The International Schools Network

In this ISN Live event, sponsored by The National College, safeguarding, mental health and well-being experts analyse the findings of Jonathan Haidt's ground-breaking book. Speakers Sian Jorgensen : Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer, International Schools Specialist, ©SAFE Interviewing Trainer Hayley Wilson : Deputy Head of Secondary School (Pastoral Community and Wellbeing) at Kellet School, Th...

In this discussion, sponsored by our partner Chameleon PDE, we explore how emerging leaders develop essential leadership skills, tackle systemic challenges, and leverage professional relationships. Key themes: The key skills and competencies that are most critical for advancement into leadership roles in international education. The unique challenges faced by early-career leaders in the internatio...

In this new series, we will hear from a series of experienced teachers and leaders to give us 5 essential takeaways on key topics in international education. In this first episode, John Dolman, The AI English Teacher shares his 5 takes on AI for Inclusivity and how to best utilise AI to support all learners. 5 Takes... Differentiating Reading Material- the first easy win Any LLM like ChatGPT - act...

In this discussion, Hannah Wilson, Leadership Development Consultant and Founder and Director of Diverse Educators, shares how her passion for DEIJ has influenced every step of her career. Key Themes: Experiences of school, developing a passion for equity and inclusion from an early age. The decision to teach and Hannah's first experiences of teaching in very different schools. Journey into leader...

In this interview, Dr. Benjamin Freud—Head of Upper School at Green School Bali and founder of Coconut Thinking—shares the journey and insights that shaped his role as an influential environmental educator. Key themes: Personal experiences of school, the importance of understanding the why when learning and the benefits of a University environment. A varied career and the motivation to teach. Dive...

In this interview, we sit down with Sabina Mammadova to discuss her journey from Educator in her native Azerbaijan to Science Teacher at One World International School Singapore. Key themes: Inspirations and aspirations. Training to be a teacher in Azerbaijan and first teaching experiences. Motivations to teach internationally, the financial inequity and opportunities available internationally. Th...

In this interview, we sit down with Matthew Burfield, Senior Vice President at GEMS Education, to explore the pivotal experiences and insights that have shaped his career and leadership journey. Key Themes: Lasting impressesions from school, the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Fast progression into leadership, the successes and challenges. Recognising signs of burn-out, taking time and fi...

In this discussion, our experts explore various strategies to integrate phonics instruction for SEND learners and the benefits of this. Key Themes: Difficulties that many SEND learners can face when developing levels of literacy. Specific strategies and adaptations that have been successful in teaching phonics/literacy to SEND students. How DK's Catch-up readers can support educators and learners...

In this interview, Dr. Winnard shares experiences, challenges, and insights from his life, teaching in the UK and his time serving as Head of School in both Sudan and Brazil. In this new series of interviews, we want to learn more about exceptional practitioners who have developed their passion for education from their formative experiences. Join us for a peek behind the curtain of some outstandin...

This discussion, sponsored by our partner, the International Curriculum Association (ICA) explores the crucial topic of autonomy and agency for schools, their staff and students. A focus on agency enables individuals to take ownership of their learning journey and professional roles. By fostering autonomy and agency, we not only cultivate a sense of responsibility and self-direction among students...

In this interview, we sit down with Mathematics coach Patrick Renouf to discuss accessible Mathematics Education, the motivations to teach and enacting greater change through international education. Key themes: Growing up in a small place, individual experiences school and discovering personal identity. Inspirations to teach, the importance of acts of service. Motivations to teach internationally...

In this discussion, we consider the practical implementation and benefits of integrating AI and robotics in schools to enhance learning experiences. Key themes: Ways in which AI can enhance the school curriculum, tools used by our experts and how to use them. Understanding emerging trends and developments in AI/Ed-tech that will likely have a significant impact on international education in the ne...

In this interview, Educational Leader Juan Jacobs Sheblak reflects on his experiences growing up in South Africa during apartheid and how this inspired his activism and advocacy for DEIJ in schools. Key themes: Early childhood experiences of racism and discrimination, activism and resistance born from moral absolutism. A journey into education and making a wider impact. The importance of authentic...

In this conversation we speak to Matthew Barnsley, founder of outdoor education company, Polaris Outdoor . They offer schools and students incredible opportunities to build their leadership, personal, and teamwork skills in dynamic experiential learning environments around the world. We’ll also learn about their young leader's program which is the culmination of 15 years' experience running studen...

In collaboration with our partner, Making Stuff Better, we discuss what skills and competencies future leaders will need to succeed in the rapidly developing landscape of global education. Key themes: The challenges facing international school leaders over the next 10-20 years. The critical skills and competencies future leaders will need to thrive in international schools. A reflection on how our...

This discussion, sponsored by Zegal, focuses on the critical topic of compliance and risk management within an international school setting, spotlighting the different technological tools that active practitioners at schools based in Singapore have used in their own settings to streamline processes. Key themes: Practical ways to leverage technology in international schools to save human processing...

Our partner, the International Curriculum Association, sponsors this conversation on the role of Social Emotional Learning in international schools to develop students understanding of themselves and others. Key themes Defining Social Emotional Learning, why it's important for schools to establish clear SEL in their curriculum offering. Effective strategies for integrating social-emotional learnin...

In this event, four exceptional and innovative international leaders share their insights on what is needed to take the first steps into leadership. They highlight skills, barriers, strategies and challenges in middle and senior leadership. A must-watch for all aspiring leaders. Guests Glen Radojkovich : Director of Education, Dubai - Taaleem Nicki Williams : Director of Charter Schools at Taleem...

In this discussion, sponsored by our founding partner, Chameleon PDE, our expert practitioners reflect on the pressing topic of cultural dissonance within international schools. Key themes Recognising cultural dissonance among students in international schools and the strategies educators use to foster greater empathy among students from diverse cultural backgrounds. How educators can collaborate...

In this discussion, sponsored by our partners at The Day, we explore how to create an environment where difficult and sensitive topics can be discussed, and the importance of this for young people. Key themes The importance of creating space to address sensitive topics, and misconceptions. How to approach conversations about sensitive topics with young people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Eff...

In this discussion, we explore Maths anxiety and trauma and the innovative new approaches to Mathematics pedagogy that address these issues, framing Mathematics as a subject for everybody. Key themes: Traditional pedagogical approaches to Mathematics and resulting Maths anxiety and trauma. The importance of project-based learning and understanding the 'why?' in Mathematics. The role of assessment...

In this discussion, sponsored by our partner Polaris Outdoor, we speak with educators about the importance of experiential learning and the benefits of this for young people. Key themes: What is experiential learning and how do different curriculums foster it. The benefits of experiential learning for critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strategies to successfully embed...

In this discussion, sponsored by our partners at The National College, we speak with three expert safeguarding practitioners on how to effectively support young people experiencing and/or carrying out child-on-child abuse. The National College is the leading professional development platform for International Schools around the world, helping international schools drive up standards through access...

In this discussion we explore the innovative work of Misk Schools to develop leadership and high performance learning for their students and their commitment to make this innovative approach available for other local Saudi schools. Key Themes: The 2030 vision for Misk Schools is to be a top school for leadership. The development of High Performance Learning and how this has been rolled out in Misk...

In this discussion, we speak with four senior leaders about their experiences and the strategies they have found most useful for school development. Key themes: Ultilising professional development to create a cohesive school vision and to invest in staff. Student centred-learning to develop a supportive and inclusive school community. The role of love in education. Reflective curriculum developmen...