MYP Decoded

In Part 2, the focus shifts from competition to impact. Part 1: https://youtu.be/vG6e6fNtQAUBogdan explains why chess is such a powerful activity for young people, unpacking the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of learning the game from an early age — from decision-making and focus to resilience and emotional regulation. We then explore Bogdan’s newest initiative, the International Chess...

https://youtu.be/vG6e6fNtQAU In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I sit down with Bogdan Garbea, a former national chess champion from Romania who has spent more than a decade shaping the chess landscape in Abu Dhabi and the wider region. Part 2: https://youtu.be/YZpQ84NWeRYWe begin with Bogdan’s personal journey into chess — from competitive player to coach — and explore his early years worki...

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GE6RLRfohVo Our fantastic guide, Aman, shared a wealth of insight as we trekked up and down the famous Triund Eco Trail. Along the way, he offered fascinating stories about the region’s history, geography, and economy, and gave a thoughtful explanation of the Hindu beliefs and philosophies that shape life in this part of Northern India. It was a journey filled...

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KnFaNQBbPAw The Sustainability Action Team at Raha International School (Gardens Campus) in Abu Dhabi comprises a healthy-sized group of young, future leaders, who really take sustainability seriously. In this chat, Grade 11 student Zifan outlines some of the recent developments and upcoming actions now that the weather is on our side again here in the UAE!Exam...

Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/_98nSOjJzm4 At just 15, Kaiden is already somewhat of a veteran of motorsports, having competed extremely successfully in karting for many years. Now he has stepped up to the big league and is taking on the best of the Spanish F4 drivers and has been holding his own in his rookie season. In this interview he confidently and articulately explains the intricacies of...

In this second episode in the series of conversations with dedicated young athletes, we catch up with Dexter - he was on the podcast (audio-only version) back in March 2024 in episodes 15 & 16. https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast... Training in the UAE heat takes a special kind of determination and resilience - it's not something many people's bodies ever really adapt to. It's ju...

Audio of the YouTube video. Mohammed shot a video with #tommyfleetwood at the #hsbc Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in November. He is my first guest in a star-studded line-up of young sports stars. We explore what drives him, what training looks like these days, competitions, and what the future holds in such a competitive world of aspiring golfers. The video with Tommy Fleetwood: https://www.youtube...

The students and teacher leading the school’s Sustainability Action Team at Raha International School are no ordinary group! They are driving real change through student leadership, innovation, and education. From hydroponic and aeroponic towers to sustainable gardens across campus, their hands-on work is both practical and inspiring. They’ve been educating younger students, planting mangroves as...

In this episode, Vaughan speaks with Rita Bateson, co-founder of Eblana Learning and long-time leader in the IB world. With her experience as a curriculum designer, school leader, and global consultant, Rita shares her insights into how schools are navigating the fast-evolving landscape of AI. They discuss the need for balanced approaches that go beyond panic or blind adoption, the ethical and env...

In this episode we dive into one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of student development: learning to fail well . Starting with a look at why many young people today struggle with setbacks, we explore the emotional and psychological weight failure can carry in a high-pressure, always-on world. You’ll hear from a group of Grade 7 students who offer surprisingly mature and rational...

In this episode, we hear from two university counsellors to explore how today’s students are navigating an increasingly complex future. With insights drawn from the 2025 Future of Jobs Report, we unpack the global trends influencing university applications - from the rise of AI and green careers to shifting priorities around employability, skills, and global mobility. What degrees are students cho...

While smartphones have become near-ubiquitous extensions of teenage life, their role within the school environment remains deeply contested. On one hand, they offer connection, convenience, and access to information; on the other, they can fragment attention, erode interpersonal communication, and heighten anxiety. As educators and wellbeing advocates, we're constantly balancing the developmen...

The UAE IB Association Conference brought together passionate educators, thought leaders, and innovators to explore the evolving landscape of IB education. In this special episode, we go inside the event with speaker excerpts, vendor insights, and workshop takeaways - all packed into a 20-minute recap. 🔹 What’s Inside? 🎶 Live Atmosphere 🎤 Keynote Highlights 💡 Vendor Spotlights 📚 Workshop Insi...

In this episode of MYP Decoded , we dive into the essential topic of literacy development and its role in empowering students in today’s world. With over 80 nationalities and a wealth of mother tongues represented in our school, we explore how literacy goes beyond reading and writing - it’s about equipping students with the skills to communicate, think critically, and thrive in a global context. J...

In this episode we hear from numerous MYP students as well as two G11 students about the rewards of getting involved with substantial service learning initiatives. They provide a bunch a great ideas for current MYP students and parents to draw from. IB learners strive to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to th...

In this episode of MYP Decoded , we chat with four new Individuals & Societies teachers as they share their experiences transitioning into the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). They offer insights into how the MYP differs from other curriculums, the exciting ways students engage with inquiry-based learning, and how key MYP concepts and skills are shaping classroom dynamics. Whether you're a par...

In this conversation we dive into the world of history competitions. These young historians recently showcased their knowledge at the History Bee & Bowl in Dubai and have qualified for the European History Championships in London. Alongside their passionate History teacher, Mr. Luke Clarke, they share their experiences, preparation strategies, and the role the MYP has played in their journey....

We wrap up our exploration into the lives of dedicated student-athletes by... - Discovering what drives them; - Seeing what the research into young elite athletes tells us; - Investigating links between IB aspects such as ATL Skills and International Mindedness with the students' approaches to training and competing; - Finding out what their training schedules look like; - Hearing about inevit...

Welcome back to the podcast! It's been a little while, but hopefully we're back on track and there are a few great episodes lined up for the next few months. In this episode, as well as the next, I am speaking with six young people who are at the top of their game in their chosen sport(s). How do they juggle their commitments, knowing what riches (literally in some cases) reaching the ulti...

The World Scholars Cup is a truly unique experience, and an incredible opportunity for the students who commit their time, energy and brainpower to developing and refining the multitude of skills required to be as successful as the students who represented Raha International School. This episode explores the details of this opportunity from a variety of angles, and I was certainly a lot more educa...

In this short episode, conversations with students and teachers both new to the MYP as well as 'experts', reveal an authentic appreciation for this wonderful program. Sometimes it's worth pausing and reflecting on how well we do things, even though we never stop improving. Enjoy!

With Grade 5 students closing the chapter of their PYP journey, a new and exciting time of their lives awaits. This episode is a highly recommended listen for parents of PYP students (and perhaps listen with your child) - not necessarily G5 only, as it paints quite a comprehensive picture (with advice, challenges, surprises, highlights) for these young people who will be embarking on their new adv...

Articles referred to in this episode: (Same as in Ep 10) https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ulterior-motives/202104/is-math-anxiety-real https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/finding-the-next-einstein/201511/why-some-math-anxiety-might-actually-be-good-thing https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/MTT_Mathematics_Anxiety.pdf In the las...

"Many people think of mathematics as one of the most logical, most impersonal branches of knowledge, yet it inspires more emotion than any other school subject" - the opening to this episode, read by Kaitlyn Byrne (a maths teacher here at Raha International School), sums the situation up rather well, if that is possible. This episode has been on the horizon for quite some time. Ever sinc...

After the fun and flavours of our incredibly popular and successful International Day, it was time to turn to the curriculum to dig a little deeper with our International Mindedness conversation. Thank you to all the teachers who participated in mini interviews, mostly given little to no time to come up with something sensible to say!  You all passed with flying colours :) Once again, referen...