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 choosing? How are they thinking about the future of work? And what advice should they be hearing now? Tune in for a timely conversation that connects the classroom to the rapidly changing world beyond it.

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 developmental needs of adolescents with the evolving digital landscape. Is our responsibility to integrate technology meaningfully, or to create intentional space away from it?

In this first episode of the new-look GAP podcast, we explore some of the rationale for schools deciding to go phone-free. We also hear from the students themselves - it's important to hear what our main stakeholders have to say!

Many schools around the world have already gone phone-free. We have been waiting and watching, but it looks like the time has come to pull the plug, bite the bullet, take the plunge - the transition is going to be interesting indeed!

Parents, educators and students can learn a lot from this fact-packed episode.

Tools like Bricked or Forest are excellent conversation starters with your children about how they can self-manage device use healthily.

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 Insights
Whether you are an educator or a parent, attended the conference or missed it, this episode captures the energy, ideas, and connections that make IB conferences so impactful. Be part of the conversation shaping IB education in the UAE and beyond!

#IBEducation #MYPDecoded #UAEIBConference #IBCommunity #InternationalBaccalaureate

Registering for the Webinars covering the Enhancing the MYP:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ibo_myp-educators-we-are-pleased-to-announce-activity-7293629598984986624-WW8h?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAt6PykBSgIZ615t0I1kiZDDrh1PP2_F20A

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.

Joined by three expert guests, we unpack literacy through five engaging segments:

3:55 Science-based learning strategies to develop Literacy (first of three segments with Aoife Abushaqra)

13:23 Using data to inform practice (with Andy Turner)

20:29 Practical strategies & deep dive into some good classroom practice (second segment with Aoife)

37:09 Head of Inclusion (Ben Crosby) breaking down the effective support mechanisms employed, and explaining what learning and using language for, through and about learning entail.

44:59 Oracy, and also a look at Digital Literacy (final segment with Aoife)

Throughout the episode, we also provide tangible tips and ideas for parents, while making connections to the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills that drive literacy across all MYP subjects.

References to:

https://teachmiddleeastmag.com/

https://membean.com/

https://web.toddleapp.com/?type=loginHome

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 the lives of others and to the environment. IB World Schools value service with others as an important way to engage in principled action across a range of overlapping local and global communities (MYP From Principles into Practice, 2022).

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 parent curious about your child’s education or an educator looking to learn more about the MYP, this episode provides a firsthand look at the teaching and learning experience in the MYP classroom.

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. Discover how our Individuals & Societies scope & sequence develops a love for History, and how it complements the students’ involvement in these international competitions.

For additional info about the European Championships: https://www.ihbbeurope.com/regional-bowl-sites/

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 inevitable sacrifices;

- Listening to advice for their peers;

- Getting a picture of what their goals look like for the next year, two, and more.

Articles/Books referenced:

https://www.fasttalklabs.com/byline/trevor-connor/#show

https://swimswam.com/elite-swimmers-are-getting-older-and-peaking-later-or-are-they/#:~:text=In%202001%2C%20the%20average%20age,swimmers%20by%20event%20in%202022.

https://beneast.com/2015/03/17/faster-by-michael-hutchinson/