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 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 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
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 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
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
