.
The day concludes with an open forum for sharing best practices and experiences, fostering a network of privacy-conscious educators and administrators. Participants will leave with actionable insights, access to selected templates, and the confidence to lead privacy-by-design initiatives in their schools.
This workshop is more than just a session—it’s your roadmap to becoming a leader in privacy by design. Join us to leave informed, empowered, and ready to make a difference in your school’s data privacy practices.
This pre-conference is aimed to foster a community of support of EAL teachers in AGIS schools to share practices, strategies and systems that can help us support our English language learners and each other in our roles. A part of the pre-conference session will aim to enhance EAL instruction by exploring effective coteaching models and coplanning strategies, fostering collaboration among educators to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for EAL students. As well as developing the working group platform.
-implementing co-teaching models and co-planning strategies- -sharing strategies and practices in the areas of: teaching, assessment, support plans, etc. -EAL working group organisation: developing a sustainable platform
Joining Forces:
This full day workshop will discuss how a cooperation between an ELA and LS teacher resulted in building a Middle School skills program. The first session of the workshop will be a combined 75 minute presentation with the EAL Working Group and then we will split into separate groups for a more in-depth focus.
This workshop is ideal for educators/administrators seeking to foster a more structured and supportive learning environment for students, combining multiple grade levels. We hope to demonstrate how successfully working and planning together (between departments) can lead to teacher-driven change.
In response to students' growing challenges in developing essential academic skills, BIS introduced a structured program to strengthen writing, reading, routines, and research skills. This initiative aimed to establish a common language and consistent teaching expectations across classrooms, ensuring all students receive the support they need.
Middle School EAL teacher, Munich International School
I am a collaborator, co-teacher and coach who empowers educators to create learning opportunities to suit all language learners' needs. I am part of the Munich International School EAL programme that strives to support practices within a sheltered immersion philosophy and the use... Read More →
Attendees will explore and gain practical strategies to support diverse learners, foster student independence, collaborate effectively with teachers, and enhance their professional confidence to create a more inclusive and empowering learning environment.
This workshop offers an opportunity for PYP Coordinators and assistant principals across AGIS schools to come together and explore innovative strategies to enhance teaching and learning. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions on evaluation processes, share programmatic solutions to common challenges, and strategize for the 2025/26 academic year. With a focus on addressing the shared needs and priorities of AGIS schools, the session aims to foster alignment, collaboration, and a collective vision for the future of PYP in Germany.
This session is open to all participants and the Inclusive Education working group.
09:30-10:00 Welcome Coffee→ Introductions and Welcome to AGIS.
10:00-12:30 First Session Additional Needs, SEL and Behavioural Disorders: Lessons from Adolescent Forensic Psychology: Support and Child Protection.
I. Manifestations in schools II. Digital Behavioural on Social Media, Metaverse, AI and the Digital Realm III. Case Studies and Table top Drills: Working in Teams And Resources shared with participants
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-15:30 Second Session Inclusive Leadership in Polycrisis: Building your Crisis Response Team.
Students with Additional Learning and Psychological Needs: Holistic view Intensive Interventions: Principles and MTSS Security in Schools: Lessons from Security Studies for educational institutions Ethical and Moral Principles in emergency response and child protection Team roles Conflict Resolution and Positive disruption of team dynamics Phases Protocols Working on emergency case scenarios
15:30-16:00 Coffee Break
16:00-17:00 End of day plenary and wrap-up
Research relevant Resources, policy building, international Institutions and relevant Literature/ Sharing resources ( online and a printed booklet for all participants ).
This engaging and interactive session is designed for primary and secondary school educators to explore key aspects of media literacy in the digital age. Through this in-depth, one-day workshop, participants will examine how AI, social media, and algorithms shape young learners’ media consumption and creation. The session also addresses critical issues, including the spread of misinformation, ethical media use, fostering healthy digital habits, and enhancing critical thinking through diverse activities and digital tools.
• 09:30-10:00 Welcome Coffee • 10:00-12:30 First Session: Fostering responsible digital habits and privacy awareness. Encouraging ethical use of digital devices and platforms. • 12:30-13:30 Lunch • 13:30-15:30 Second Session: Detecting and preventing digital threats. Understanding digital identity, rights, and intellectual property. • 15:30-16:00 Coffee Break • 16:00-17:00 Exploring the implications of digital footprint & wrap-up.
As a language teacher at ISB and author partnered with Cambridge University Press, Pearson, and Kognity, I aim to assist and support fellow educators. I focus on digital media and language learning, subjects I have devoted significant time to exploring. Through workshops and writing... Read More →
Friday September 26, 2025 09:00 - 15:45 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
This workshop prepares participants to become NEASC approved accreditation visitors for international schools and includes a comprehensive overview of the NEASC protocols in action. Participants will develop an understanding of the philosophical foundations and logistical processes involved in all NEASC accreditation pathways. Aspiring visitors will be introduced to the NEASC visitor competencies which will guide development and growth of personal skills and attributes. A commitment to personal growth and a coaching mentality complements the knowledge and experience required to engage with NEASC visits and the NEASC family of schools.
Understand and Apply NEASC Accreditation Pathways. Demonstrate Foundational NEASC Visitor Competencies. Analyze and Interpret Evidence through a Transformational Lens.
Friday September 26, 2025 09:00 - 15:45 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
Are you a primary subject specialist teacher or homeroom teacher looking for ways to build a lesson which is differentiated and inquiry based to help support all learners? These two fundamental elements of the Approaches to Teaching will be explored in detail and time will be given to problem solve and improve subject specific lesson plans together.
Schedule: 09:30-10:00 Circle Time-Introduction
10:00-12:30 Session 1: Differentiation ensures that all students have access to meaningful and appropriately challenging learning experiences. In this session we will explore the potential barriers that need to be considered and ways to modify content, process, product or learning environments so that all students are supported. This session will offer strategies and tips that can be implemented in the classroom to help us move away from a one-size fits all model.
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-15:30 Session 2: -We will unpack what we currently know regarding inquiry learning and will use a visual thinking routine to further our understanding. -We will then break into groups to look at sample lesson plans and look for ways to improve them through what we have learned regarding differentiation and inquiry.
15:30-16:00 Coffee Break
16:00-17:00 -Teachers will have time to look at a current lesson they will be teaching in the future and look for ways to improve it through what they have learned during the session.
• Foster mutual support and a sense of community among assistants within AGIS. • Facilitate the exchange of experiences and insights. • Deepen discussions on topics introduced in regular online meetings. • Provide a shared platform to communicate and support each other. • Brainstorm solutions to common challenges, enhancing support for school communities. • Promote professional growth through collaborative efforts. • Develop targeted professional development initiatives for group members.
I suggest a follow-up of our roundtable for German Teachers to facilitate the exchange of experience regarding the DP German A course. These sessions should address all areas of the curriculum. We recognise the necessity of bringing together German teachers from international schools to promote dialogue and collaboration. Our emphasis lies in facilitating discussions on feedback regarding the exam papers, subject report content, and assessment outcomes. We seek to address expectations and quality concerns, particularly relevant when comparing German schools offering the IB curriculum versus IB schools with predominantly English as the language of instruction.
The IB Diploma Coordinators Roundtable is a valuable opportunity for professional networking and collaboration. This forum brings together coordinators from diverse schools and regions to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange best practices for effectively managing and implementing the Diploma Programme. Our goal is to explore key issues and develop actionable strategies.
The morning session, Assessment, Exams, and Data-Informed Practices, will cover crucial topics such as AI and academic integrity, practical applications of IB Insight, the implications of new exam regulations, and the logistics of organizing the November exams. In the afternoon, Enhancing the Programme will focus on strengthening the IB Core—exploring meaningful CAS projects, updates in the EE and TOK across subjects, and strategies for developing a strong Professional Development Plan (PDP). Additionally, we will discuss initiatives to support student well-being.
09:30-10:00 Welcome Coffee 10:00-12:00 First Session: Safety at school and preparation for serious situations. There will be an overview of the preparation and organisation of security in the school in connection with the local circumstances. 12:00-13:00 Lunch 13:00-15:00 Second Session: Alternative heat energy sources at school. In the second half of the day, we will look at alternative heat sources and their use in everyday school life. The synergy effect in combination with PV systems will also be discussed. 15:00-15:30 Coffee Break 15:30-17:00 End of day plenary and wrap-up
Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation explores the rise of anxiety, depression, and mental health struggles among young people, particularly in relation to technology, social media, and changing childhood experiences. The Student Agency and Leadership working group will host a full day session seeing how the main topics raised in this book could be addressed by student leadership and agency in schools through practical implementation strategies.
09:30-10:00: Welcome Coffee - Icebreaker
10:00-12:30 1st Session: The Anxious Generation: Leigh Krueger The Rise of Anxiety and Depression The Decline of Real-World Social Skills The Impact of Social Media Overprotective Parenting and Risk Avoidance
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-15:30 2nd Session:The Role of Student Leadership - Practical implementationnStrategies: Dr Cora Saurer
15:30-16:00 Coffee Break
16:00-17:00 End of day plenary and wrap-up: Annual meeting Creating a mission and value set for the Student Agency and Leadership working group. Feedback on the Young Leaders Conference (gr3-5) and Aspiring Leaders Conference (gr6-8) 2025 Discussion for the need for a Future Leaders Conference (gr9-12)
Instruction, Assessment and Innovation Coordinator, Metropolitan School Frankfurt
Being in education for over 24 years has taught me the real meaning of "you are never too old to learn". Whilst I enjoy problem-solving and creative thinking and bring these regularly into my teaching, I also value and appreciate well-structured systems and order. My passion topics... Read More →
Explore the power of creativity and innovation in education through this dynamic, hands-on workshop. As technology and AI continue to reshape learning and work, the need for adaptable, creative problem-solvers has never been greater. Grounded in insights from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, this session highlights how educators can cultivate these essential skills in themselves and their students.
Using the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, participants will engage in interactive exercises that spark fresh perspectives, encourage risk-taking, and foster collaborative problem-solving. You’ll build models to explore challenges in education, experiment with creative solutions, and design a shared vision for future-ready classrooms. Through the power of storytelling and metaphor, you’ll develop strategies to integrate creativity into your teaching practice.
Whether you’re looking to inspire innovative thinking, rethink your curriculum, or create more engaging learning experiences, this workshop will equip you with practical tools to transform your approach.
ES Technology and Innovation Coordinator, Frankfurt International School
Here is my bio according to ChatGPT:Jamie Stark, an exceptional individual with a wealth of expertise, serves as the ES ICT Coordinator at Frankfurt International School. Simultaneously pursuing a Doctoral degree in Education (EdD) from Bristol, Jamie's dedication to academic growth... Read More →
Friday September 26, 2025 09:00 - 15:45 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
Understanding the complexity and varied definitions of student voice is crucial for implementing effective strategies that enhance it. Although interpretations differ, a shared understanding is essential to fully realize its impact on educational environments. In this session, participants will learn a clear, operational definition of student voice, explore instructional strategies that promote it, and start to develop actionable plans. These efforts will establish a foundation for the Student Voice & Aspirations learning journey, fostering a more engaging and inclusive school culture.
What does it take to embed student voice deeply into the fabric of your school's culture? This session will delve into the essential considerations for successfully integrating and maintaining student voice throughout your school. Participants will learn how to align their efforts with school objectives and identify common pitfalls in the implementation process. The focus will be on assessing the school's readiness and the staff's preparedness to embrace student voice as a fundamental aspect of school life. Through the Voice Process and its associated strategies, educators will be challenged to reflect on their ability to genuinely listen to, learn from, and lead alongside students, ensuring that student voice becomes a core part of the school's identity.
This interactive workshop introduces participants to the power of play-based learning in language acquisition. The session begins with an exploration of various language games, allowing attendees to experience and practice them firsthand. Following this, participants will engage in a collaborative activity, working in groups to design their own language games. Each group will then present and test their creations with the rest of the participants. The workshop aims to provide practical strategies for making language learning more engaging and effective through gamification. Suitable for educators and language enthusiasts alike, this session fosters creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
MYP Language Acquisition Teacher, International School of Stuttgart e.V.
I am a French teacher with over 20 years of experience, currently teaching all grades in the Middle Years Programme (MYP). My passion lies in innovating and experimenting with new teaching methods to enhance my students' learning experiences. Whether it's integrating technology into... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 09:45 - 10:45 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
We will share our model and vision of using data and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to identify and meet the needs of every student in the classroom. We will then explore how data has led to co-planning and co-teaching opportunities across the school, and how this has impacted student learning and wellbeing. This session is designed to empower all teachers to use student data and co-teaching to build levels of support for those with academic, language, social-emotional, and behavioural needs.
Student Support Services Coordinator, Munich International School
Hi,I love coming to AGIS, meeting new people, renewing connections, and learning from everyone.I am the Student Support Services Coordinator at Munich International school, coordinating all EAL, learning support and counselling, providing a wrap-around approach to meeting student... Read More →
How can a multi-day bike trip transform students' learning experiences while fostering school-wide collaboration among staff? This session explores how our school's annual bike trip exemplifies holistic education, combining physical endurance, teamwork, resilience, and real-world problem-solving. More than just an adventure, this trip strengthens student independence, leadership, and personal growth - skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Equally vital to its success is the collective effort of teachers, administrators, and support staff. From route planning and risk management to student welfare and logistical coordination, the bike trip is a true collaboration across departments. We will share strategies for effective teamwork, lessons learned from challenges, and how fostering a shared vision among staff enhances the experience for everyone involved. Whether you are considering a similar program or looking for ways to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in your school, this session will provide practical insights and inspiration.
Home Language Facilitator & Spanish Teacher, Bavarian International School gAG
¡Hola!I am a multilingual teacher and parent of teenagers. I love languages and cycling. Besides teaching Spanish, I coordinate the Grade 9 Bike Trip from Passau to Vienna with a colleague and the Home Language Program from grades 6-10, I want to tell my story and hear yours.
Aki Schwan is an EAL and Japanese teacher, dedicated to helping students excel in both international school curricula and their native language development. Currently, Aki teaches DP Japanese A Language & Literature and will be introducing Japanese Ab Initio in 2025-26. As the DP... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 09:45 - 10:45 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
This session will guide educators in fostering student agency within mindfulness practices to support self-regulation in the classroom. Participants will begin by exploring the benefits of mindfulness for children and identifying best practices. The session will then focus on integrating student agency into mindfulness activities, empowering young learners to develop essential self-regulation skills. Educators will receive practical strategies to implement with their students and have opportunities to try them out first-hand. Designed for early childhood and lower-primary educators, this session offers actionable insights to enhance mindfulness in the classroom.
The Extended Essay Curriculum is changing for this new incoming student cohort (May 2027 IB session). This session therefore aims to discuss and share an understanding of the new criteria and their application in the different subject areas, with a particular focus on the new and highest value Criterion D – Discussion and evaluation (8 out of 30 points). Whilst discussing the significance of findings and evaluating the effectiveness of research is common practice in certain subject areas (e.g., in Science), how should this be approached in other subjects, such as Literature, Social Sciences or the Arts, for example? This session is aimed at EE supervisors, Extended Essay Coordinators, librarians, student support, and IBDP Coordinators. It will start with a brief overview of the changes introduced with the new EE curriculum, with a focus on the new assessment criteria. It will then draw from the knowledge, experience, and understanding of participants, in a roundtable manner, to brainstorm and record in a shared resource, how to best advise students with the new EE criteria in different disciplines. It will conclude with the building of an EE professional network, through participants voluntarily sharing their contact details for the creation of a group.
As students navigate high-stakes assessments like internal assessments and the Extended Essay, educators play a crucial role in guiding them toward ethical research and writing practices. This interactive workshop will equip IB educators with practical strategies to teach academic integrity, support students in developing responsible research habits, and implement effective authentication processes. Participants will explore common challenges such as plagiarism, improper citation, and AI misuse, along with best practices for preventing academic malpractice. Additionally, the session will introduce a structured model for responding to academic integrity violations within an IB school setting, ensuring fair and consistent enforcement of policies.
In this hands-on, interactive workshop, I will share engaging icebreakers and skill-building games suitable for all ages. These activities will reflect diverse cultures, customs, and languages, making them inclusive and globally relevant. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use materials that are fun, adaptable, and ideal for an international school setting across various age groups.
Secondary Head of Music, Berlin Brandenburg International School
I am the Head of Secondary Music, teaching MYP and DP classes. I am a choral and orchestra conductor. I also teach at different universities summer program mostly in the United States (NYU, PSU, TT) Music Pegadogy, Solfegggio (ear-training), Conducting, and Chorus Rehearsing. I lead... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 09:45 - 10:45 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
Sashiko is a traditional Japanese form of hand stitching originally used for reinforcing clothing, but over time, it has evolved into an art form characterized by its simple yet elegant geometric patterns. Teaching sashiko to students offers several valuable benefits. Aesthetically, it encourages an appreciation for the delicate art of stitching and its potential for transforming simple materials into beautiful creations. The act of stitching a simple , easy to learn running stitch, fosters an understanding of texture, pattern, and symmetry, while allowing students to explore their creativity. Sustainability is another key reason for teaching sashiko. It teaches students how to repair, repurpose, and breathe new life into fabric, aligning with the growing importance of sustainable practices in today's world. Finally, sashiko enhances fine motor skills by requiring students to practice hand-eye coordination and precision, ultimately improving dexterity and focus over time. These combined aspects make sashiko a powerful tool in both artistic and practical education,
During this workshop, we will focus on the systematic research-based conceptual framework of “Visible Learning”, which aims to integrate the development of students' thinking with content learning across MYP subjects. We will also explore barriers in our own classes that may prevent visible learning from flourishing.
At Leipzig International School (LIS) we currently have two device policies in place: 1:1 iPads for primary learners and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) for secondary. However, the transition between learning environments has posed particular challenges for learner technical competencies, cybersecurity, and responsible use of technologies in school.
This session explores how LIS is moving to actively address this shift through the implementation of a Grade 6 Tech Bootcamp, which is designed to provide learners with the technical and digital literacy skills they will need to succeed in secondary school. Furthermore, the bootcamp provides an opportunity for staff to gauge the technical abilities of learners at the beginning of their secondary school journey, and to provide individualised assistance, as required.
The central component of the Tech Bootcamp is the gamification of the acquisition of basic technical skills: through an ethical-hacking inspired house system. Events include the initial bootcamp as well as checkpoint events – including cybersecurity games, research workshops, and beginner coding events – where learners earn points for their houses.
Finally, this session will provide strategies and techniques for educators and administrators looking to implement similar programs for learners transitioning to BYOD school environments.
This workshop focuses on strategies to create a language-rich mathematics classroom that assists young language learners in engaging with mathematical vocabulary. Participants will explore practical tools designed to enhance understanding and increase student engagement in mathematics, fostering confidence and clarity in navigating mathematical concepts.
The aim of this workshop is to bring together people involved in sustainability projects at AGIS schools to share ideas and experiences with ongoing or planned sustainability projects. All participants will actively contribute to this workshop by presenting and sharing their experiences. The ultimate goal is to foster collaboration and develop new ideas on how to make our schools more sustainable.
Secondary Science Teacher, Berlin Brandenburg International School
Hi, I am a science teacher (Biology and ESS DP and Bio Gr10). I am interested in sustainability so that's why I registered for this conference to meet people from other schools interested in setting up programs and activities that support sustainability at school.
Saturday September 27, 2025 09:45 - 10:45 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
This workshop will share a powerful case study on how the Mood Meter—a research-backed tool for building emotional intelligence—transformed student behavior in an early childhood classroom and beyond. We’ll dive into how incorporating the Mood Meter into daily routines helped young learners develop self-awareness, regulate their emotions, and interact more positively with their peers.
The case study follows a preschool classroom where students initially struggled with expressing emotions, managing outbursts, and navigating social interactions. By consistently using the Mood Meter, teachers supported children in identifying their feelings, understanding their emotions, and practicing healthy coping strategies. Over time, the students showed greater self-regulation, stronger peer relationships, and fewer frustration-driven behaviors.
This workshop is primarily intended for Language B teachers interested in using short stories as part of the literature element of their course. Attendees will access a database of over 600 short stories and examine ways of linking these to the prescribed Language B themes of their respective courses. The workshop also suggests ways of using extracts to teach literary devices and provides teachers with guidance on how students can construct convincing Individual Oral Presentations too. Although the workshop will use texts in English, all Language B teachers will find the content useful and transferable to their own courses.
We will be hosting a discussion on the ways in which each school plans their mathematics curriculum across the year groups. Topics will include standard vs. extended classes, preparation for DP courses, assessment, repetition of material, and building skills throughout years. We will share practices that have and have not worked in our school and open up discussions among the participants about what works in their schools. Participants will also be able to pose their own questions to the group.
Picture books are not just for young children—they hold profound value for readers of all ages. Explore how picture books, including wordless stories and other visual narratives, serve as powerful windows, mirrors, and doors, as described by Rudine Sims Bishop. This session will examine how these books build visual literacy, foster international mindedness, and spark meaningful discussions across a wide range of audiences. Participants will discover how picture books transcend age and language barriers, promote empathy, and connect readers to diverse perspectives, making them essential tools for lifelong learning and engagement.
This hands-on workshop introduces educators to the practical use of AI in schools. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how AI works, learn the basics of prompt engineering, and explore tools like ChatGPT and Brisk to support administrative tasks. The session also highlights real classroom applications, showcasing how AI can enhance teaching and learning. With live demos and hands-on activities throughout, educators will leave with practical skills and ready-to-use strategies for integrating AI into both their planning and their students’ learning experiences.
09:30 – 10:00 Welcome Coffee 10:00 – 12:30 Session 1: Cracking the Code (Explore how AI works, building foundational knowledge, and learning the basics of AI literacy.) 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 Session 2: Work Smarter, Not Harder (Learn how to streamline administrative tasks like lesson planning, grading, and reporting with AI.) 15:30 – 16:00 Coffee Break 16:00 – 17:00 Session 3: Bringing AI to the Classroom (Discover practical strategies to integrate AI into teaching and create engaging classroom experiences and plenary).
Join me in celebrating the enduring power of storytelling in education. This professional development workshop is designed to provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of fairy tales, from their historical roots to modern retellings.
Over the course of 2 hours, participants will explore the form and structure of fairy tales, explore gender stereotypes and examine why this is important, and discuss the portrayal of iconic characters such as Cinderella, Beasts, and Water Women. The workshop will also highlight the link between feminist interpretations and contemporary retellings, offering a different perspective on these timeless stories. Participants will engage in interactive activities, including re-writing fairy tales and reimagining character archetypes, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Finally, the workshop will encourage colleagues to share their favourite Fairy Tale, provide some ideas for reference texts and sources, and suggest ways in which fairy tales could be incorporated into various subject areas, demonstrating their cross-curricular relevance and versatility in pedagogy. The aim of this workshop is to foreground the importance of Traditional Tales and to encourage educators to use the magic of fairy tales to inspire students and promote inclusivity.
As presentations become an ever-increasing assessment tool and the collaborative skills necessary for positive group presentations reflect powerful communication strategies, the one-time "soft-skills" necessary for successful presentations become ever-more vital to students of all ages. This workshop focuses on how to share some fundamental features of delivering presentations to students in an easy, playful and highly interactive way. Participants consider how to frame presentations as a story-telling exercise for a more performative approach, creating engaging "hooks" that best-suite the topic and the presenters, practical applications of sign-posting and connecting language that students can easily apply that guides the listeners through the story, and an easily-modeled "elevator pitch" exercise for creating concise descriptions. Group-work is empowered through an engaging cuing system so students can offer immediate support and feedback in-the-moment, so that presentation skills are accelerated, and rapport is strengthened within a group.
Secondary Drama Teacher, Berlin International School
Before teaching Secondary School Drama at Berlin International School, Brian had a long history in professional theater and comedy improvisation performance and production. As a founding member of ComedySportz in 1985, he co-created 'short-form' improvisational comedy format that... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 09:45 - 12:15 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
In early childhood settings, the instinct to say, “Be careful!” is common—while well-intentioned, these words do little to teach children how to assess risk and make safe decisions independently. Children are natural risk-takers and providing them with opportunities to take risks not only fosters a sense of adventure but allows them to take on and overcome challenges that are crucial for building resilience and honing their problem-solving skills. This session aims to explore the benefits of risky play with the goal of shifting the focus from eliminating risk to managing it, creating an environment where children learn to navigate challenges safely without compromising their need for a sense of adventure. We will examine common risky play scenarios to question traditional safety mindsets and suggest alternative ways to communicate to empower rather than limit children’s exploration.
We will explore the role of conceptual understanding in mathematics education and analyze effective inquiry-based teaching strategies using concrete mathematics examples from both primary and secondary classrooms. I am an independent Erickson and Lanning Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction Certified Trainer and I will share some reflections on my journey to becoming a concept-based mathematics teacher.
While creative writing isn't officially part of the DP Language and Literature curriculum, it can still play a vital and engaging role in supporting its core objectives. We will consider how creative writing can serve as a stepping stone to formal textual analysis while also strengthening academic writing skills. Moreover, this workshop will explore how creative writing can help students both sharpen their analytical skills and become more impactful writers.
In this session, the value of democracy education as a structured part of a school’s curriculum will be emphasized. Examples will be given to illustrate how democracy education can be implemented in different subjects and how a transversal curriculum can be built. Opportunities for democracy education can be found in subjects such as History and Modern Languages. However, ethical questions, such as discrimination through algorithms, can also be analyzed and discussed in Maths or Geography, while impulses for taking action can be demonstrated and practiced in PE. The main aim of this session is to provide ideas on how democratic values can be taught and discussed across various subjects in middle school and how this approach can contribute to a holistic curriculum.
Participants will develop essential skills for effectively conducting class meetings while discovering how these meetings can foster critical competencies in their students. Through class meetings, students are encouraged to use their voices confidently, practice perspective-taking by considering diverse viewpoints, and embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. These meetings also help students recognize their own strengths and those of their peers, demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving meaningful outcomes, and understand their potential to create positive social impacts. Furthermore, class meetings equip students with the tools needed to set goals, create actionable plans, and successfully implement them, fostering both personal and collective growth. Participants will learn how the Class Meeting format from Positive Discipline can be utilized to create an environment where students are encouraged to solve problems. They will also experience a class meeting at the session.
Mental Health & Well-being Counsellor, EAL Teacher and SrS Positive Discipline Coordinator, International School of Düsseldorf
I have been teaching EAL grades 6-10 at the International School of Düsseldorf for the past 10 years. Moreover, I am the Mental Health & Well-being Counsellor in the senior school. In 2017, I attended a Positive Discipline in the Classroom workshop in Bonn that completely changed... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 11:15 - 12:15 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
How can art educators help students develop critical skills needed to develop as artists? The Studio Thinking Framework was developed through the research of Harvard Project Zero and is an amazing way to introduce and provide metacognitive routines in the classroom to help support the creative process. The Studio Thinking Framework consists of two parts. The Studio Habits of Mind describe eight dispositions to guide students to think like artists. These dispositions can help students to refine their creativity, develop problem solving skills and are transferable to other academic subjects. The Studio Structures are ways teachers can organize time, space, and interactions in their classrooms.
This hands-on workshop will explore how educators can implement this framework in a real studio setting. Attendees will take part in a paper collage workshop and create their own monochromatic self-portraits while experiencing the Studio Thinking Framework. This workshop will give insights on how the Studio Habits of Mind and Studio Structures can be implemented to drive deeper learning, increase engagement and better assess development in an arts classroom.
Interested in DP Film? This session is aimed at those already teaching this course as well as anyone who might like to bring this unique and all-too-rare DP subject to your school. Intended to be highly collaborative, there will be opportunities for all to connect and contribute their own thoughts as well.
Join this interactive session, as led by a teacher who started running DP Film ‘on-the-fly’ as a replacement course at the start of Grade 11 for the 2025 class. Launched without initial funding or pre-planning, the subject (and related infrastructure) has continued to grow at our small school since, with our third cohort starting this fall.
We will discuss what is (and is not) required for teaching DP Film, how much do you really need to spend (and what to buy), different approaches to curriculum and assessment, how to structure the course and prepare students for assessment, and what pitfalls to avoid. Based on group interest, we can also touch on how filmmaking activities such as our 24 hour film project can add value to the subject as well as the school at large, along with other lessons learned along the way.
This workshop explores the vital role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership- whether that is a school leader, a leader of a team, or a leader of a class. Participants will delve into key concepts such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and stress management to better connect with and support their teams. The session examines how emotional intelligence enhances leadership responsibilities, including decision-making, team building, accountability, and navigating change. Through discussions and practical activities, attendees will learn to apply these skills in real-world scenarios and develop actionable strategies for fostering positive relationships and driving team improvement.
I am considering setting up a lunch time activity for students where they will listen (in advance) to podcasts and consider the knowledge within them. I envisage trying to engage students with a range of podcasts covering specific subjects like History (e.g. Empire), Economics (e.g. Freakonomics), the Arts and Science while also engaging in podcasts that look at how knowledge is developed, communicated and applied, e.g. Rationally Speaking. I would like to host a session where ideas are exchanged and good podcasts are identified that will attract and stimulate our students.
This session introduces teachers to the principles and practices of Positive Discipline, based on the work of Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott. Positive Discipline is a classroom management approach that fosters mutual respect, collaboration, and responsibility among pupils. It equips educators with strategies to create a positive learning environment, emphasising encouragement over punishment and building pupils' intrinsic motivation to behave and succeed. Participants will explore practical tools to manage challenging behaviours, facilitate problem-solving, and promote a sense of belonging and significance in the classroom. Through interactive activities, role-playing, and discussion, we will demonstrate how Positive Discipline can transform classroom culture while maintaining firm boundaries. Teachers will leave this session with actionable strategies that empower them to maintain classroom order without compromising on respect and kindness.
Students and school staff alike benefit from regular, focussed activities to relax and relieve stress. For students, it’s hard to learn when stress gets in the way. For staff, we run a high risk of burnout and health issues unless we make time to recognize and relieve the inevitable stresses which go hand in hand with the joys of our profession. Come learn some guided relaxation techniques to try with students and on your own. These techniques include eye movements, breathing exercises, gentle stretches, laughing meditation, and a guided deep relaxation session. You can participate fully in all activities in any kind of comfortable clothing, and with a little luck we can use a fitness room at the venue which will have mats and other props ready for us.
I like going outside, especially to make a fire and cook, but also to garden, observe wildlife, and relax. I'm a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) at the 200-hour level. My lockdown project was to learn guitar and bass. Although I can play a bit now, I am still a better singer and drummer... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 11:15 - 12:15 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
Two educators trained in Systems Thinking tools and by the Institute for Humane Education, will turn up the volume on how you think about real-world problem solving in your scope as an educator.
All students need to have experiences with systems, critical, creative, and strategic thinking. By providing tools for teaching this thinking skills, as well as student example from around the globe, we hope to empower a wider range of teachers to incorporate real-world problem solving.
This session explores the current research surrounding the use of explicit teaching in classrooms and how the reimplementation of direct instruction in lessons is creating dramatic shifts in academic attainment - for the better.
The session will explore the research and pilot program undertaken by the Catholic Education Office in Canberra and Goulburn Australia called Catalyst. Catalyst is a system based on the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading based on national and international research and has been rolled out in all Catholic schools in that region.
Catalyst implements the High Impact Teaching Practice (HITP) which includes the following: explicit instruction, retrieval practice, engagement and participation, explaining and modelling, and checking for understanding. Since implementing this approach, the Catholic archdiocese has reported the following: 1200 teachers adopting this approach; 78% of teachers stating students are focused with their learning and not wasting time, and 97% of teachers recommending the practice to other teachers.
This session will consider whether the push for student directed and centred learning focusing primarily on student led inquiry and collaborative practice, has been adopted at the expense of tried and tested methodological approaches to learning which include direct instruction, retrieval and long term retention approaches.
Economics teacher/ HOD ToK, Bavarian International School
I am originally from Melbourne Australia, and have been internationally teaching for the last 12 years. I have worked in various countries including Dubai, Germany, Malaysia, Jamaica and South Korea. I am a Humanities/Economics trained educator and have experienced various roles in... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 11:15 - 12:15 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
This workshop explores the transformative potential of Cross-Curricular and Interdisciplinary Units (IDUs) within the MYP. IDUs encourage students to engage with broad, transferable concepts like energy and change by linking subjects and fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. The session highlights how some subjects that are often overlooked, such as Physical Education and the Arts, can connect meaningfully with subjects like Science, Maths and Humanities and how almost any subject can work together.
10 years working in private system in the UK (Deputy Head of Sixth Form and Head of PE).3 years in Qatar in a British International School, working in developing a concept curriculum and Head of House.2 years in Germany teaching MYP. Pastoral lead for Grade 10.
Saturday September 27, 2025 11:15 - 12:15 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
What does a remarkable meeting look and feel like?
What might be possible if we create environments where participants feel seen, heard and valued - where they know their contributions are essential to a successful meeting?
What might the ripple effect be on innovation across your school?
We begin by exploring the qualities of a coaching mindset: trust, curiosity, not knowing, courage, humility and self-awareness.
Then we explore three tools to transform meetings based on the work of Nancy Kline, creator of ‘The Thinking Environment.’
"The quality of everything we do depends on the quality of the thinking we do first.
The quality of our thinking depends on the way we treat each other while we are thinking."
Nancy Kline
Experience what happens when we consciously create an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, and catalyses fresh thinking. Your meetings will never be the same again.
Three tools for transforming the quality of engagement and thinking in meetings An experience of using each tool with each other A commitment to integrating one idea in your next meeting A guide to use and share with colleagues
The purpose of the presentation is to discuss adolescent development with a focus on the ways rapid neurologic changes impact teenage behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Definitions of the term "adolescence" will be explored with a specific focus on how changes in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system impact emotion regulation, decision-making, and perceptions of risks. Strategies for guiding adolescent students toward increased independence will be explored. Common adolescent mental health concerns will be addressed, including sleep problems, anxiety, symptoms of depression, and technology misuse. Attendees will learn about strategies to identify risk factors for students who may engage in self-harm (NSSI; non-suicidal self-injury) and suicidal ideation. A Whole School Approach to promote prevention will be discussed, and specific interventions and strategies for approaching students, parents, and guardians will be explored. A continuum of risk will be presented, and evidenced-based strategies for intervention will be outlined and practiced in session. Recommendations regarding external referral processes will be outlined. Finally, evidence-based research regarding post-suicide interventions will be presented.
In this workshop we're going to link in with a PYP UOI on 'maps', based on the key concepts of Change, Connection, and Form. Participants will explore elements of a song (beat, rhythm, melody, lyrics) and create 'musical maps' for a variety of songs in a notation grid, using different notation systems (letter names, solfège syllables, and boomwhacker colors).
Imagine a classroom where students take ownership of their learning, confidently set goals, and navigate challenges with resilience. This workshop explores the power of coaching in education, focusing on the GROWTH model as a framework for student agency and self-reflection.
This workshop details the benefits of a collaborative partnership between Student Support, MYP Homeroom, Performing Arts and Design. MYP students are invited to contribute during weekly activity periods in effort to creatively design the set for a mid-year dramatic stage performance.
Faculty collaborate in order to address the logistics of a full production and students are challenged to plan, acquire materials and construct a full stage set. These ideas are shared with the student cast and crew throughout the semester to support blocking/incorporating the ideas while they are being built.
Two months prior to the performance, more focus is placed on the cast, stage management and props, video and lighting design. Activity students then team up with the cast to bring their vision to life. Time is devoted to problem-solving and communicating what can ultimately work towards a successful show. A key component is the provision of individual mentoring to students as they manage their various responsibilities, communicate what is needed, manage the time necessary to complete tasks and support each other in their roles. This concept builds on the students’ learned capacities and skills to create a production made possible by their collective contribution.
I am currently in my tenth year at Heidelberg International School. I have spent the last 23 years working in educational consulting, mentoring, counselling and student support roles. My primarily focus is the provision of pastoral care and social emotional counselling. I regularly... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 13:15 - 14:15 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
This session explores how educators can adapt and implement collaborative learning structures from approaches such as Kagan Cooperative Learning, Concept-Based Inquiry, and Project Zero within the IB PYP framework. These strategies foster deeper engagement, student agency, and meaningful inquiry-based learning experiences.
Participants will discover practical, ready-to-use classroom routines that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and conceptual understanding across subjects, including Social Studies, Science, Maths and Literacy. The session will provide educators with strategies to help students connect ideas across disciplines, develop higher-order thinking skills, and take ownership of their learning.
Through hands-on participation and discussion, educators will leave with concrete tools and adaptable routines to integrate into their units of inquiry, making learning more interactive, student-driven, and engaging.
This session focuses on strategies to help students effectively prompt AI to generate meaningful CAS experiences that integrate with their subject areas. It begins with a presentation on AI prompting techniques and lesson plan generation using the CAS Stages as a framework, followed by a discussion on potential CAS connections across different subjects. Teachers will then collaborate in subject-specific groups to develop and refine AI-generated CAS experiences. The session concludes with groups sharing their ideas and suggesting improvements.
Imagine a learning environment where students feel heard, empowered, and motivated to take ownership of their growth? What if a simple yet powerful shift in dialogue could unlock their potential? This workshop dives into the art of Learning Conversations, an approach where teachers become coaches, guiding students toward self-awareness, confidence, and empowerment. By exploring key skills such as presence, active listening, acknowledging, and reflecting back, you can transform your conversations with your student into meaningful, powerful, growth-driven conversations. This workshop will equip educators with practical coaching techniques, real-life applications, and a hands-on experience in deep listening. Through engaging activities, observation, and reflection, participants will discover how to create conversations that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and self-directed learning
By the end of this workshop, participants will ● Understand the essence of Learning Conversations. ● Learn and apply coaching fundamentals to foster student growth. ● Explore deep listening and reflection techniques. ● Empower students to take charge of their learning journey.
In this workshop, we will explore how to implement meaningful, subject-specific “May Do” activities that learners can choose from once they have completed their “Must Do” work. These activities are not filler tasks but exciting, purposeful extensions that deepen learning in English and Maths while keeping learners engaged and motivated.
By offering learners structured choice menus, you will create a classroom environment where students take ownership of their learning, work diligently on essential tasks, and look forward to meaningful enrichment opportunities. These activities provide a natural structure to the week, helping teachers plan effectively while ensuring learners always have a high-quality, engaging task to work on.
This workshop will lead participants through one intentionally small campuses journey of reimagine the way the Learning Response Team (learning support teachers, counsellors/ pastoral leaders) with teachers to support student learning and wellbeing. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about their own context via this case study and be provided with an action plan that utilises a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) approach to tailoring learning and behaviour support within a school that is transferrable into any school system. Additionally, we will explore change management connected to teacher and administration’s mindsets of the learning response team and how to measure the impact of interventions.
Join me to explore the findings of an action research project that implemented simple, everyday strategies to support primary students with ADHD. Discover what worked, what didn’t, and how these approaches not only improved focus and behavior but also benefited the entire class. Participants will come away with practical tools and insights to create more inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Teaching non-fiction writing in upper school requires thoughtful planning to support diverse learners. This workshop will equip educators with strategies to design effective essay-writing units that foster skill development, critical thinking, and student engagement. Using a backwards design approach, we will explore how to move from curriculum standards to targeted small-group instruction. We will examine micro-progressions, breaking writing skills into manageable steps with clear exemplars to support student growth. Participants will also engage with strategies for guiding students in choosing what to write about, transitioning from close-ended to open-ended questions that promote deeper inquiry. Special attention will be given to language acquisition students, with practical methods to amplify the voices of emerging speakers, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to express their ideas effectively. Through discussion, model lessons, and collaborative planning, this workshop will provide concrete strategies to support all students in developing their non-fiction writing skills.
Language learners of all ages benefit from picture books. High quality picture books are not just a springboard to literacy and reading skills, but conversation, creative writing, critical thinking and communication. Social-emotional learning and social justice also play a key role in literacy through picture books. In this session, you will learn to harness the power of reading and discussing picture books and how to lead students to create their own books in the classroom. We will also explore the possibility and benefits of a service learning component of paired reading with buddy classes. You will come away with lesson plans, resources to create your own lessons and units, family communication templates, and much more. Please bring one or two favorite picture books with you to the session.
This session will consist of a variety of small group phonics activities ranging from early phonics in grade 1 to applying phonics in writing for upper primary. Our aim is to share activities that range from supporting students in their phonological awareness through providing inquiry based activities for students to apply their knowledge.
Learn how ISHR has streamlined the MYP Personal Project to make it more effective for students and staff. This workshop covers our revamped instructional sessions, designed to build skills step-by-step, and supervisor allocation process to ensure consistent student support. Participants will see how we organize tasks and submissions to keep students on track and highlight how we host a showcase that truly celebrates their efforts. You’ll also see how we standardize and moderate written reports for fair assessments. Finally, I’ll share data showing how these changes have affected outcomes for both students and staff.
Power of Change and how this connects to teaching and learning
Menopause is not a disease—it's a natural transition that every woman goes through. Menopause connects to teaching/ whole school female personnel at a school in several ways, affecting their health, well-being, and performance in the classroom. These effects can ripple throughout the school environment, influencing not just the individual teacher but also colleagues, administrators, and students. By recognizing these challenges and providing adequate support, schools can help female teachers navigate menopause more successfully, promoting better health outcomes and maintaining a positive, productive educational environment. Key understandings on the decline of hormones and how it affects your body, brain and so much more will be so beneficial to navigate through this phase.
This session explores how picture books serve as dynamic resources to support PYP Units of Inquiry in Grades 3, 4, and 5. Through engaging visuals and rich storytelling, picture books provide students with accessible entry points into complex ideas, and encourage inquiry, discussion, and conceptual understanding. Participants will discover how to integrate picture books into their units effectively to enhance transdisciplinary learning, develop conceptual understanding, and foster critical thinking skills.
Classroom challenges are familiar to every educator. Learners may seem inattentive, oppositional, or disengaged. Attention is easily disrupted, and motivation can vanish in an instant. What is really happening here?
This session invites participants to explore these everyday challenges through a Self-Reg lens. Self-Reg is the science of self-regulation, grounded in brain-body connections, offering strategies to reduce stress and restore energy.
Energy-Centred Teaching (ECT) model will be introduced. The ECT model offers a fresh and holistic way of rethinking classroom priorities, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and creating space for learning to flourish. It serves as a model for applying Self-Reg in the classroom by focusing on understanding learning and discovering how reducing stress can transform the learning experience for both learners and educators.
This session will explore how Inquiry Skills-based Progressions support student growth in standard-based science and social studies. We will focus on how to plan for concept-based learning using progressions and clear unit goals that break down broad learning objectives into smaller, measurable targets. We will show how these targets can be designed to incorporate essential skills and thinking. We will demonstrate how skill-based progressions serve as a tool for tracking student development, allowing for more targeted instruction and deeper learning and skills development within and across inquiry units. By the end of this session, educators will gain an understanding of how using skills-based progressions to guide the development of essential skills and thinking can inform personalized instruction and student learning.
Are you ready to take your professional growth to the next level? Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an early career teacher, or an experienced educator seeking fresh inspiration, ECIS has a wealth of professional learning opportunities for you.
Join Sarah Kupke, a longtime AGIS champion and experienced international educator, for an engaging and interactive session that explores ECIS professional learning and networking. From top quality courses and special interest groups that are free with ECIS membership, to renowned conferences going back over 60 years, this workshop will introduce you to our Middle Leadership Certificate courses, and Early Career Teaching cohort, our impactful mentoring platform, and global networking opportunities that connect you with like-minded professionals across the world.
This isn’t just a presentation; it’s a gateway to unlocking your professional potential! Join this session to be inspired, make connections, and discover your part in our global ECIS community.
By the end of this workshop, you will: • Engage with the ECIS membership benefits that you are perhaps not yet taking full advantage of! • Discover ECIS courses, conferences, and special interest groups that align with your career aspirations. • Understand how Middle Leadership and Early Career Teacher certificates can enhance your leadership and teaching skills. • Identify your next steps in professional development and learn how to make the most of mentoring opportunities.
Head of Schools Relationships and Partnerships, ECIS
Sarah is the Head of Professional Learning at ECIS. She was privileged to be the founding Head of the Heidelberg International School and then of the International School of Stuttgart, Sindelfingen Campus, where she led teams who developed innovative, dual language and interlingual... Read More →
Join us for an engaging full day workshop titled ""UDL in Action,"" where we will explore the transformative power of mindset in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). We will present about our experience in co-teaching Grade 6 math. We are a team of a MYP teacher with a background in math and economics and a MYP learning support teacher with a background in PYP education language development. In this session, we will emphasize the critical role that mindset plays in creating inclusive learning environments. We will present our approach to planning through the lens of UDL. Participants will learn about various mindsets, including the importance of viewing all learners as capable individuals, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of maintaining high expectations for every student. In the second part of the workshop, we will provide practical, specific examples and strategies that educators can implement immediately in their classrooms. These strategies will include approaches to the planning process and examples for fostering student engagement, representation, and action & expression in your classroom. By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable insights and resources to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. Come ready to reflect, collaborate, and take away valuable tools to put UDL into action in your classroom!
Fostering a sense of belonging is essential for student success and staff well-being. This workshop will share practical strategies for building a strong, inclusive school community. Ideas for Social Emotional themed lessons, engaging assemblies, meaningful bulletin boards, collaborations with specialists and staff events that promote connection and cultural appreciation. Some ideas have been highly successful and others are still works in progress.
In this interactive workshop, elementary educators will discover how to integrate phenomena-based science using the 3D learning approach from the Framework for K-12 Science Education. We will focus on form and function through hands-on investigations with arthropods, using hand lenses and iPads to develop keen observation and questioning skills. Participants will experience the scientific process in action—from making detailed observations to constructing explanations and arguments based on evidence. This workshop will provide practical strategies to seamlessly blend science with inquiries while fostering student curiosity, engagement, and critical thinking. By the end, teachers will gain insight into using real-world phenomena to drive authentic, inquiry-based learning in their classrooms.
At schools like ours, community events are meaningful and important, because they deepen connections, strengthen the community, and cement our schools as social hubs for families on the move. At large events like International Fests and Fairs, we celebrate our identities through cultural food, dress, and performances.
However, without a plan, these events can also be disastrously wasteful, and therefore not aligned to our values and teaching. There is a clear plan! The '6 Elements of Sustainability' concept covers all the bases, is adaptable to different events, and scalable depending on the size of the event.
ES Teacher and Sustainability Coordinator, International School of D¨¨usseldorf
Hey fellow educators,I'm interested in making the world better through education, and I especially like the word Changemaker. 'Makers' are people who look closely, seek to understand how things work, and like to tinker, repair, and rebuild. With this in mind, Changemaking means changing... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 14:30 - 15:30 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
The Humanizing Pedagogy Committee from the International School Anti-Discrimination Task Force (ISADTF) published sets of commitments for schools and educators to guide development of culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy. Learn about these guidelines and how to use them to enhance your approach to teaching in culturally responsive and sustaining ways. This research-informed guidance was co-constructed by international school educators across the globe. This session is for all educators and pedagogical leaders interested in putting into practice inclusive practices that value fairness, access, inclusion, and representation. Join this interactive session for an opportunity to enhance your approaches to teaching.
In this workshop, we will define and describe the characteristics of dyslexia and sources of reading difficulties. We will explore how reading difficulties intersect with language learning and cultural differences as found in international schools. In the second part of the workshop, we will introduce mother tongue RTI (German) as one way of supporting students reading development across middle school. We will share our school´s experience including the data collection method, building the curriculum and teaching strategies.
In today’s fast-paced and complex work environments, leaders often feel pressure to suppress emotions and present only a curated version of themselves. But what if bringing our whole selves to work—emotions, values, and all—made us stronger, more effective leaders? In this interactive session, we will explore the power of authenticity in leadership, reflect on the parts of ourselves we hold back, and create a personal Leadership User Guide to articulate how we show up at work and how we want to be understood. Through guided reflection and discussion, participants will leave with practical strategies to foster deeper connections, build trust, and create a culture where both they and their teams can thrive.
We all aim for a room full of engaged and motivated learners, but how can we focus student attention to develop effective learners? This workshop will review research on student motivation and how clear classroom norms can promote student engagement. Case studies on the use of precisely pitched challenge, increasing student ratio and questioning techniques to promote engagement will be presented. Attendees will have time to think about how they could apply these principals in their own classrooms. The example provided will be primarily from Grade 9-12 science classes, but can be applied in all subjects and school phases.
A passionate Chemistry teacher and Head of Department at Munich International School who implements best practice and drives curriculum innovation.I am currently working towards Chartered Status through the Chartered College of Teaching in England, a qualification focussed on purposeful... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 14:30 - 15:30 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
In this session, I will share a variety of engaging music games designed for primary school students, covering grades 1 through 5. These games incorporate creative movement, solo singing, dancing, and circle games. They can be used as energizing breaks during lessons or with specific learning goals in mind.
This round table workshop is designed for IB German A: Language and Literature teachers (SL and HL) and serves as an open forum for exchanging best practices, teaching approaches, and strategies specifically for the analysis-based components of the course. The session will exclusively focus on: • Paper 1 & 2 – Developing analytical and comparative strategies • Individual Oral (IO) – Structuring arguments and integrating global issues Rather than presenting fixed solutions, this session thrives on collaborative exchange: Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and explore different approaches to fostering students’ analytical and interpretative skills. By actively engaging in discussions and exchanging insights, teachers will leave with new perspectives, practical strategies, and a stronger professional network within the IB German A community.
Navigating tricky conversations with those in positions of power - whether school leaders, parents, or other authority figures - can be challenging (and intimidating!). This workshop explores power dynamics in feedback & communication within a school environment.
Through discussion, reflection, and practical strategies, participants will learn to feel more confident in conversations with the people who shape school environments.
Research indicates that executive function skills are more reliable predictors of success in academics and life than test scores, IQ, or socioeconomic status. Therefore it is important to teach children strategies to improve their Executive Function Skills. We will present and discuss our data and observations from a school year of teaching Executive Function skills in a Grade 4 classroom. We will share our approach to the direct instruction of the barriers and strategies method, based on Dr. Laurie Faith’s book, “Executive Function Skills in the Classroom.” We will share our students’ growth in acquiring these skills through brainstorming and shared problem solving.
What is play? Why play? What is the adults role in play? How to set up learning environments that support learning through play? Free play, child-led play, guided play, play-based learning... what kind of play is your kind of play?
In many Early Years groups academic learning has sneakily taken over play during the last couple of years. We will get together to discuss the importance of play - to bring play back!
Creativity, vast vocabulary, stronger speech, language learning, own opinions, rapid reading. In this session, you will learn about the power of poetry and songs, and how you can bring these daily routines into your own classroom. We will talk about the ways in which you can structure homeroom, morning circle, literacy, unit of inquiry, math, or even sport class around a poem or song. You will leave the session with a collection of poems and songs you can use and a new understanding of the activities you can implement alongside these texts.
This session explores how Learning Walkthroughs serve as a powerful tool to unite educators, students, and the broader school community. By fostering collaborative dialogue and reflection, Learning Walkthroughs empower teachers to share best practices, build collective efficacy, and cultivate an inclusive learning culture.
Rooted in the IB PYP’s commitment to inquiry, agency, and lifelong learning, Walkthroughs provide opportunities to observe, reflect, and engage in meaningful discussions that drive continuous improvement. They help educators make learning visible, fostering an environment where students take ownership of their learning and develop as internationally minded individuals.
This session underscores the significance of human connections in education, demonstrating how Walkthroughs can bridge cultural and educational differences, ultimately enhancing a sense of shared humanity.
Within the ToK course, the Areas of Knowledge are unpacked and taught according to a “Knowledge Framework”(KF) consisting of the scope, methods and tools, perspectives and ethical considerations. In this session, easy to use activities and ideas will be shared that can be used within the ToK classroom to address and specifically unpack the KF elements in the AoKs of the Arts, History, Mathematics and Sciences (Human and Natural). Some examples of how the KF can be applied to knowledge questions similar to the essay questions will be provided. '[agisconference2025potsdam-event-export-2025-03-17-10-01-15.xlsx]Sessions'!$G$2:$K$160
In this engaging and practical session, educators, teachers, and leaders will explore strategies to transition learning environments and opportunities from being primarily adult-led to child-led. This shift places students at the center of their learning journey, fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
Participants will: • Understand the principles and benefits of child-led learning, including its impact on engagement, creativity, and problem-solving skills. • Reflect on the balance between adult guidance and child autonomy in planning and delivering learning experiences. • Learn practical techniques for creating environments that encourage exploration, choice, and voice. • Explore ways to scaffold child-led activities to align with curriculum goals while honoring individual interests. • Discuss strategies for assessing and documenting learning in a child-led framework.
Through interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, attendees will gain actionable insights to gradually transform their practice. This session equips educators to empower students as active participants in their learning journey, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Changing my mindset in the classroom—from being a teacher to being a coach—has led to significant improvements in student engagement, decisiveness, and self-awareness. In this session, I will share my journey of becoming a coach in my classroom and the pivotal role that both Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and a growth mindset played in this transformation. I will discuss the strategies I use, not only for individual lessons but also for full units. To conclude, I will reflect on the impact this shift has had on my students—as well as on me, the coach.
Cambridge Coordinator, International School of Bremen
Hello, I'm Marieke Scholten, originally from The Netherlands. My journey led me away from my homeland 26 years ago to explore the world. In those years, I've been married for 25 of them, explored various career paths, taught for 12 years, raised three children, and called seven different... Read More →
Over the past months, German coordinators across AGIS schools have been connecting through regular online meetings to exchange ideas, share best teaching practices, and support one another. Now, we are excited to take the next step by bringing our network together in person for a dedicated roundtable discussion. This session offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen our connections, collaborate on common challenges, and shape the future of German language education in our schools. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, we aim to build a supportive and dynamic network that fosters innovation and continuous professional growth. Join us as we bridge ideas, exchange insights, and work together to enhance German teaching and coordination across AGIS schools.
This interactive workshop looks at how to work with students to explore and understand the biases we all have, how these effect ourselves and others, and how students can work with other students to reduce the harm that biases, stereotypes, and prejudice can cause. Participants will engage in activities to explore their own views and see how these can be used with students in schools. A specific model of students teaching students will be presented.
As Fred Rogers said, “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”
This interactive workshop equips educators with practical strategies to integrate drama into classroom learning. Through hands-on activities such as storytelling, puppetry, and theatre games, teachers will explore how performing arts can enhance comprehension, emergent literacy, and social-emotional development.
Participants will engage in creative play to develop focus, collaboration, and critical thinking while discovering techniques to foster student engagement. The session includes role-playing exercises, improvisation games, and lesson plan applications that make learning dynamic and interactive.
By the end of the workshop, educators will have concrete tools to help students express ideas, develop language skills, and build confidence through drama-based learning.
No prior theatre experience is required—just a willingness to play and explore!
Proposal Overview: In a rapidly evolving world, students need more than just subject knowledge—they need creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Entrepreneurship in the classroom isn’t just about starting businesses; it’s about fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that empowers students to take initiative, think critically, and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. This interactive session will explore how educators can integrate entrepreneurial thinking into their teaching practices, regardless of subject or grade level. We’ll examine strategies to promote design thinking, project-based learning, financial literacy, and leadership skills, ensuring students develop the confidence to take risks and learn from failure. Attendees will walk away with practical classroom activities, adaptable lesson frameworks, and real-world case studies that demonstrate how entrepreneurship can be embedded in everyday learning. Whether you're looking to launch a student-led business, incorporate social entrepreneurship, or simply encourage creative problem-solving, this session will provide actionable insights to make learning more dynamic, relevant, and impactful. Key Takeaways: ✅ Understanding the core principles of an entrepreneurial mindset ✅ Strategies to integrate real-world problem-solving into the classroom ✅ Hands-on activities to develop critical thinking and financial literacy ✅ How to create a culture of innovation and resilience in students Join this engaging session to discover how entrepreneurship in education can prepare students to be the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.
Session Description: Creating a structured, engaging classroom environment is essential for student success. In this interactive session, teachers will explore and practice high-impact teaching strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into their daily lessons. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and collaborative discussions to practice the following strategies: - Classroom Structure and Beginning Class: Using seating charts for classroom management, posting clear objectives, and implementing bell-ringer activities to activate prior knowledge (e.g., KWL charts). - Middle of Class: Utilizing graphic organizers to structure learning, explicitly teaching key vocabulary for improved comprehension, and applying Rosenshine’s “Checking for Understanding” techniques. - End of Class: Reinforcing learning by reviewing homework, ensuring students record assignments, and using exit tickets to assess understanding. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of classroom routines in fostering a positive learning environment. Teachers will leave with practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to enhance student engagement and achievement.
We are going to look for ways to develop the students’ reading-comprehension and listening-comprehension skills. How can we help students prepare effectively to perform their best in the paper 2 exam? Participants will be encouraged to collaborate, share and express ideas.
Spanish & German teacher / Mother Tongue coordinat, International School of Hamburg
I love learning and teaching languages. I have taught German LA and Ab Initio, Spanish A&B, French LA and English B.I coordinate the "Mother Tongue Programme" at my school and the Language Development core component in the IBCP.I like nature a lot and I love the green colour that... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 16:00 - 17:00 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
Maths streaming allows teachers to tailor instruction to learners’ diverse needs, but ensuring both lower- and higher-ability learners thrive requires intentional strategies. In this workshop, we will share practical approaches to supporting all learners within a streamed maths setting. We will discuss strategies to support lower-ability learners, focusing on building confidence, reinforcing foundational skills, and using scaffolding techniques to promote progress. We will also examine ways to extend higher-ability learners, sharing enrichment activities, problem-solving challenges, and inquiry-based learning approaches that deepen mathematical understanding.
Multilingual students bring unique strengths to the classroom, while some also experience challenges that create specific learning needs. In this interactive workshop, we will explore real case studies of multilingual learners facing difficulties such as dyslexia, developmental language disorder, complex language profiles leading to weak language foundations, and math gaps resulting from language barriers. Through these cases, we will discuss how language development and cognitive factors intersect and affect learning—often placing these students at the crossroads of ELA instruction and Learning Support. Attendees will gain insights into identifying students' learning needs, understanding the impact of these challenges, and considering strategies to personalize their support. This session aims to build awareness and understanding, spark discussion, and provide a foundation for stronger collaboration between ELA and Learning Support teams to personalize learning.
This one-hour session introduces the concept of a Shared Understanding of High-Quality Learning (SUHQL) and its essential role in preparing educators and students for innovation and success. Participants will gain practical insights into how to apply SUHQL principles to enhance teaching practices and drive school transformation.
Recognize the Importance of SUHQL: Understand why a shared understanding of high-quality learning is critical for both school development and student success. Cultivate SUHQL: Explore key strategies to develop a common understanding of what high-quality learning entails within your school community. Implement SUHQL: Identify practical methods to integrate SUHQL into everyday educational practices and systems to foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
Sharyn Skrtic is an International Accreditation Leader for the Commission on International Education at the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). In this role, her focus is on supporting schools using the NEASC/IB Collaborative Learning Protocol (CLP). She has held... Read More →
This pilot project explores the implementation of Deep Discovery in schools, focusing on marine ecosystems using data. Students receive a short teaching input on the ecosystem, training in Biigle.Party for analyzing image datasets, and the opportunity to engage in a research question, potentially co-created with them.
Students have direct access to marine researchers familiar with the dataset, enhancing the scientific relevance of their work.
The initiative aims to introduce students to real-world scientific research methods, fostering critical thinking, data analysis, and collaboration. By integrating digital tools and marine science, the project serves as a model for hands-on STEM education within international school settings. This pilot will also provide insights into how such an approach can be scaled up in the future.
Executive functioning skills—such as planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation—are essential for academic success but often underdeveloped in students. In this workshop, middle and high school teachers will explore practical strategies to support students' executive functioning skills in mainstream classrooms. We will discuss the importance of explicitly teaching the language of executive functioning, helping students recognise and understand these critical skills. Participants will learn how to guide students in planning their work, setting achievable goals, and following through with their plans. We will also explore simple, effective classroom strategies to foster independence and self-monitoring. This session is aimed at teachers for Middle School and High School students. By the end of this session, teachers will leave with actionable techniques to integrate executive functioning support into everyday instruction, empowering students to become more confident and capable learners.
This session will discuss how to teach music students of all levels and abilities and help them achieve success by helping them make music and understand music in context. The session will discuss how music can be approached as a language and by applying language learning concepts and helping students see music as another language that needs to be listened to and spoken. Participants will be given practical scenarios and speak music together and listen critically.
In this presentation, I will be sharing and demonstrating some of the methods I use in my Grades 6 -10 Design classes to meaningfully integrate AI image generator tools in my units. During the course of the presentation, I will share some of the instruction sheets I have prepared, some of the templates I have created and the outcomes of the processes in the form of anonymized student examples.
This will be useful for teachers from a wide range of backgrounds and grade levels, be it in the primary or in secondary school.
A document with links to all the tools discussed will be provided and I will be demonstrating the use of most of these tools discussed. This is a hands-on session and participants are encouraged to bring their Devices.
Some of the tools that will be discussed are:
Fobizz Image generation using DALLE -2 Image generation using DALLE -3 Image generation using Stable Diffusion
16:00-17:00 Session 1: Focus on: Several exercises that support loosening up, get to know each other, and voice training exercises.
17:00-17:15: Coffee Break
17:15-18:15 Session 2: Focus on: Exercises for speaking in public and for bigger crowds. Practicing several techniques in the group, using real life cases to practice. Evaluation.
In this interactive workshop, educators will explore Dean Qigong techniques to help students manage anxiety. From exam stress to social pressures, anxiety can deeply affect a student’s well-being and academic performance. By integrating Qigong practices into the classroom, teachers can provide a holistic method to support students in overcoming these challenges. Participants will learn specific Qigong exercises designed to regulate energy, calm the mind, and restore balance. The focus will be on meditative movements, breathing techniques, and energy cultivation to promote a grounded and peaceful state. These practices can be adapted for students of all ages and backgrounds, offering simple yet effective tools to reduce anxiety and build resilience. By the end of the workshop, educators will have practical experience guiding students through Qigong exercises to manage stress, improve focus, and foster emotional well-being—tools that can be easily integrated into the school day.
This workshop breaks away from cookie-cutter approaches to wellbeing and dives into practical, real-world strategies tailored to the challenges educators and students face today.
Together, we’ll explore what makes wellbeing initiatives work and why some fail, tackle common barriers, and develop actionable plans for creating a culture of resilience and balance in schools.
Expect an interactive session with tools you can implement immediately, from stress management techniques for teachers to social and emotional learning practices for students. You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, reflect on your school’s unique needs, and walk away with a personalised wellbeing action plan.
If you’re ready to move beyond the buzzwords and bring meaningful change to your school, this workshop is for you.
10 years working in private system in the UK (Deputy Head of Sixth Form and Head of PE).3 years in Qatar in a British International School, working in developing a concept curriculum and Head of House.2 years in Germany teaching MYP. Pastoral lead for Grade 10.
IBCP Coordinator & Design Technology Teacher, Bavarian International School
Enthusiastic educator and leader, wishing to promote wellbeing in education for students, teachers and leaders. Has previously taught in the London, Kuala Lumpur and Lima, now based in Munich.Would like to connect with other educators who are interested in wellbeing, coaching and... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 16:00 - 18:15 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
Mathematics isn’t confined to workbooks or classrooms —it’s woven into the world around us, waiting to be discovered. Outdoor spaces offer endless opportunities for hands-on, meaningful math experiences that ignite curiosity and deepen understanding. This presentation will explore strategies for integrating mathematics into outdoor learning experiences. Come and explore how we can foster engagement, creativity, and real-world connections in young learners through the power of outdoor Mathematics.
This will be a practical and hand-on session for elementary/primary teachers, as well as anyone eager to experience the excitement of an outdoor Mathematics lesson in action. Participants can expect to experience outdoor mathematics lessons firsthand and engage with lesson plans and unit outlines. There will be a chance for Q&A and time for teachers to brainstorm ideas on how bring their current or upcoming mathematics units into the outdoor space.
This conference session aims to deepen educators' understanding of inclusion and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, providing solutions and actionable strategies to enhance inclusive practices in international schools. This conference session focuses on self-reflection, teaching practices, UDL principles, and future planning. Participants will engage in discussions, brainstorm solutions, and explore practical strategies for fostering inclusive education. It will incorporate expert insights, group activities, and e-portfolios as tools for assessing student progress in diverse learning environments.
We haven’t yet seen it, we’ve at least heard it - AI is transforming education! So, how do we integrate it while staying true to the PYP inquiry model? This session will explore AI’s role in enhancing student-driven learning without replacing critical thinking and creativity then examine common AI tools that support learning. We will examine AI tools that support learning while ensuring ethical and responsible use for primary-aged students. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, comparing AI-generated responses with human thinking, and explore strategies for developing digital literacy in young learners. Whether you’re curious or already using AI in your classroom, this session will help you balance innovation with inquiry in a developmentally appropriate way.
Aim: Gain insights into how the new CIS International Accreditation Framework (2024), launched earlier this year, creates agency for schools to leverage the accreditation process to develop socially responsible leadership while transforming as learning organizations. Hear from AGIS school leaders who have been involved in the early adoption phase of this evolution of CIS International Accreditation. Description: In 2023, CIS began a two-year review and redesign of our framework and protocol for International Accreditation, culminating in the launch of our evolved framework earlier this year. Join us in this session to explore how the new CIS International Accreditation Framework (2024) enables agency for schools to leverage the accreditation process to advance areas of strategic importance for their communities. We will explore the ways this action research approach to accreditation offers schools broad engagement across the three dimensions of our framework of developmental standards, depth of focus on advancing initiatives that matter to their communities, and choice in how to do this work. We will also hear from AGIS school leaders who have been involved in the early adoption phase of this evolution of CIS International Accreditation. The Council of International Schools is a research-based membership organisation serving over 900 diverse international schools and 600 universities around the world. Come and learn with us! Learning Objectives: Participants will:
Preview how key principles, such as organizational learning and futures thinking, underpin the new CIS International Accreditation Framework (2024).
Understand how choice and flexibility in the international accreditation process can transform educational institutions.
Learn how socially responsible leadership mindsets and behaviors are embedded in the framework.
Associate Director – Strategic Initiatives, School Evaluation & Development, Council of International Schools (CIS)
Mary Powell is an Associate Director with a focus on strategic initiatives as part of the CIS School Development & Evaluation leadership team. In this role, she oversees school evaluation, support and improvement in member schools globally. Mary leads strategic projects such as the... Read More →
As educators, understanding the way the brain functions, and regulates, during times of stress or anxiety, provides critical information to assist us in knowing how to help our students achieve success. Regulation is the ability to understand and adapt one’s emotions in order to be able to respond to situations with balance, calm, and control. For both students and adults, it is an essential skill which fosters resilience. In this workshop, we will be exploring ways to integrate regulation techniques and awareness into our classrooms.
The ISA collaborative and co-teaching journey will be used as a case study to discuss the opportunities and challenges we have experienced over the past ten years. Topics addressed will include: approaches to collaboration, communicating to stakeholders, establishing shared resources, classroom setup. Additionally, we will share how collaborative practice has informed our plans for a new campus.
In today’s fast-changing world, students connect deeply with language when it reflects their lived experiences. This workshop explores dynamic strategies to enhance engagement in IBDP Language A and B courses using pop culture, current events, and technology. Participants will discover how a variety of contemporary artifacts can serve as authentic texts, fostering critical thinking and real-world language application. We’ll discuss interactive activities, digital tools, and inquiry-based approaches that make language learning relevant and meaningful.
This session is based on a paper that I wrote for my Ed.D: A Critical Review of the Role of Rituals in Elite Traditional International Schools as a Mechanism for the Generation of International Mindedness in the Post COVID-19 Era.
School life is more than attending class, completing assignments, and enduring the slough of assessments. During this session, we will explore school culture through the framework of school rituals. Participants will reflect on the regular routines that create the expressive culture of their schools- traditional field trips, ceremonies, etc. but also the daily activities that occur as part of the school day. Participants will be asked to reflect upon their own schedule of rituals that occur within their school community and how they are used to develop solidarity and cohesion within their own student populations and othe stakeholders.
I will provide a short overview of the possible connections that International Mindedness has with these rituals and provide an opportunity for participants to brainstorm about how this could be developed in their organizations.
A gathering for all MYP science professionals to collaborate, share best practices, exchange ideas, and problem-solve common challenges. Come ready to share expertise and ask questions. We'll share resources we've found helpful, and those that were not. We'll discuss strategies to solve common curriculum, language, and behavioural issues in a lab environment.
AI, big data, and automation are shaping the world around us—so how do educators prepare students for a world that is yet to be imagined?
No matter what subject you teach, changes in the world, like AI, may impact your classroom. This session will explore the essential toolsets, skillsets, and mindset shifts that will help students to thrive in an unpredictable future.
What were once considered "soft skills"—such as problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, and negotiation—are now essential competencies tied to emotional intelligence (EQ). Technology tools are an accelerator to support the development of these skills, helping students succeed in any field.
Participants will examine related data, share their own experiences, and discuss ways that technology can be leveraged into skill-building opportunities to better equip students for with skills and with a flexible mindset.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, students often struggle with focus, stress, and self-regulation. This session explores how cross-stitch, a traditional fiber art, can be integrated into visual arts education as a mindfulness practice. By engaging in the repetitive, meditative process of stitching, students develop patience, concentration, and a sense of accomplishment while expressing creativity. Format: This interactive session will combine a short presentation with hands-on participation, allowing attendees to experience the calming effects of stitching firsthand. No prior sewing skills required! I look forward to sharing how this simple yet powerful craft can enrich both art education and student well-being.
Many children struggle with word problems due to challenges such as lower language comprehension, learning differences, or difficulty with abstract reasoning. In this workshop, we will explore effective strategies to help students master word problems, including multi-step problems that require different operations. Participants will engage in hands-on problem-solving activities, experience classroom-tested approaches, and take away a plan designed to support student understanding. Join us for a practical and interactive session that will equip you with tools to enhance mathematical problem-solving in your classroom.
Primary School Teacher, Metropolitan School Frankfurt
My name is Catherine Boulet, and this is my tenth year teaching and my fourth year teaching fourth grade, as well as my first year work as a Language and Literacy Coordinator at Metropolitan School Frankfurt. I have taught in both US public schools and international schools and have... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 17:15 - 18:15 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
Have you ever wondered why people talk about nonverbal communication in the classroom? You might be curious to learn that over 80% of what you communicate is not what you say – it’s how you say it and then what you do with the rest of your body.
In this hour session, learn about the positive impact nonverbal communication has on a classroom culture. Find out about specific teacher strategies to support success in class management based upon ENVoY (Educational Nonverbal Yardsticks), American Sign Language, and Positive Discipline.
Bring an instrument. Bring your voice. Bring your passion. Bring your energy. Then we put them all into a pot with a stone, mix it up, and we have live music entertainment for part of our Saturday night at the AGIS conference! We will choose 8-10 songs to play and perform with a bit of organization, almost no rehearsal, and a whole lot of faith.
Leaps of faith rely on strong buy-in from the constituents, sharing a common goal, and trust in the participants' capabilities, knowledge, and experience. So leap with us and let's perform tonight! (There will be no notes, chord charts, or lyrics provided, so devices are extremely useful for knowing what to play or sing even if you don't have all of the world's music memorized).
Criteria for choosing songs include: audience recognition (multi-generational, international), danceability, sing-along-ability, and that somebody can sing lead on the song.
Primary Music/AGIS Rep, Berlin Brandenburg International School
- Originally from Illinois and Minnesota, USA- Studied at St. Olaf College, University of Minnesota, Universität Regensburg, Universität Potsdam (German, Music, Linguistics, Education, Life)- Student taught at an international school in northern India and caught the international... Read More →
Saturday September 27, 2025 17:15 - 18:15 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
In this session, participants will be given tools for better cultural understanding and communication in schools. The session will present some of the key findings of Erin Meyer’s book The Culture Map, combined with more recent research. The aim is to give educators ideas about how to improve intercultural communication in international schools. Even though most people seem to be speaking fluent English, communication is often difficult because cultural barriers and expectations. The session will focus on how to improve communication and understanding in schools using some of the ideas that are outlined in Erin Meyer’s book. The presenter will also draw from her own experience in everyday school practice.
Are you looking to bring more structure and routine to your classroom but unsure how to get started with Google Slides? This hands-on workshop is designed for teachers who want to build confidence in using Google Slides to streamline their daily lessons and routines.
In the first half of the session, I will share how I have successfully structured my lessons using Google Slides in both Early Years and Grade 4 classrooms. You’ll see practical examples of how Slides can be used to organize your day, engage students, and create consistency in your teaching.
The second half of the workshop will be interactive—participants will receive editable templates and have time to personalize their own Google Slides presentation. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow educators and leave the session with a ready-to-use, adaptable slide deck tailored to your classroom needs.
Whether you’re new to Google Slides or looking for fresh ideas, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to make your teaching more structured and efficient.
We all know the importance of the growth mindset, but how much time do we spend paying attention to cultivating this within the classroom? How confident do we feel to actively build the necessary skills and dispositions within students to empower them as lifelong learners? Drawing on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the work of Dr Shyam Barr (Educate to Self-Regulate, Amba Press, 2024), this workshop offers a range of strategies to build self-management approaches to learning for secondary students. We will explore how we can sustaining effort and persistence, as well as supporting student emotional capacity through the approach of self-regulated learning. This approach is designed to build capacity within students to understand their own thinking, motivations, emotions and behaviours in the context of learning, and to monitor and change these in response to a problem or towards a desired goal.
This session is designed for all DP subjects, with a specific focus on integrating inquiry-based activities that allow students to take control of their learning while mastering key content, particularly in science. While many parts of the curriculum require teacher-led instruction, there are certain topics in subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology where we can step back and let students drive the lesson through exploration and discovery. The challenge lies in balancing this inquiry approach with the need to cover all necessary content, particularly within the time constraints of the IB curriculum. In this workshop, teachers will learn how to create inquiry-driven lessons that promote self-learning, while still ensuring that practice test questions and required content are effectively integrated. We’ll explore ways to manage time efficiently, allowing students to engage deeply with the material without sacrificing essential learning objectives. By shifting to a facilitator role in certain units, teachers can encourage active student participation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The focus will be on creating a dynamic classroom environment where students take ownership of their learning, preparing them for success in assessments while fostering a deeper understanding of the subject.
This workshop will show several exercises and games which can be used to increase the energy level and the feeling of community in a class. These games are also a fun way of learning new vocabulary or to learn how to concentrate better. The participants will experience the games and exercises in an active way. There will be energizing games, as well as teambuilding-, concentration-, learning-, and fun games. The exercises come from different angles, such as: theatre improvisation, language learning, and warming ups.
As learners begin to near the end of their time in the primary school, fostering independence and autonomy becomes a vital skill to prepare them for the next step in their school life. In this session, teachers will explore practical strategies to ensure every learner feels welcomed, supported, and prepared for the challenges ahead. We will discuss approaches that encourage learners to be courageous in facing new academic and social environments, equipping them with skills to navigate change successfully. Through collaboration and reflection, participants will learn how to develop structured transition plans that instil confidence and instigate a proud sense of accomplishment in learners as they take their next educational steps. We will share some of the approaches used in our Grade 4 and Grade 5 classrooms, and there will also be an opportunity for you to share what you do in your own schools.
Creating positive, playful connections within a group motivates and energizes a class to collaborate with trust. Improv Comedy is based on principles of "group-mind" where everyone works and plays together under an agreed-upon set of rules. This workshop involves actively playing a selection of "easy-to-learn, easy-to-teach" exercises inspired by the comedy improv mindset that can be used in the classroom to create rapport, challenge focusing skills and enliven the playful connections between students. These Ice-breakers and Group Exercises can be used (with adaptations) with students of all ages. Based on Viola Spolin´s seminal exercises in the classroom, theories of Applied Improv and "Short-form Improvisational Comedy"performance techniques, these games thrive on soft-skill communication techniques that encourage risk-taking and creative play where there is no "right" or "wrong"; it´s a recognition of the creative child within us who still wants to play and of the teacher´s task of empowering students to connect to each other in non-judgemental ways. Brian will introduce a different set of exercises than those from the 2024 Conference, and expand on games that strongly resonated with participants.
Secondary Drama Teacher, Berlin International School
Before teaching Secondary School Drama at Berlin International School, Brian had a long history in professional theater and comedy improvisation performance and production. As a founding member of ComedySportz in 1985, he co-created 'short-form' improvisational comedy format that... Read More →
Sunday September 28, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
Join us for a workshop designed for primary and middle school teachers, teaching any subject, who want to foster creativity and collaboration in their classrooms. This workshop will help you: -Be Inspired by Impactful Design Projects: Discover how design projects can engage students and enhance learning. We will showcase projects that have made a significant impact, providing you with ideas to bring back to your schools. -Think Through an Interdisciplinary Lens: Learn how to break down traditional subject boundaries and approach teaching from an interdisciplinary perspective. We will explore strategies and frameworks that encourage teachers to make connections across different subjects as they plan. -Collaborate with Colleagues Across Subjects to Innovate Your Ideas: Work alongside colleagues from various disciplines. Through activities and discussions, you will share your ideas and co-create project ideas that can meaningfully integrate multiple subjects.
Aims to introduce participants to the powerful methodology of Philosophy for Children (P4C). The workshop will demonstrate how P4C can significantly improve teaching and learning outcomes with minimal preparation required from educators.
Participants will explore the key features of P4C and learn facilitation tools and techniques that lead to fruitful philosophical inquiries. The workshop will highlight how P4C builds higher-order thinking, questioning, and speaking and listening skills across primary (and beyond?)
The session will showcase P4C's impact on developing critical thinking, oracy, and self-efficacy in students. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to experience how P4C creates a more collaborative learning environment and empowers children to take control of their own learning. The workshop will also address how P4C can be integrated into various subjects and used to explore challenging topics.
This workshop will share the process of planning and delivering a personal safety curriculum for early years and junior school students.
The session will focus on one school counsellor’s experience of planning curriculums for two international schools in Shanghai and Germany, based on recommendations from CIS Consultant Susie March. The session will begin by discussing the context of the lessons and why it is important for international schools to teach them. We will then look at an example scope and sequence with samples of lesson content and activities that can be delivered by classroom teachers and/ or school counsellors.
We will also look at useful resources and discuss how the curriculum can be adapted depending on the time constraints and number of staff available to deliver the lessons.
Finally, the workshop will explore how to navigate parent communication, with some suggestions and examples of how to introduce this topic to the parent community, as well as advice on how to answer questions and concerns from parents.
This session will explore the importance of thinking and social skills in the learning process. Participants will be introduced to various strategies that can help develop these skills in students during lessons.
For thinking skills, the session will present strategies from Harvard University’s Project Zero, such as Claim, Support, Question, Circle of Viewpoints, and Compass Points.
Participants will actively engage in two selected strategies to experience their practical implications firsthand.
As educators, one of our deepest desires is to see transformation take place in the minds and hearts of our students. In this workshop we will explore how Transformational Leadership theory can help teachers to reflect on their role as leaders of young men and women in the classroom, and to be the kind of leaders that inspire transformation in their students.
During the workshop we will outline Transformational Leadership theory as well as some relevant research related to its application in the classroom. We will also take time to reflect on and discuss ways in which the key traits of Transformational Leadership are already taking place in our schools, and to identify potential opportunities to enhance this kind of leadership in the classroom.
A tessellation is a tiling that has a repeated pattern of one or more shapes. Tessellations are used around us everyday. M.C. Escher Is famous for bridging mathematics and artistic concepts together and creating well-known tessellations. This workshop will explain what a tessellation is, teach participants how to make a tessellation of one's own and gain the skills to teach students how to make one of their own.
What does art education look like in today’s schools? Do you have a dedicated art space, or are you teaching from a cart? How do you balance structured curriculum with creative exploration? In this interactive session, we will explore the triumphs and challenges of modern art teaching, from classroom management and student engagement to curriculum development and fostering creativity in the digital age. Join fellow art educators in a collaborative discussion on the evolving role of art in schools, the impact of technology, and how we can build an international community to support and inspire each other. Whether you’re looking for new ideas, solutions to common struggles, or simply a space to share experiences, this session is your opportunity to connect and create a vision for the year ahead.
This full-day workshop equips educators to develop thriving debate programs. Learn to craft powerful assessments, integrate debate across the IB curriculum, and join a growing network of international school debate coaches. Whether you're starting your first classroom debate or ready to host competitions, leave with concrete tools and connections to energise student learning.
09:30-10:00 Welcome Coffee 10:00-12:30 First Session: Debate Fundamentals - Understanding competitive debate formats - Essential skills: argument construction, rebuttal, reasoning - Hands-on practice of basic debate techniques - Creating effective debate-based learning experiences: case study from business - Creating effective debate-based assessments: case study from integrated humanities - Using debating to forge inter-curricular links
12:30-13:30 Lunch 13:30-15:30 Second Session: Beyond Basics - Debating Warm-Ups - Advanced strategies for classroom debates - Hands-on practice of advanced strategies - Running a successful debate club - Organising inter-school competitions - Supporting diverse learners
15:30-16:00 Coffee Break 16:00-17:00 End of day plenary and wrap-up - How to integrate debate in your school: a roadmap - Network building: resource sharing and competition planning - Next steps: regional and international events
09:30-10:00 Welcome Coffee 10:00-12:30 First Session: Introduction to Function, Behavioral descriptions, and typical Functional Categories, Practice Writing, Using the FAST Assessment tool, 12:30-13:30 Lunch 13:30-15:30 Second Session: Case Studies, Generate Functional statements based upon context, Matching Skills as Replacement Behaviors, Behavior Plan Writing, Barriers to Implementation 15:30-16:00 Coffee Break 16:00-17:00 End of day plenary and wrap-up
German cities are a STEAM-subject class trip paradise - yes, all of them! At this workshop, after we outline existing successful community connections to Youth Innovation Centres, Tech Startup Hubs, Universities' MINT/STEM Teacher Training Labs, Museums of Textile History and much much more, we will move on to real workshop mode, and, in small groups, aim to equip *you* with a solid list of community resources in *your* locality, ready to deepen and expand your school's STEAM-themed educational experiences.
PYP Design Teacher / STEAM Coordinator, Intl School of Stuttgart e.V.
I am a PYP Design Teacher and STEAM Coordinator at the International School of Stuttgart where I facilitate creative learning through STEAM (MINT), Technology and Design to foster the PYP concept of student agency. I also work as the technical support for the AGIS Conference Planning... Read More →
Sunday September 28, 2025 10:30 - 11:30 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
Publishers often produce comprehensive math programs, assuming more content means better value. Yet international schools frequently allocate less time for math than standards like the Common Core recommend. As a result, many practitioners feel overwhelmed, wondering: “What’s truly important? What can we cut? Can we still explore ideas deeply if we reduce content?” Meanwhile, the PYP is sometimes criticized for offering good ideas but lacking grade-level support. This workshop presents a clear Number progression from Kindergarten to Grade 6, drawing on WA First Steps, Numicon Essentials, the NZ Numeracy Project, and the current (2018) PYP Mathematics Scope and Sequence. It will also align with forthcoming updates. Participants will see practical examples of each conceptual stage through interactive materials, warm-up games, and videos illustrating how learning unfolds at each level. In addition, the session provides “ready to use tomorrow” activities for both assessment and teaching. Ultimately, this framework helps educators streamline content, focus on deeper understanding, and address the real question: what truly matters in math instruction?
This session explores practical strategies to differentiate instruction, accommodate diverse learners and apply modifications effectively within IB programs. Grounded in the principles of inclusive education, attendees will learn how to identify barriers to learning and implement equitable practices that support all students, including those with individual education plans. The session highlights the collaborative roles of classroom and learning support teachers in fostering an inclusive learning environment. Participants will leave with ready to use techniques for differentiation, tools to align accommodations with IB criteria and insights into modifications' role in supporting students with significant learning needs.
In many language acquisition classes, students often revert to using a common language, such as English, when interacting with peers. This workshop addresses the challenge of increasing the use of the target language in student-student interactions. In this workshop, attendees will gain insights from research and strategies implemented mainly in German language acquisition classes (with some Spanish/English examples). The goal is to share effective materials and techniques to encourage consistent use of the target language, such as such as chat mats, self-assessment rubrics, surveys, contracts, sentence builders, and rejoinders to foster a more immersive language environment.
Whether you expect to be looking for a new job in Germany, or further afield, this session will be part workshop, part discussion, to help your application speak with clarity and purpose to those reading it. Based on the joy, challenge and frustration of reading hundreds of applications a year from people who do not always make it easy to see what they might bring, where and how they have gained their experience and whether they would be happy in Leipzig, Dehradun or Weimar, we will look at the good, the bad and the ugly.
We cannot always find the mentors we need to turn to when making job applications, particularly if we want to keep an application quiet until it becomes real. This session will take place within a circle of trust in which anyone can ask anything, about what school hiring committees and Heads might be thinking when it comes to hiring.
Bring along your CVs, your aspirations and your questions and we can spend an hour now, saving hours later in the year.
This session will explore the core principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and examine how educational technology (EdTech) can enhance inclusivity across diverse learning environments. Participants will discover practical strategies for leveraging digital tools to remove barriers, support diverse learning styles, and create more engaging, accessible, and student-centered experiences. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, this session will highlight how technology can empower all learners by fostering flexibility, accessibility, and equity in education.
This session will explore the ways in which drama classroom techniques can be integrated into subjects across the curriculum for all educators regardless of subject specialism. It will also touch on some of the benefits of integrating theatre and movement into the classroom to support all kinds of learners. There will be the opportunity to share examples, and to brainstorm new ones for integrating drama, role play and imaginative thinking into our subjects to open up opportunities for new ways of assessing our students understanding and abilities beyond the traditional written assessments, PowerPoints and posters.
We will take you through the comprehensive journey of developing our intervention program aimed at improving literacy and numeracy. We will detail the pathways we followed to determine the tools used in the program, as well as the assessment timelines we established to monitor progress. Each tool has been carefully selected to align with the specific needs of our students, and we will explain the rationale behind these choices.
We will model the data analysis protocols that we employ when reviewing assessment results with our teams. In addition, we will provide a detailed overview of what small group intervention looks like for different areas of literacy and numeracy, and discuss how we approach this work both inside and outside of the classroom setting.
We will touch on the crucial process of progress monitoring—explaining how we track students' growth over time and the methods we use to adjust instruction accordingly. Finally, we will outline the next steps that follow the implementation of our intervention strategies, ensuring a continuous cycle of improvement and support for each student. This session will offer practical insights and strategies that can be applied to any classroom seeking to enhance student outcomes in literacy and numeracy.
Morning Tubs provide an innovative and student-centered approach to starting the school day. This workshop will introduce educators to the benefits of Morning Tubs and how they can be used to strengthen collaboration, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills. Participants will experience engaging in Morning Tub activities firsthand, gain practical implementation strategies, and leave with a toolkit of ideas ready for immediate classroom use.
Join us for an engaging one-hour workshop designed for educators exploring the shift to personalised learning in a multi-age setting. This session provides a collaborative space to share experiences, challenges, and insights on tailoring education to diverse student needs. We will begin with an open discussion, inviting participants to share their questions and wonderings about multi-age classrooms and personalised learning. This will be followed by a real-world case study from an international school in Germany, highlighting the successes and challenges of implementing this approach. Participants will then engage in hands-on, differentiated activities that simulate the dynamics of a multi-age classroom. Through these practical exercises, we will critically examine the benefits—such as peer mentorship, flexible pacing, and student agency—while also addressing common concerns, including curriculum planning and assessment, and developmental differences. By the end of the session, educators will gain a deeper understanding of the potential of multi-age personalised learning and leave with practical strategies to implement in their own contexts. Whether you are considering this model or already on the journey, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to learn, reflect, and collaborate with fellow educators.
Are you ready to unleash your true potential as an educator? In today’s fast-paced educational environment, it's all too easy to lose touch with the essence that drives our profession—our purpose. During this interactive session, educators will delve into how reconnecting with their core motivations can rekindle their purpose that initially led them to education. Drs. Coppes and Quaglia will discuss the elements that comprise an educator’s purpose. They will also introduce practical strategies for integrating purpose into their role as an educator, empowering attendees to foster a dynamic and enriching educational atmosphere. Purpose serves as the cornerstone of a meaningful and engaged life, providing clarity, guiding decisions, shaping goals, and creating significance. Participants will leave with a greater understanding who they are, what they stand for, and the profound impact they can have on their educational communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped how new generations approach learning, significantly affecting study skills and metacognitive abilities. While students have gained digital literacy and adaptability, many struggle with self-regulation, organization, and deep learning. The transition to online learning promoted independence but also led to decreased motivation, reduced attention spans, and difficulties in time management. The lack of structured environments impacted students' ability to plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning effectively. Additionally, the increased use of digital platforms fostered multitasking behaviors, often at the expense of sustained focus and critical thinking.
We will look at the ‘lived experience’ of trauma for neurodivergent children and young people, discussing risks, contexts, while exploring the complexities and the solutions for working with neurodivergence in schools and with trauma. An informed approach will be presented to demonstrate how neurodivergent people with or without a learning challenge are at heightened risk of experiencing any type of trauma.
Head of Student Support - Secondary School, Berlin Metropolitan School gGmbH
I have lived all my life outside of my passport country and have graduated myself from an international school as well. I have started my career as an IB psychology teacher and slowly after more studies and my licensure, I have started working as a counsellor and in student support.I... Read More →
In schools, we often encourage our students to dream big. However, simply dreaming is not enough. Aspirations are defined as the ability to dream and set goals for the future while being inspired in the present to reach those dreams. This session is designed for educators working with students of all ages, from elementary through high school. We will explore effective strategies for supporting students in various stages of goal achievement. Our goal is to equip educators to guide students in achieving their aspirations by teaching them to balance dreaming and doing, actively using their voices to turn dreams into reality both now and in the future.