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.
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 →
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 →
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.
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
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
