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 part of a wider restoration effort, and proudly represented the school at COP28 in Dubai. With even bigger plans on the horizon from September, the team is now looking to expand its reach and bring sponsors on board to help take their impact to the next level.

Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilityatrisgc/?igsh=MW14c3o3Y2xpdmVweA%3D%3D#

Interested in exploring a partnership/sponsorship? Contact 'Coach Des' at dsmall@ris.ae

Music by Alexander Farquhar

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 environmental implications of AI use in schools, and how Eblana Learning is equipping educators with practical tools and dynamic curricula. Rita also reflects on why disclosure, discernment, and trust still matter—and what schools can do today to prepare for tomorrow.

Whether you're building policy, teaching on the frontlines, or just trying to keep up, this conversation offers grounded,actionable takeaways for anyone in education.

Eblana Learning and Rita Bateson contact details:

eblanalearning.com

linkedin.com/in/rita-bateson-frsa-8741b868

Chronology of the episode’s talking points (after intros):

• State of AI in Schools
• Ethical, Social, and Pedagogical Concerns
• Eblana Learning’s Services
• Curriculum and Course Offerings
• Implementation Strategies in Schools
• AI and the International Education Landscape - featuring developments in the UAE
• Practical Advice for Educators
• Final Reflections

linkedin.com/in/vaughan-kitson

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 reflections on their own experiences with failure, as well as a few teachers who share light-hearted (and sometimes cringeworthy) anecdotes from their own journeys. School counsellor Katie joins us to unpack the psychology behind failure and what educators and parents can do to support students who find it especially difficult to cope.

The episode is packed with practical, research-backed advice on how to help students build emotional resilience, reframe setbacks, and develop the long-term mindset they’ll need far beyond the classroom.

Because failure isn’t the end of the road - it’s how we learn to grow.

Music created by Alexander Farquhar

linkedin.com/in/vaughan-kitson

As referred to, this episode of the Freakonomics Radio podcast provided some valuable take-aways:https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519?i=1000710343936