The WAB Podcast: Recent Episodes
Western Academy of Beijing
The WAB Podcast brings you engaging and inspiring stories about innovative learning, school activities, and community initiatives at the Western Academy of Beijing. Join us for conversations that will connect you with the educators, students, parents, and staff who make our international school community unique.
In this week’s episode, Middle School Counselor Solomon Cruz sits down with students Sarafina (G8) and Thomas (G7) for an open, honest conversation about what it means to be a responsible and respectful digital citizen.
From managing group chats to navigating online friendships, our students share how they make thoughtful choices in a constantly connected world and what they wish adults better understood about growing up online.
Throughout the discussion, Solomon and the students explore practical strategies that parents can use at home, including:
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Starting early: Having ongoing, non-judgmental conversations about online habits before problems arise.
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Focusing on trust, not control: Setting clear boundaries while giving children space to make responsible choices.
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Modeling balance: Showing kids that healthy tech use starts with adults who also put their devices down.
As Sarafina and Thomas remind us, digital citizenship isn’t just about safety, it’s about empathy, responsibility, and understanding the impact of our actions online.
Tune in to hear how students are taking the lead in shaping a positive digital culture at WAB and how families can join them in the journey.
Click here to see the PALs presentation: Parenting in the Digital Age: Screen Time & Technology Use Presentation and here for the Media Mentor Prompts.
In this episode of the WAB Podcast, hear how students are putting Global Citizenship in Action: leading projects that empower communities, build empathy, and develop future-ready skills.
Grade 8 hosts Hugh and Emma interview WAB’s new MYP Coordinator, Ms. Rebekah, in a lively conversation about learning, community, and curiosity.
As the school year draws to a close and the summer holiday approaches, we bring you a special end-of-year episode and the season finale. In this episode, two Grade 11 students, Francesco and Grace, took the mic. They sat down with our Head of School, Marta Medved Krajnovic, and Stephen Taylor, WAB's Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, to reflect on the year’s highlights and look ahead to the future.
A Year of Celebration and Connection
From September 1, when our community came together to launch the 30th anniversary, this year has been a joyful celebration of WAB’s enduring spirit. Marta shared that alongside the opening ceremony and alumni profile awards, WAB hosted over 30 alumni reunions in cities around the world. These events offered opportunities to reconnect and reflect on what continues to make WAB feel like home, even decades after graduation.
Another major moment was the #FOEN25: Future of Education Now conference in March, where WAB welcomed global thought leaders to engage with students, educators, and innovators around the future of learning. Student agency, the concept that students are powerful co-creators of their learning, was a central theme, as it has been since WAB’s founding.
The unveiling of the Jane Goodall statue during Jazz and Chill also stood out. Jane, a long-time friend of the school, represents the values of curiosity, courage, and care that continue to shape our learning environment.
Navigating Change and Transition
Change is a familiar part of life at international schools, whether it's moving from school sections, starting the diploma program, or preparing to graduate. Stephen highlighted the importance of WAB’s traditions, like the Grade 8 bridge crossing or the Grade 12 graduation walk, in helping students make meaning of these transitions. These moments of reflection offer both a sense of continuity and celebration.
Francesco reflected on his own transitions through WAB and how, even amid change, there is a comforting sense of familiarity and belonging. Grace shared how these traditions help tie the past and present together, allowing each new generation of students to feel part of something larger.
AI in Education
One of the most discussed topics this year was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education. Stephen described WAB’s approach as “careful and considered,” striking a balance between the opportunities AI offers and the ethical considerations it demands, while maintaining a strong commitment to student agency. Rather than banning AI or adopting it uncritically, WAB encourages students to use AI as a tool to support and enhance their learning. "Who is doing the thinking?" is the essential question, Stephen emphasized.
Both school leaders and students acknowledged the challenges and uncertainties surrounding AI, from data privacy to environmental impact. Nevertheless, they agreed that learning to use AI responsibly is essential for future success. As Grace pointed out, demystifying AI and understanding how to use it appropriately prepares students for a world where such technologies will be integral to the workplace.
A Community of Lifelong Learners
A consistent theme in the conversation was the shared commitment to lifelong learning among students, teachers, and school leaders. Marta noted that even school leaders regularly participate in upskilling sessions, underscoring that everyone at WAB is "learning together", adapting to new technologies and global developments as a unified community.
This spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and resilience is what will carry WAB into the next 30 years and beyond, intertwining its past and future, its traditions and innovations. Don't miss this student-led conversation as we honor the past and look forward to what's ahead!
Welcome to the WAB Podcast! In this episode, Kevin Crouch, WAB's Head of EdTech, IT, and Libraries, sat down with three students, Ville from Grade 5, Sophie and Ciara from Grade 7, along with Middle School Principal Marina Frias-Gavidia, to discuss the exciting rollout of Toddle in Middle School next school year. They also talked about how it can facilitate student learning, increase student agency, and incorporate AI-powered support.
Why Toddle?
For the past four years, Toddle has been a cornerstone of learning in the Elementary School, streamlining everything from lesson planning to student portfolios. Now, it's expanding to Middle School, bringing its all-in-one platform to older students.
As Kevin explained, Toddle unites the entire learning process—teachers can plan, assess, and report in one place, while students gain more ownership of their learning through digital portfolios. Unlike Teams or other platforms, Toddle keeps everything connected, ensuring that learning goals, assignments, and feedback stay aligned.
What Students Love About Toddle
Grade 5 student Ville has been a Toddle user for many years, and he highlighted its functions and flexibility:
- Rubrics help students self-assess and improve their work.
- The Portfolio lets students showcase learning anytime, not just when teachers assign tasks.
- Toddle AI acts as a creative assistant, helping brainstorm project ideas.
For Middle Schoolers like Sophie and Ciara, the move to Toddle will mean better organization across their eight subjects.
New Features for Middle School
Kevin pointed out that Toddle has also evolved since some Middle School students last used it. Exciting updates include:
- AI-powered tutoring: Students can get instant feedback and practice at their own pace.
- Adaptive "Worksheets": Like Education Perfect, but integrated directly into Toddle.
- Parent access: While daily classwork stays private, parents can see assignments, feedback, and portfolio posts.
Marina emphasized that Toddle supports personalized learning, whether a student needs extra practice or is ready to advance.
What About Teams?
Sophie and Ciara also wondered whether Teams will still be used. Kevin explained that Teams will remain for school-wide communication, while Toddle becomes the hub for classwork, assignments, and portfolios.
Want to hear the full discussion and get to learn how Toddle can bring more student agency, clearer feedback, and better parent insight? Tune into this episode!
Welcome to the WAB Podcast! In this episode, we're learning about Middle School Individuals & Societies. Joining us were Grade 6 student Justin, Grade 7 student Frederic, Grade 8 student Iris, along with their I&S teacher, Claudia Gomez.
Claudia explains how Individuals & Societies goes beyond traditional social studies. Rooted in the IB Middle Years Programme framework, it’s an interdisciplinary, skills-based subject where students learn to:
- Formulate meaningful research questions
- Design and implement action plans
- Reflect deeply on their learning journey
This approach nurtures critical thinking, ethical action, and global awareness, preparing students for high school and a future shaped by complexity and change.
What makes Individuals & Societies truly unique, Claudia noted, is its interdisciplinary nature. Students engage with history, geography, political science, economics, and psychology to understand how societies function, and how they can shape a better world.
Real World Learning
Our students shared how Individuals & Societies has influenced their learning across subjects and in their personal lives. Iris highlighted how the research skills she gained helped her distinguish fake news in her math and science projects. Justin found that the research and critical thinking skills he's developed are invaluable in debate competitions outside of school. Frederic appreciates how Individuals & Societies helps him understand the economic and political factors that shape history.
The Individuals & Societies curriculum also centers on real-world issues through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Students research topics like environmental, social, and economic sustainability, often conducting field studies within our school community.
For example, Frederic studied the economic impacts of tourism, examining a whale shark tourism model in the Philippines. For the recent field studies, he chose to explore responsible consumption and production, focusing on how efficiently we use school supplies.
While Justin focused on investigating the globalization of fast food and its effects on local economies, he shared that this made him realize how global businesses can hurt small restaurants and communities.
Iris emphasized how Individuals & Societies has strengthened her ability to engage with current events. She also pointed out that through her learning, she could understand more about the news, discuss with her parents at the dinner table, and ask better questions.
Curious About Middle School?
Tune in to this episode to hear directly from our students about how Individuals & Societies is shaping their thinking, empowering their voices, and preparing them to face real-world challenges with ethical action and informed insight.
Welcome to the WAB Podcast. In this episode, we take a closer look at what student leadership looks like in our Elementary School, and how even our Elementary students are making a difference in their school community.
We're joined by three members of the ES Student Council: Carolina and Maya from Grade 5, and Julian from Grade 3, as well as Elementary School Principal Catherine Pierre-Louis. Together, they reflect on what it means to be part of Student Council, why they chose to get involved, and how they’ve worked together to lead projects that matter to them and their peers.
Building Leadership Through Action
Catherine explained that the ES Student Council operates as an after-school activity (ASA), where students sign up through SchoolsBuddy. They can join one or all of the three activity seasons throughout the year. Looking ahead, there's a vision to expand the program into a year-long commitment to foster leadership development and support more student-led projects.
Once they join, students collaborate to brainstorm, vote on, and implement ideas that enhance the school environment. Through this process, they learn how to express their thoughts, turn ideas into action, and develop essential skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork.
Why and What They Lead
When asked what motivated them to join, Carolina shared that she wanted to make a positive change in the school environment. Maya was inspired to contribute positively and help others. Julian joined out of curiosity and discovered a passion for leadership along the way.
They also highlighted some of the projects they've led. Maya and her friends transformed an underused Grade 5 hangout spot into a welcoming space by cleaning and repainting it. Julian brought creative ideas to Spirit Week by introducing different themed dress-up days. Carolina led an initiative to build connections between students and cleaning staff, encouraging students to take responsibility for cleaning up after meals.
Overcoming Challenges and Creating Impacts
Catherine shared how students had faced actual challenges, like adapting when events don't go as planned, and learn to problem-solve and rally support from their peers. One success story is the Plant Squad, which reopened the school greenhouse for student use during breaks, overcoming initial hurdles related to supervision and participation. Student feedback has also played a key role in shaping larger school initiatives, such as the redesign of the ES playground, where many student ideas were incorporated into the final plan.
Tune in to this episode to hear how WAB's ES Student Council empowers students to voice their opinions, build leadership skills, and take an active role in shaping their school community and learning spaces.
What happens when students combine creativity, community values, and real-world challenges? You get student-led initiatives like Empowering Entrepreneurs and ProFarmer, socially driven projects supported by Parent Link with promotions, and through Tiger Den, WAB’s parent-run shop.
Co-led by EJ and Morgan and run by a group of dedicated parent volunteers, Tiger Den opens weekly and hosts pop-up shops at school events. They sell WAB-branded apparel and merchandise as well as student-developed products that raise funds and awareness for community partners. EJ emphasized the idea to start this support emerged from Parent Link's vision to foster student engagement and social innovation by offering a pathway for students to raise awareness and funds for causes they care about.
Tabea, from the Empowering Entrepreneurs Club, shared how they focus on sustainability by recycling old WAB PE kits into hair ties and bags, which are then sold at Tiger Den. Their partnership with Helping Hands supports single mothers while promoting eco-friendly practices. She highlighted that Tiger Den plays a crucial role in marketing and selling these recycled goods, helping the students bring their ideas to life and raise funds.
Berat and Anneke co-lead ProFarmer, a long-standing student initiative that brings Fair Trade eggs and mystery produce bags from FROOT Community Farmto WAB families. They manage sourcing, logistics, and marketing, including building their own website, to ensure ethical, sustainable food sources are available on campus.
For these students, the work isn't hypothetical. As Berat explained, the skills he's developing, logistics, marketing, leadership, and ethical decision-making, directly connect to his IB Business Management course. Tabea and Anneke spoke to the personal growth and teamwork involved, and how collaborating on real issues has deepened their learning.
Looking ahead, EJ shared that Tiger Den will continue to focus on strengthening community connections and supporting student-led initiatives. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all parent volunteers whose time, energy, and enthusiasm make this possible each week. To hear the full conversation, be sure to listen to the podcast. To learn more about how Parent Link empowers student changemakers, see the story on the Parent Link Changemaker Grant.
Welcome to a new episode of the WAB Podcast. Today, we’re exploring how student leadership, innovation, and the power of science come together to connect and inspire.
Joining us are members of WAB’s High School STEMx Club, Grade 11 students Hannah, Utkarsh, and Shane, along with their teacher and advisor, Paul Wagenaar. Together, they share how a group of passionate students reimagined what science learning could look like, culminating in WAB’s first-ever interschool Science Day.
STEMx began as a student-led initiative aimed at making science more engaging for younger learners. The group started by running hands-on workshops in the Elementary and Middle Schools. As Hannah, the club's leader, shared: “Last year, we decided to expand our impact.” For her, what makes the club meaningful is its inclusivity: "Some members aren’t planning to study STEM in university or pursue it as a career. They joined for their interest."
Driven by curiosity and a desire to break stereotypes, like the idea that STEM is only for the ‘smart’ or mathematically inclined, the club set out to create a platform that showcased science as creative, hands-on, and socially relevant. The result was Science Day, an inter-school event exploring how science can help solve real-world issues, including challenges faced by refugees.
Utkarsh, who joined after being recruited by Hannah at the club fair, shared his motivation: “I wanted to see if I could use what I learned in the classroom and help other people enjoy it.” Shane added, “We’re both very passionate about science and math, so we joined together.”
With encouragement from their advisor, science teacher Paul Wagenaar, the club took ownership of the planning process. “They’re very self-motivated,” Paul said. “Many of them even contacted the administration themselves to organize the event.”
But bringing Science Day to life wasn’t without setbacks. Faced with low early registration numbers, the team considered cancelling. “It was disappointing, especially for our grade 12 students and Mr. Wagenaar, who wouldn’t be here next year,” said Hannah. She recalled nearly giving up—until a mentor reminded her that this was just their minimum viable version. “It won’t be perfect, but it’s a first step.” It reframed the challenge as part of the process, not the end of it. The team stepped up their efforts, sending out “a hundred messages a day,” and managed to rally enough interest to make Science Day a reality.
“The moment the opening ceremony began, it came to me that it’s actually happening,” Hannah reflected. “A very small idea turned out to be so big and successful.” Utkarsh saw the impact in real time: “I saw them actually having fun and being creative. That’s what we wanted, people having fun doing science and solving real problems.” Shane, who led a catapult-building activity, added, “I could tell the participants had a lot of fun. That was great.”
For Paul, the highlight was witnessing the students lead the entire process: “Seeing the club members sharing their passion, figuring out ways to solve problems when things went wrong was a joyous moment for me.”
Science Day was about testing ideas, navigating challenges, and seeing how student-led learning can have an impact. It’s a reminder of what students can accomplish when given the space to lead.
Welcome to the latest episode of WAB Podcast! In this episode, we explored WAB Wild, WAB's very own outdoor learning program, and one that's all about adventure, teamwork, and connecting with nature. We were joined by Stephen Boyko, the coordinator of WAB Wild, and two Grade 8 students, Gustav and Kenzie, who shared their unforgettable experiences. From abseiling to cooking breakfast under the open sky, we uncovered how this program builds resilience, fosters community, connects with classroom learning, and changes perspectives on sustainability.
Led by coordinator Stephen Boyko, WAB Wild's philosophy is rooted in experiential education. Stephen explained that the goal of the program is to build a lasting appreciation for nature, strengthen community bonds, and develop personal resilience through challenges.
When Gustav first arrived at WAB in Grade 7, he felt unfamiliar with the environment and the English language. But everything changed when he joined WAB Wild. The outdoor experience helped him build connections with both his peers and his teachers. The program's trust-based activities-like hiking in small groups through the woods or navigating a lake by canoe, helped him feel both independent and supported. Gustav added that you could feel a trust in yourself and a kind of community trust with your classmates and teachers.
For Kenzie, returning to the same campsite each year brought back memories while creating new ones. From geocaching adventures in Grade 6 to an abseiling challenge in Grade 7, each activity pushed her boundaries and brought her closer to her peers. She also recounted her memory of completing the water trip on canoes with her friends, where they had to trust each other to avoid tipping over and getting wet in the lake.
Stephen emphasized the deeper lessons behind this program, which is helping the students develop a love for nature and the skills to protect it. From composting food waste to understanding the impact of their actions on the environment, the students carried these values and learnings back to their classrooms and homes, along with deeper friendships, shared memories, changed perspectives on sustainability, and newfound resilience.
Tune in to find out more!
Welcome to the latest episode of the WAB Podcast, where we explore one of WAB’s growing student-led traditions: the Night Market. Joining us are Audrey and Rachel from Grade 11, and Chloe from Grade 10, three of the students who helped make this event happen.
From cultural showcases and global cuisine to student performances and an all-new Open Mic stage, the Night Market was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and cultural connection. For the first time, the event also welcomed students from APAC schools who were visiting WAB for a badminton tournament, adding an exciting dimension to the evening.
Audrey described the Night Market as a platform for student clubs to promote their missions, raise funds for meaningful causes, and highlight WAB’s cultural diversity. It also provides a stage for performers to express themselves. The event, she explained, was shaped through student input: “During club meetings, we hosted brainstorming sessions to gather input from all club members, which helped make the event more successful, engaging, and fun for the students.”
Rachel reflected on why she got involved: “We all participated in last year’s Night Market and had such a great time. That’s why we wanted to help organize it this year.” Their goal was to carry the tradition forward and elevate it. This year’s event featured over 10 student clubs, two local restaurants, and five parent groups: Chinese Link, Korean Link, ASEAN Link, Tiger Spirit, and Tiger Den. Coordinating all these groups took time, teamwork, and clear communication.
Chloe shared what made this year feel different: “It was a bit different because we hosted it at the same time as the APAC tournament.” Opening the event to visiting students created new opportunities for connection and cultural exchange. One of the most memorable additions was the Open Mic session. Though organizers weren’t sure if anyone would step forward, the response exceeded expectations as students from multiple schools joined in and shared the stage.
Of course, organizing an event of this scale wasn’t without its challenges. When weather forced a last-minute change of venue, the team acted quickly to relocate the entire market indoors. Audrey shared one key takeaway: “Make sure that you always have a backup plan.”
Tune in to this episode to hear more from Audrey, Rachel, and Chloe as they reflect on the planning, challenges, and community spirit behind this special night at WAB.
In this episode of the WAB Podcast, we take a look at STEM learning at WAB. Grade 9 student Zane and Grade 10 students Anna, David, and Xander take us behind the scenes of their robotics, game development, and biomedical engineering projects. What they share isn’t just about technology, it’s about creativity, collaboration, and learning with real-world impact.
Building, Breaking, Rebuilding: Robotics in Action
Xander and David have been working together to design a competition robot using the VEX V5 system. David focuses on 3D modeling with Onshape, while Xander brings the mechanical build to life.
"Dex V5 is an educational platform where students design, build, and program the robots to compete in yearly challenges," explains Xander. "Every new season, a new game is released, which means teams must create brand-new robots to match updated growth in the field and objectives."
When asked about challenges, David shares, "Testing parts and different designs of robots takes a lot of time, especially when you physically have to swap parts in and out. To solve this problem, we started using 3D modeling code Onshape, which has helped us reduce a lot of errors during the actual building process."
Using AI for Health Innovation
Anna's project is a low-cost cardiovascular risk detection device that uses AI to assess and rank heart disease risk factors. “The device uses an AI algorithm to analyze your risk factors that we’ll be extracting using the same device,” she explains. “It analyzes this risk factor and also ranks them in importance.”
The hardest part, she says, was sourcing reliable training data. “Algorithms need an unbiased and balanced dataset. Patient data is hard to get due to patient privacy, but at last we found two, one from Kaggle and another from UCI.”
Anna believes that accessible AI is opening doors. “A lot of the algorithms are open source, so you can get them from the internet, and you don’t have to code them on your own. With the help of AI language models, for example, ChatGPT, you’re able to code these things on your own.”
Code, Graphics, and Game Design
Zane is creating a top-down RPG using GameMaker Studio. “It’s free and it’s really easy to learn and use,” he shares. “It’s comfortable coding software that can be picked up pretty easily.”
His biggest early challenge? "Getting used to the coding software. It has a lot of functions that are convenient once you learn how to use them, but don’t make much sense initially."
Working in a two-person team, Zane focuses on programming while his friend Nick handles the graphics. “In the last month or so, we’ve kind of switched around, which is a good experience for me, and I think he’s having a good time working on his programming skills.”
Reflecting on the process, Zane says, “Developing using code, I learned that mistakes are going to happen, and if you expect them, then it’s easier. Expecting mistakes, one of the best things I’ve learned.”
Learning That Feels Real
All four students shared how these projects have pushed them, technically and personally. They’ve built new skills, worked through challenges, and found confidence in solving problems that matter to them.
They also spoke about how this learning is shaping their futures. For some, it sparked a clear career interest, robotics, game design, or biomedical engineering. For others, it’s the mindset that’s sticking with them: creativity, resilience, and the power of working with others.
“I think more people can do this than they realize,” Anna says. “With open-source tools, AI models, and even things like ChatGPT, you don’t need to be an expert to start creating something meaningful.” These stories reflect the kind of purposeful, real-world learning happening all across WAB. Students are exploring big ideas, applying what they know in new ways, and connecting their passions to real-world challenges.
STEM at WAB isn't about following a textbook, it’s about curiosity, collaboration, and creating with purpose.
Listen to the full conversation in Episode 5 of the WAB Podcast.
In this episode, we explored DP Art with student artists, Emmett and Bella from Grade 12, and their teacher, Daniel Avila. Together, they talked about the recent DP Arts Exhibition, the hard work behind completing the final portfolio, the enjoyment of experimenting with innovative mediums, and the passion and creativity that drove them through this two-year art journey.
Emmett’s work explores the irony of human development, using repetitive techniques like dot-making and woodcuts to critique industrialization and AI. He expressed that he became the instrument of labor in his own art, in which his hands-on process mirrored his theme. Meanwhile, Bella channeled her passion for animal rights into abstract pieces, experimenting with glass and wool. She explained the physical acts of cutting glass symbolized the pain animals endure.
Daniel highlighted the DP Art program’s unique balance of freedom and guidance. Students tackle ambitious projects—from stained glass to robotics—while connecting their mediums to deeply personal themes. He also shared that this year’s exhibition stood out for its return to traditional materials, a reaction to the digital overload of the previous years.
For Emmett and Bella, the program was as much about research as artistry. Bella immersed herself in data about meat consumption, while Emmett discovered entirely new mediums. They also provide candid advice to future DP Art students about time management and looking for themes that truly matter personally. “Art is a language. If you have a passion and art is the path through which you explore your passion,” said Daniel.
If you want to learn more about how our young artists are redefining creativity, transforming passion into storytelling. Don’t miss this episode to explore their journey of self-discovery, technical mastery, and art that communicates.
Welcome to the latest episode of the WAB Podcast. In this episode, we explored TEDx Youth at WAB. Joining us were Kristina and Jeremy, two senior students and co-organizers of TEDx Youth this school year, and Abril from Grade 12 and Elsa from Grade 8, who shared their ideas at this year’s event. They discussed their journeys, challenges, and favorite moments, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to bring TEDx to life, and how it is a platform for growth, courage, and self-discovery.
Jeremy introduced TEDx Youth at WAB as a fully student-led initiative that has been running for over a decade. What made the event truly special was that every aspect—from organizing to speaking—was entirely managed by students.
Kristina and Jeremy, both in their final year of high school, have been leading the TEDx Youth club for the past two years. They first joined as speakers, and over time, fell in love with the experience. Their passion eventually led them to become co-leaders of the club.
Kristina emphasized that TEDx gives students the chance to share ideas they are truly passionate about. This year's theme, "Clarity in Complexity," reflected the increasingly complex world students navigate today, shaped by the rise of AI and other global changes. "Through this TEDx, we try to find clarity within that complexity," she said.
For Abril, a first-time speaker in Grade 12, the platform offered an opportunity to explore a theme close to her heart: finding focus in a world dominated by social media. She had always been fascinated by self-improvement and the search for meaning amid digital distractions. Initially intimidated by public speaking, Abril gradually built her confidence through the rehearsals and feedback sessions organized by the TEDx team. She saw the event as a safe space to grow, learn, and challenge herself.
Elsa, an eighth-grader, chose to speak about the courage to say no. Her idea stemmed from a challenging summer, during which she learned to set boundaries and overcome personal struggles. As a two-time participant, Elsa faced a new challenge this year—speaking alone at an event where most participants were high school students. However, with the support of her peers and the organizers, she found the confidence to craft her speech and deliver it with confidence.
If you want to hear more about our students' inspiring TEDx journey, don't miss this episode!
The Future of Education Now 2025 (#FOEN25) festival, held at WAB from March 13 to 15, brought together students, educators, parents, and thought leaders to explore the evolving landscape of education (add link). In this special episode of the WAB Podcast, we have a recording from a very special panel from FOEN25. Moderated by Stephen Taylor, WAB's Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, this conversation was joined by three WAB students: Ryan from Grade 10 and Cali and Hannah from Grade 11, and global education leaders including:
- Jason Cummings, Director of Member Engagement of Mastery Transcript Consortium (MTC)
- Ellen Heyting, Project Lead for International Networks and Credentialing from Melbourne Metrics
- Trillium Hibben, Director of Commission on International Education at New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Jane Larsson, Executive Director of the Council of International Schools (CIS)
- Angela Meikle, Global Head of Private IB Schools of International Baccalaureate (IB)
Together, the panel explored how education is evolving beyond traditional assessments, emphasizing competency-based learning and the recognition of student-driven achievements. Speakers highlighted how new tools and approaches are providing a more holistic view of student progress, moving beyond grades to assess real-world skills and competencies. Schools and universities are shifting towards formative, competency-based assessments that allow students to showcase not just what they know, but what they can do.
Students shared how their projects—ranging from scientific research to organizing student-led initiatives—illustrate the impact of hands-on, real-world learning. Their experiences underscored how students thrive when given opportunities to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. The discussion also emphasized the need for new ways to credential essential skills such as collaboration, ethical decision-making, and leadership.
Another key theme was the increasing role of student voices in shaping education. Schools and organizations are moving towards more collaborative models, ensuring that students are active participants in designing their learning experiences. Accreditation processes are also evolving, focusing more on the impact of education rather than compliance, to better support students in a rapidly changing world.
As the session concluded, the panelists expressed optimism about the future of education, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between schools, universities, and accreditation bodies to create learning environments that develop both knowledge and essential competencies. To hear the full discussion, tune in to this extra special episode of the WAB Podcast.
Welcome to the latest episode of the WAB Podcast! In this episode, we explored the world of Global Citizenship and the stories, ideas, and initiatives behind this program that make our student learning and community unique. Joining us were Angelia Crouch, WAB's Global Citizenship Coordinator; LeeAnne Lavender, an Educational Consultant specializing in storytelling and service learning; and two High School students, Ernest and Michelle, who are leading impactful community projects. Together, they discussed how WAB's Global Citizenship Program is empowering students to become change-makers and better learners.
Angelia introduced WAB has a long-standing mission to make a difference, which has evolved into our Global Citizenship Program focused on empowering students to address global issues, particularly those related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She added that the program also emphasizes building reciprocal relationships with community partners to provide students with real-world experiences through their close collaboration.
The program also emphasizes student agency, allowing learners to take the driver’s seat in their projects. Ernest , from Grade 10, is the new leader of High School student club ProFarmer. He shared how his club conducts egg sales to support local organic farmers and educate students from lower grades about sustainable agriculture through farm visits and hands-on experience in the Middle School Garden.
Michelle, a Grade 11 student, shared her involvement in a partnership with the Happy School, a specialized school for students recovering from leukemia. As part of her IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) Project, Michelle and her peers conducted English lessons for the students every week, sharing not only language skills but also cultural insights, building connections, and providing support to the students in need.
LeeAnne underscored the importance of global citizenship education. She highlighted how the experiences of Ernest and Michelle are amazing examples of how being involved in these types of projects empowers students to become active global and digital citizens. She emphasized that by providing learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, students can learn how to take their knowledge and skills and apply them in local and global situations. This helps students to see the relevance of what they're learning and “make learning real”.
"When a school has those things in place, the curricular program, the co-curricular program, and rich, robust partnerships, it's like the most beautiful recipe for student empowerment and engagement ever," Leanne said. Global citizenship initiatives, she explained, answer the "why" behind learning, sparking engagement and leading to action.
If you want to hear about how WAB's Global Citizenship Program empowers students to become change-makers and better learners, nurturing compassionate, globally-minded individuals. Don’t miss out on this episode!
Welcome to the latest episode of the WAB Podcast! In this episode, we stepped into "Art Explosion" in WAB's Elementary School with Juanita McGarrigle, Visual Arts Head of Department. Let's discover how this exhibition empowered students to curate their own artwork and deepen their connection to the creative process, as well as how art fosters self-expression and helps students discover themselves.
Juanita shared that the Art Explosion began as a way to give students greater ownership over their artistic journeys by allowing them to choose what they want to exhibit. Students played a central role in curating their displays - from choosing which pieces to showcase to designing how their work would be presented, every decision was theirs. Some students displayed their final masterpieces, while others showcased the creative process, including sketches, drafts, and experiments. Juanita said this process encouraged more reflection, and students could think about what they're most proud of and what they want the audience to take away from their work.
Juanita also introduced how art education has been evolving globally, with a focus on research-based methods like Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB). This approach empowers students to see themselves as artists, fostering a sense of identity and responsibility. Students take charge of their workspace, selecting materials, setting up, and cleaning up, which builds respect for their creative environment. TAB also encourages exploration across mediums, from drawing and clay to collage and mixed media, allowing students to express themselves in ways that align with their strengths. Juantita added, "Not every artist excels in painting or sculpting", and TAB embraces this diversity, nurturing individuality and self-expression from an early age.
This year, the exhibition also took on a new twist, transforming into a scavenger hunt style that invited parents, students, and teachers to explore the hallways and discover the artwork from different grade levels and classes.
We also spoke to some of our student artists about their work and what they enjoy most about learning art at WAB. Grade 2 student Felix said he enjoys having lots of units and getting to do different things. Kitty from Grade 4 said she likes that they get to be really creative. "If it’s a painting unit, we can choose what to paint—like a landscape or a portrait," she said. Grade Five student Simon chose lettering pieces for his display. He shared that he enjoys they're learning a lot of different types of art at WAB.
Listen to this episode to learn more about how art education at WAB gives student artists the freedom to explore, experiment, and express themselves!
Ever wondered what it’s like to explore the night sky like a real astronomer? In this episode of the WAB Podcast, we take a journey beyond the stars with the WAB Astronomy Club! Joining us were Kamil Rudolf, Middle School Science teacher, and three Grade 7 students—Helge, Wout, and Valentin.
From hands-on telescope observations to building their own space probes, our students are exploring planets, stars, and other mysteries in the universe. They shared their recent discoveries, perspectives, and learnings about the night sky.
Kamil shared that club members usually gather every Monday afterschool, and start their space exploration by watching documentaries, training on how to use telescopes, and planning their next observation based on the weather conditions. On clear nights, they head to a building rooftop and use a computerized telescope to observe planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, as well as distant stars.
Kamil explained that students learn to calibrate and align the telescope, mastering the tools needed for independent exploration of the night sky. This hands-on experience deepens their understanding of celestial knowledge and observational techniques.
What have these young astronomers discovered? Helge learned that Saturn's and Uranus's rings are made of different types of ice, rather than rock. Even more intriguing, Uranus’s rings contain ice unlike anything known on Earth. He also built a probe designed to land on Venus, complete with parachutes to protect the rover.
His peer Wout, also captivated by Saturn, learned that the planet once had a large moon that drifted too close, breaking apart to form its current rings.
Valentin was particularly excited about their lunar observations. He described watching the red moon rise on the horizon, changing from red to yellow to white due to atmospheric effects. He also discovered that the nearest potentially habitable solar system is only four light-years away.
The club has also sparked connections to the students' other interests and future goals. Helge and Wout, both fascinated by aviation and military vehicles, see space exploration as an extension of their passion. Valentin dreams of starting an astronomy business or hosting a podcast to share his love for physics and astronomy.
Kamil also highlighted how astronomy ties into their middle school science curriculum, particularly in studying the moon's phases and movements. By collecting data on the moon's location, phase, and direction, students develop a deeper understanding of lunar cycles.
Want to hear these discoveries firsthand? Tune in to the latest WAB Podcast episode and embark on a cosmic journey with our young astronomers!
Welcome to the latest episode of WAB Podcast Season 5! In this episode, we explored the world of Nature of Science. Joining us were two Grade 10 students, Claire and Kabir, along with their teacher, Chris Hayden. Together, they took us on a journey through this project-based science course that allows students to dive deep into their passions, nurture critical thinking, sharpen their skills, and foster a love for scientific inquiry that goes beyond the classroom.
Chris introduced that Nature of Science (NOS) allows students to choose and explore an area of science they're passionate about, and it covers foundational knowledge and key inquiry skills aligned with Middle Years Program (MYP) science objectives. He emphasized that learning science is not about memorizing facts, it should give students the tools they need to think like true scientists, including asking questions, solving problems, and making a real-world impact.
Grade 10 student Kabir is a humanities enthusiast, who took NOS as a chance to bridge his love for economics with science. His project focused on the economic impacts of air pollution, a topic that allowed him to analyze data and uncover how environmental factors influenced global economies. He expressed he never thought he could enjoy science this much. With his teacher's help, he was able to process a large amount of data that he had collected for the project, boosting his analytical skills and making him more prepared for the Diploma Programme (DP) Economics.
Claire from Grade 10 is very into biology, and she spent her time working on a project that combined her scientific passion with a desire to address societal issues. Inspired by conversations with some local women about the menstruation stigma in their daily lives, Claire designed an innovative project to detect gynecological diseases in a more convenient way. By using simulations, she explored how antibodies and antigens interact, aiming to create a diagnostic tool that could be integrated into sanitary products. Claire reflected this experience facilitates her DP studies and beyond, and more importantly, shows her how science can truly impact lives.
Want to hear more about how our Grade 10 students are using NOS to sharpen their scientific skills and make a real difference in the world? Tune in to this episode!
Welcome to the latest episode of the WAB Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Marina Frias Gavidia, our Middle School Principal, and Dr. Jaime Pustis, High School Principal, along with two students, Thomas from Grade 6 and Simo from Grade 12. They discussed WAB's Day 9, a program designed to promote student agency, personalized learning, and flexibility. From student-led workshops and community engagement projects to academic support and well-being sessions, they explored how Day 9 is designed and what it can offer, allowing students to explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and take ownership of their learning.
Marina explained that Day 9 was introduced to give students more control over their learning. By building flexibility into the schedule, this could allow students to explore their passions and interests.
For High School students, Day 9 offers opportunities to deepen their studies, especially in Higher Level (HL) courses for the IB Diploma Program. Jaime also highlighted how the program prepares students for life beyond WAB, helping them develop time management and decision-making skills. "whether that is a study block, whether that is a well-being session, it (Day 9) provides the opportunity for them to really do some deep thinking about what is it that they actually need," said Jaime.
Grade 6 student Thomas, new to the Day 9 program, enjoyed activities like Capture the Flag and Chinese history workshops. He also sees Day 9 as a great opportunity to catch up on his learning. For example, during a recent Day 9, he used the time to work on his project for design.
Simo, a Grade 12 student, has participated in many Day 9s over the years. From selecting quiet reading time to leading student initiatives, he has learned to use Day 9 more effectively. He highlighted its flexibility and benefits, emphasizing how it caters to individual student needs and helps develop time management skills. As he progressed to high school, Day 9 became a valuable time for meeting with teachers and advancing his studies in the Higher-Level subjects he chose.
To hear more about Day 9 and its impact on our students, tune in to the full episode of the WAB Podcast!
Welcome to the latest episode of the WAB Podcast Season 5! In this episode, we are joined by Marta Medved Krajnovic, WAB’s Head of School, and Stephen Taylor, Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, as they discuss the Future of Education Now 2025 (FOEN25) conference. Scheduled for March, this festival of learning will bring together educators, students, and parents to explore the future of education through collaboration, inspiration, and action.
A Brief History of FOEN
Marta shared the story behind the FOEN conference, which was first launched in 2019 as a way for WAB to learn from other innovative schools and share our innovative teaching and learning practices. Although the 2021 and 2023 editions moved online, FOEN25 marks a return to WAB’s campus.
Students at the Center of FOEN25
A standout feature of FOEN25 is the central role of students. From giving input to the conference structure to leading keynote panels and workshops, students are at the heart of the event. She mentioned that WAB and ISB students are also collaborating on a pre-conference session focused on empowering younger generations to address global challenges.
FOEN25's Key Themes
Stephen emphasized that this year's conference focuses on actionable steps toward the future of education, with four key streams:
- Flourishing Hub: Focusing on well-being and resilience.
- Sustainable Futures Collective: Exploring global citizenship and sustainability.
- Breakthrough Arena: Diving into AI, VR, and educational technology.
- Future Pathways Incubator: Focusing on personalized learning and career readiness.
Shaping the Future of Education
Marta shared that FOEN25 also brings together leading organizations shaping the future of international education, including ECIS (the Educational Collaborative for International Schools), CIS (Council of Schools), IB (International Baccalaureate), MTC (Mastery Transcript Consortium), Melbourne Metrics, and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges). These organizations, known for driving innovation and providing professional development for educators, will collaborate to spark new ideas and synergies. She added by uniting in one space, they aim to inspire actionable steps in areas like future pathways and sustainable futures.
Action, Not Just Discussion
Marta and Stephen emphasize that FOEN25 is not just about discussions but about taking real action. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educators, students, parents, and agencies, participants will leave with inspiration, new connections, and practical ideas to implement in their own educational contexts. The conference also highlights WAB's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global citizenship while offering a unique opportunity to experience our vibrant campus and community.
To learn more about how FOEN25 is shaping the future of education, and to hear firsthand insights from Marta and Stephen, tune in to this episode of the WAB Podcast. For additional details, visit our official website at foen.wab-edu.cn. Don't miss this exciting festival of learning!
Welcome to the 14th episode of WAB Podcast Season 5! In this episode, we have invited two Grade 4 students, Gayi and Matteo to join us, along with their teacher Suzie Sizemore, and WAB's Curriculum Coach and PYP Coordinator Jenny Jin. Together, they explored the world of the Unit of Inquiry and their current unit Sharing the Planet. From understanding environmental issues to participating in hands-on experiments like building generators and wind turbines, they reflect on their inquiry, their critical thinking journeys, and the key takeaways from this unit.
Jenny elaborated on the essence of the PYP framework, structured around six transdisciplinary themes, each housing a Unit of Inquiry (UOI). She highlighted that UOIs provide students with a chance to explore real-life challenges. These inquiries seamlessly integrate multiple subjects within a contextual framework, including Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts and Physical Education.
Our Grade 4's current UOI is Sharing the Planet. Suzie introduced this unit by emphasizing its relevance in letting students understand how their daily lives intertwine with the environment and the broader world. Through this unit, students not only discover the origins of energy but also actively engage in hands-on experiments, fostering critical thinking and a realization that each individual can play a part in shaping a sustainable future.
Grade 4 student Gayi shared that through the exploration of this unit, she felt she had enhanced her ability to differentiate between various energy sources such as solar power, muscle power and wind power. She prefers using renewable energy in her daily life. During a discussion on sustainable innovations, she also shared how she was inspired by a girl who created biodegradable plastic from banana peels
Her peer Matteo shared he liked the process of constructing a wind turbine, recounting the challenges of crafting a sturdy base using Lego, building the blades using different materials and precisely measuring them at 14 centimeters high. He shared that after the exploration of unit, he could now distinguish different power sources, like wind power and water power, and try to stay away from using fossil fuels to make electricity.
To learn more about how our students comprehend complex environmental issues, and ignite creativity and nurture critical thinking, tune in to this episode for an exploration of their UOI adventures.
Welcome to the 13th episode of WAB Podcast Season 5! In this episode, we are joined by three Middle School students: Veronica from Grade 8, Claude from Grade 7, and Jasmine from Grade 6, along with their design teachers, Andy Cole and Simon Furmston. Together, they discussed the Middle School Design Showcase, highlighting the unique features of their projects, the challenges they encountered throughout the process, and the skills they developed along the way. Join us as we explore their creative journeys.
Simon introduced the purpose behind the Middle School Design Showcase, which served as a platform for students to exhibit their creations, receive feedback from peers, and share their work with parents. The design projects are intricate, involving the entire design cycle, from research and material selection to sketching designs, crafting test prototypes, making the final selection, and producing the project. From August to December, students worked on their projects, deserving recognition for their learning and perseverance.
Andy highlighted that students are required to familiarize themselves with various software tools to successfully complete their projects. Grade 6 students, who were tasked with designing banknotes, were introduced to the Adobe suite. They usually start with Photoshop, emphasizing the importance of understanding layers. The banknote project allows students to explore the complicated details and security features in the 2D graphic that is a banknote. This project also allows students to identify and integrate key elements from their culture or existing designs into their final product.
Grade 6 student Jasmine shared her journey of creating a digital banknote, starting with hand-drawing different layers on plastic and transferring them to Photoshop. After learning about the different security features of banknotes, she implemented these elements into her design. Jasmine also found organizing layers in Photoshop challenging, but she managed to arrange and label them effectively at the end.
Claude, a Grade 7 student, detailed his project of designing rocket packaging for NASA. He expressed his enjoyment throughout the process, highlighting the creative freedom to choose any brand and logo for the packaging design.
Veronica from Grade 8 crafted a hexagonal Bluetooth speaker, pushing her creative boundaries. She shared how she addressed the shape-related problem with the teacher's help and her difficulties in housing all the components within a compact design. Despite the hurdles, Veronica made a functional speaker, testing it with multiple devices and playing music on it.
If you're interested in discovering more about WAB's exciting student activities and inspiring learning stories, be sure to tune into this episode.
Welcome to the 12th episode of WAB Podcast Season 5! This episode was brought to you by the High School Art Amplifier Club. In this episode, student host Myriam from Grade 10 has invited three representatives to share their APAC Arts experience: Grade 11 student Hannah for dance, Grade 9 student Liam for choir, and Grade 12 student Jeremy for orchestra.
When discussing APAC festival highlights and personal growth, Jeremy reflected that working with visiting conductor Professor Mark Gibson was an inspiring collaboration, which fostered a "valuable mentor-musician relationship" for the students. Having been in WAB for 15 years, and playing violin since first grade, Jeremy shared his journey from the Beginner Strings Ensemble in Elementary school to performing in the APAC Orchestra, emphasizing the joy that music brings to his life.
Grade 9 student Liam highlighted his excitement as a first-time participant in the APAC Choir festival in South Korea and shared how important teamwork is to create harmonious music. He noted how choir fostered a sense of community through shared musical experiences and provided a valuable chance to collaborate with people from different schools.
Hannah introduced her journey in APAC Dance, where she and her peers choreographed a piece and engaged in workshops that pushed their creative boundaries. She also reflected on the difficulty of merging diverse dance styles into a cohesive performance and shared her memorable moment of experiencing both performer and audience roles, fostering a deep appreciation and bonding with other APAC participants.
Thank you to our student host Miriam who led this podcast, and to the three student representatives for sharing their APAC journey. If you want to learn more about student activities and how student artists thrive at WAB, tune into this episode.
Welcome to the eleventh episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast. In this episode. We're joined by Marina Frias-Gavidia, the Middle School Principal and Spanish teacher, Moana Teriitehau, the French language acquisition teacher, and three students: Dominic, Kenzie, and Zoe from Grade 8. Together, they explored the After School Language (ALP) Program, discussing its benefits, learning approaches, and how it supports multilingualism, cultural understanding, and diversity at WAB.
Marina highlighted our diverse community values multilingualism and ALP provides students the opportunity to learn Chinese, Spanish, or French after regular school hours. Moana added that the ALP content mirrors the daytime language classes, offering two hours on Mondays and lunchtime sessions on Thursdays.
Three enthusiastic ALP students also shared their experiences. Grade 8 student Dominic is taking French ALP and also learns Chinese during the day. He explained his motivation that since he is moving to Canada next year, where French is widely spoken, he hopes ALP can help him stay ahead in his French studies.
His peer Zoe takes ALP Spanish and learns Chinese during the day. She shared her reason for committing to the additional language learning, was to help prepare herself for the future, as she believes speaking three languages is a great advantage.
As someone new to ALP Spanish, Kenzie mentioned she is really enjoying the course. She shared her previous experience of studying Spanish in Elementary School before she came to WAB. After taking a break for two years, she is now happy that she can pick it up again in Grade 8 this year.
Marina highlighted the program's unique approach by leveraging translanguaging and recognizing students' home languages and cultures. Moana provided an example in his recent class, where a student from Korea compared French speech formalities to her home culture, demonstrating how students' home languages can facilitate their language learning.
Marina concluded by emphasizing the broader benefits of ALP, as learning multiple languages can help our students connect with more people, understand diverse cultures, and develop crucial skills like discipline and perseverance.
As the conversation wrapped up, the students offered advice to potential ALP participants by emphasizing the time commitment and the importance of attending each class. If you want to learn more about our students' language learning exploration, please tune in to this episode.
Welcome to the tenth episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Grade 11 student Francesco, Grade 12 student Anya, WAB's High School Visual Arts Teacher Daniel Avila, and Film Teacher Patrick Izing. Together, they explored the development of WAB Curated and how it not only showcases student work but also nurtures their learning, helps them focus on the creative process, and serves as a digital portfolio. They also provided insights into the challenging and rewarding moments of the DP Art program.
WAB Curated, as Daniel explained, is a digital showcase for student artwork and films. It transforms classroom creations into public exhibitions, allowing for wider appreciation and feedback. This platform also encourages students to curate their own exhibitions and make connections between different works.
Patrick emphasized the joy of seeing students proud of their finished work and eager to share it. Both teachers highlighted how art education fosters deeper connections between students and teachers.
A key focus of WAB Curated is documenting the artistic process, not just the final product. Daniel stressed the importance of showing students' struggles and creative blocks, normalizing these experiences for aspiring artists. Patrick added that filming the creation process reveals the human side of art-making, showcasing both victories and challenges. Francesco notes that filmmaking relies on collaboration and trust among team members. He said, "Everybody's putting the work in together, making something together, and I think that's beautiful."
Our guests provided advice to students who are considering taking Diploma Program Arts. Patrick advised prospective DP art and film students to speak with current students for realistic expectations and to understand the unique nature of these subjects.
Daniel compared Visual Art to other subjects, noting its specific requirements and the impossibility of last-minute cramming. Francesco added that attentiveness in class is crucial for success. Anya concluded with a heartfelt message: if you truly care about art, pursue it despite the challenges. She acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster of the creative process but affirmed its ultimate worth, sharing "It's a lot of energy, it's a lot of time, it's a lot of yourself that you're putting into something, and it's worth it."
WAB Curated is more than just a showcase; it's a tool for learning, reflection, and growth, offering students a platform to share their artistic journey and prepare for future creative endeavors. If you want to learn more, tune into this episode and listen!
In the ninth episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast, Grade 11 student Chloe, Grade 8 student Luca, and Rachel George, Head of Middle School Counseling, joined us to discuss the significance of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program at WAB. Their conversation highlighted how SEL is integral to a holistic educational approach, fostering personal growth and active student participation.
Rachel explained that SEL transcends lessons; it empowers students to improve their social-emotional skills by leveraging real-life situations. She outlines five core components of SEL: self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills. Rachel emphasized that these components help build a supportive environment that enhances students' sense of belonging, which in turn positively impacts their academic study.
Grade 11 student Chloe shared her appreciation for the diverse perspectives within the SEL program, noting that students can learn from one another's strengths. Grade 8 student Luca echoed this sentiment, highlighting how SEL prompts reflection on social relationships and mutual appreciation among peers.
Both students expressed enthusiasm for the continuous improvement of the SEL program through collaboration with external partners and student feedback. Chloe mentioned the SEL task force, which enabled students to suggest relevant topics and enhance lesson structures. Rachel reinforced the importance of student input in tailoring the program to meet their evolving needs and ensuring its relevance as students grow.
Tune into this episode to discover how WAB's SEL program cultivates a nurturing environment that supports both academic success and personal development.
Welcome to the eighth episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast. In this episode, Grade 9 student Sophie, Grade 10 student James, and their Theater teacher Leah Bramley joined us to discuss the Middle School and High School Theatre programs at WAB. They talked about how theater can improve communication and collaboration skills, their memorable experiences in theatre, and how they built self-confidence and fostered friendships along the way.
Leah discussed the structured progression from Middle School to High School theater. In Middle School, all students rotate through a a unit of theater, with the opportunity to specialize at the end of the year. As students transition to High School, they can opt for a semester of theater in Grade 9 and specialize further in Grade 10 for a full year.
Leah further emphasized the significance of theater in developing essential life skills like collaboration, communication, and confidence—skills that are invaluable and not easily acquired elsewhere. Through ensemble building, trust exercises, and collaborative show productions, students learn to express themselves vocally and physically, honing their storytelling abilities and fostering strong interpersonal connections.
Reflecting on her personal growth, Grade 9 student Sophie shared how theater has bolstered her self-confidence since joining in fifth grade. She said taking part in theater helped her build her strength, overcome stage fright, and be courageous to put herself more out on stage.
Grade 9 student James highlighted his journey over three years in the program, shedding light on memorable experiences such as his participation in the Middle School play “I Hate Shakespear” and APAC Theater. He underscored different plays have diverse themes to explore and he has fostered many friendships during a theater trip to Guangzhou last year.
If you want to listen to more of our students' theatrical experiences, please tune into this episode!
Welcome to the seventh episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast. In this episode, we were joined by four Grade 8 students - Adrien, Elsa, Gustav, and Veronica, along with their Maths teachers Tracey Brown and Karen Jewett. Together, they had a comprehensive discussion about maths learning in WAB’s Middle School, diving into the differences between self-directed learning and teacher-directed learning. The students also highlighted their favorite aspects of learning maths at WAB and the reasons behind them.
Tracey provided an overview of the personalized maths learning in our Middle School. She emphasized how each student is a unique learner, acknowledging their diverse learning preferences, styles, and interests. She introduced that every student is paired with a math mentor with whom they regularly collaborate to craft a customized learning plan tailored to their individual needs. In their class, students are offered Teacher-Directed Learning (TDL), characterized by traditional teacher-driven instruction, and Self-Directed Learning (SDL), where students engage in small group or individual learning guided by a teacher. Regular progress check-ins occur, and math mentors aid students in making optimal learning decisions.
Grade 8 student Veronica expressed her appreciation for SDL, emphasizing the freedom to progress at her own pace. She noted the flexibility to study independently, irrespective of others' levels of understanding. Her peer Gustav highlighted the freedom of choice in SDL, and he shared he personally favored TDL.
In terms of learning environments, 8th Grader Elsa shared her fondness for studying in the booth, a designated space where students can gather around a table to create a learning-focused atmosphere. She mentioned this helped her focus on her studies, but also allowed her to also easily reach out to her peers for help.
Karen outlined the process of integrating new students into the Middle School math program, emphasizing a comprehensive onboarding process. New students are paired with a partner and work closely with a math mentor to navigate the transition. The school also makes an effort to understand students' prior learning backgrounds to identify similarities and differences, ensuring a smooth adjustment to the personalized learning plans and meeting individual needs.
When discussing their aspirations for High School, Veronica expressed interest in Advanced Calculus, Elsa leaned towards Geometry, and Adrien emphasized the significance of giving his best effort and remaining open to diverse learning opportunities as he progresses in his mathematical journey.
Tune in to listen to more student insights on how they learn maths and how their teachers support them.
Welcome to the sixth episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast. In this episode, we were joined by three Grade 12 students - Polly, Lily, and Sophia - who are the driving force behind the Youth Magazine, Utopix. Together, they discussed the development of this student-founded magazine, its organizational structure, its mission, and the challenges they have overcome along the way.
Polly introduced Utopix as an online magazine dedicated to raising awareness about various social issues and highlighting changemakers through submissions from teenagers worldwide. Submissions can take various forms to tell stories, including written projects like poems and articles, paintings, photography, and other art. She also discussed how the magazine's publication, design, outreach, and communication teams collaborate.
Explaining the meaning behind the name "Utopix," Polly described it as a fusion of "utopia," symbolizing a perfect society, and "pics," representing pictures. The aim is to work towards a more equal and joyful environment for everyone to live in using art to convey this message.
Lily elaborated on the magazine's mission, emphasizing that it is driven by their passion and aims to address diverse social issues through submissions from teenagers worldwide and amplifying their voices.
Sophia, part of Utopix's graphic team and a magazine leader, shared some of the challenges faced when starting the publication. Initially struggling to receive submissions, they relied on friends and people around them for content. Later on, they leveraged social media platforms and collaborations with community partners to expand their reach and get their publications noticed. Polly added that through social media outreach, their latest issue received 30 submissions from teenagers worldwide.
"It's really nice to see the magazine grow and evolve into what it is we initially wanted it to be," said Lily.
For those interested in contributing, individuals who are passionate about art and storytelling are invited to submit through https://www.utopixyouth.com/. Submission guidelines and details can be found on the website.
To learn more from these students on how they founded a magazine to spread awareness and create positive change through art and storytelling, don't miss out on this episode.
Welcome to the fifth episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast, where we're excited to announce that WAB's Elementary School (ES) Library has won an Interior Design Award. Joining us in this episode are Architect Erica Borsa from Studio Vapore, Catherine Pierre, WAB's Elementary School Principal, and Beth Rohrbeck, Elementary School Librarian. Together, they talked about the redesign journey of our ES Library, discussing the collaborative efforts behind this community project, its impact on learning experiences, and the feedback received from our students.
Erica shared that the Interior Design Award is a platform that recognizes innovative design spaces on a global scale. Notably, our ES Library has also been shortlisted for two other awards. One is the Plan Award, which is a prestigious Italian architecture and design award hosted by the Plan magazine. We have been also nominated at the World Festival of Architecture (WAF) for the interior category.
Catherine reflected on the redesign of the ES Library, driven by the necessity to address acoustic challenges, refresh the collection, and create a conducive environment for reading. Through the collaborative effort, the redesign increased natural light by leveraging the adjacent Chinese garden and created a magical and welcoming place for reading.
Beth shared the students' enthusiasm for the redesigned library, emphasizing the design elements that cater to various age groups. The updated collection includes a diverse range of literature and award-winning books. The library is also a hub for reading events, hosting visiting authors, engaging parent volunteers, and promoting multilingualism through its varied language offerings.
Erica also mentioned the evolving landscape of design awards, noting a recent focus on educational spaces tailored to specific needs. She commended WAB's innovative teaching approach, emphasizing that the library serves as more than a mere repository of books but a dynamic space for student learning and exploration.
Welcome to the fourth episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast. In this episode, Grade 7 student Karina and Grade 8 student Sam shared their experiences learning science in Middle School, shedding light on how they are challenged and the support they receive. Middle School science teachers Kamil Rudolf and Greg Brown emphasized the exploratory and personalized approach to science learning at WAB and shared some tips on how parents can support their middle school scientists.
Kamil used an example from the study of the solar system to illustrate the hands-on learning approach. Students engage in activities such as simulating nebula clouds using various materials and constructing models of comet and asteroid bombardment. In the unit of space exploration, students select a celestial object within the solar system for further investigation based on their own interests. This exemplifies the personalized learning experience fostered at WAB.
Personalized learning is also evident in the Science Showcase. Grade 7 student Karina expressed the freedom students have to choose their topics. She is considering a project related to cigarettes for the showcase, driven by her curiosity about the effects of smoking on the human body.
Grade 8 student Sam highlighted the diverse learning opportunities at WAB, noting the flexibility to work independently, in groups, or under teacher guidance. He appreciates the autonomy granted to students, allowing them to pursue independent research while receiving tailored support from teachers.
Discussing parental involvement in their children's science education, both Kamil and Greg advocated for engaging in dinner-table conversations to inquire about their children's learning experiences. They also recommended that parents explore the library, and find the many wonderful books on diverse scientific topics, renowned scientists, and their inspiring narratives. Take your child to the library borrow some books, and use these resources to inspire interesting conversations about science.
Greg emphasized that learning science at WAB is not just about learning the knowledge, but also learning the scientific method and how to think as a scientist. This will best prepare students for High School studies and future scientific endeavors. In this way, students recognize that "science is occurring all around them at all times, not just within our classroom, within our lab." They are also equipped with skills to navigate scientific inquiries effectively when facing real-life scientific issues.
If you want to learn more about how our learners explore science at WAB Middle School, don't miss out on this episode.
Welcome to the third episode of Season 5 of the WAB podcast. In this episode, Grade 12 student Victoria and Grade 11 student Tano have taken over as hosts to interview Mr. Kirby Boychuk, WAB's new Athletics & Activities Director. During the conversation, Kirby shared his experiences in education, his reason for coming to WAB, and his plan for further developing student leadership this year.
Drawing from his beginnings in theater and music, Kirby recounted his journey from theater to physical education and then becoming an athletic director. He emphasized how this transition enabled him to cultivate a positive sports culture within the school community.
He underscored the rich diversity he found at WAB after coming here, highlighting the culture of respect and inclusivity belongs to the school environment. Having resided in various countries around the globe, including Bahrain, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Qatar, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, Kirby expressed how welcomed he feels at WAB, where individuals are encouraged to be themselves without fear of judgment.
Kirby elaborated on his plans to enhance student leadership development this year, summarized as the Tiger Leadership concept. Under this initiative, he plans to introduce diverse branches such as teaching, community service, event management, etc, wherein students will have authentic opportunities to engage and gain real-world experiences.
An example he provided was the backstage management aspect. He would expect students could know how to use the lightboard and professionally lead the project in other related aspects. He believes such hands-on experiences would equip students with valuable skills and competitive advantages for future employment opportunities.
For further insights, tune in to this engaging student-led dialogue with WAB's new Athletics and Activities Director.
Welcome to the second episode of the Season 5 WAB podcast. In this episode, two Grade 12 students, Andy and Jeremy from High School student club Art Amplifiers have taken over as hosts to interview Baba the Storyteller, who visited WAB recently to share his insights on Building Our Learning Community with Our Shared Stories. They talked about Baba's personal stories, his musical journey, and his experiences at WAB.
Baba introduced his travels throughout the world sharing music and culture, through his practice of an ancient African tradition called Jaliyaa in the Bamana language, or griot in French. In West Africa, a Jaliyaa is a historian, storyteller, poet, and musician, whose craft dates back thousands of years.
This US-born contemporary griot also opened up about his journey searching for identity, "my journey out of the U.S. and to Africa was just part of my journey to discover who I am," and "I learned by leaving the U.S. and going to Africa". Now, he enjoys using storytelling as a medium to help build connections and communities throughout the world. "I want people to understand how much more similar we are in this world than different," said him.
Grade 12 student Jeremy invited Baba to talk about his experience at WAB.. The storyteller said he found "a holistic, natural approach to relationships" here, and "how WAB is a very culturally inclusive school". He shared his idea of diversity, advocating for a deeper, more holistic approach that celebrates commonalities among humanity. This is what he has found at WAB, where "two students may not look the same, still share so much in common. He called it "true diversity".
Thank you to our students for hosting this conversation with Baba, and be sure to listen to the full episode.
Welcome back to the WAB Podcast, this is the first episode of Season 5. In this episode, High School Student Council President and Grade 12 student Jeremy, and Grade 8 student Jai have taken over as hosts to interview WAB's Head of School, Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic, and the Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, Mr. Stephen Taylor.
Highlights from the conversation included:
WAB's 30th anniversary
Marta shared her anticipation around all the 30th-anniversary events. She explained how these big anniversaries are a great opportunity for a school and the whole community to celebrate together who they are and connect past, and present.
Another highlight was that all three WAB founders were on campus for our Community Picnic and Whole School assembly. They shared some of their memories of WAB’s foundation and also played a key role at both events by “waking” the tigers for a tiger dance by painting their eyes
Their favorite memories at WAB
Jai shared that one of the things he looked forward to is Rock in the Park, but "there are so many things that make WAB special". Jeremy expressed his affection for the new Tiger Field.
Marta's favorite memory was from 2023, when WAB managed to open up the school again after three years of challenging years, "seeing the students coming in" was so powerful. She shared that at that moment, she deeply felt "We are coming back to school and it's starting, it's a fresh start."
Stephen is proud of how WAB has held true to its core values,'s beliefs, and ensured the best possible WAB education for students. He shared that working with students and the community, especially in reflecting and thinking about what is the future is his unforgettable memory. When students were participating in renewing the educational strategy of the school, "it became very apparent throughout the whole community workshops that those core beliefs of WAB, to connect, inspire, challenge, make a difference, didn't need to be changed.’
What to look forward to this school year
Stephen is looking forward to continuing our work, focusing on refining teaching and learning at school this year and continuing the work of Strategy 2022+ towards I-DEAS (Inclusion through Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Social Justice) and sustainability.
Marta also expressed excitement about WAB's upcoming 30 alumni reunions worldwide, some hosted by WAB leadership and others by alumni or parents themselves. "I'll be in London and Amsterdam hosting two reunions," said Marta. These gatherings serve as platforms for sharing stories that intertwine past experiences with current endeavors, demonstrating "how their past at WAB has influenced what they are doing now and how it's influencing what they will be doing in the future," Marta emphasized.
Thank you so much Jeremy and Jai for facilitating this conversation. Make sure you listen to the full episode to learn more about WAB's foundation and how the spirit and values of WAB are continuing today.
In our final podcast of the year, we're joined in person by two Middle School students, Hayley and Thomas, along with Stephen Taylor, WAB's Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching. Together, they discussed their personal growth as learners throughout the year, favorite moments, and academic highlights. Sharing their perspectives through some pre-recordings are Grade 4 students Hayden and Sooyeon, and Grade 9 student Myron.
Thomas shared his growth as a student, overcoming initial challenges to catch up with his peers and reach the same level of understanding. "I've grown quite a lot," he said. He emphasized how the science showcase allowed students to investigate an area of science that really interested them, and how he chose to look into how sound frequencies affect marine life.
Hayley highlighted her interest and involvement in drama and the support she received from teachers and friends, creating a friendly and supportive learning environment. She shared that one of her favorite memories this year was her participation in the Middle School play.
After listening to the students' feedback on their learning journey this year, Stephen emphasized the value of students' reflections, highlighting the importance of listening to students and offering opportunities for them to explore new endeavors. He mentioned that various initiatives like the science showcase, MADfest, and student leadership, provided "really challenging experiences" for our students. "It always comes back to the definition of learning. That learning is transformative, it's intentional, it's iterative, but it's also challenging and joyful at the same time."
For more student insights into their learning journey this year, don't miss out on this episode.
In this week's WAB Podcast, we're joined by three WAB alumni, Ava (Class of 2023), Carolina (Class of 2017), and Jennifer (Class of 2023), along with Middle School music teacher Jessica Chang. Together, they will be sharing their MADfest experience, how students took charge of this event, and how they collaborated with their peers while having fun exploring visual art, music, dance, and theater.
Jessica provided an overview of MADfest, describing it as a vibrant month-long celebration of the arts at Middle School. She emphasized that students play a leading role in the event, making choices, expressing their voices, and taking ownership. They have the opportunity to select from music, visual art, theater, or dance to broaden their artistic experiences.
Ava explained her reason for rejoining MADfest this year, mentioning that she returned home and decided to volunteer and assist her previous art teacher with the art classes. This experience gave Ava a fresh perspective on the program as a whole.
Carolina expressed her delight in the experience she has had with the students who chose dance at MADfest this year. She has been working alongside her co-teacher, helping choreograph dances. She also recalled her journey of gaining confidence by performing dance solo for the first time when she was at Middle School.
Jennifer reflected on her first time singing at MADfest, which inspired her to form a band in high school. She said this experience had a profound impact on her, as it opened her mind to explore other subjects and pursue a different path from what she initially planned. She believes this openness is valuable for students, as it allows them to discover new interests and talents.
Don't miss out on this episode to hear how MADfest impacted our Alumni and their journeys. If you want to see this year's performance schedule on June 12 and watch playbacks from previous years, please visit the MADfest page.
In this week's episode, we're joined by Grade 8 students Aliyah and Lucas, along with Middle School teacher Karen Jewett. Together, they shared their Middle School journey, the challenges they've faced, the choices they've made, and how they have grown.
As a Middle School Science and Math teacher, as well as a Grade 8 Level Leader, Karen expressed her delight in seeing students grow over the years. She highlighted the noticeable increase in their confidence as they transitioned from grade 6 to 8. Karen observed how eighth graders assumed leadership roles, actively participating in student council and organizing the Grade 8 celebration. She observed their transformation from uncertainty to becoming school leaders within the community.
Lucas, one of the Grade 8 students, acknowledged the need to adjust his study habits and time management skills in eighth grade. Aliyah remarked on the general changes she experienced during middle school. She noticed an improvement in her confidence levels, a greater focus on schoolwork, and the development of better study habits.
When asked about the highlights of their Middle School journey, Aliyah shared her love for WAB Wild, which provided her with a fun and educational experience, while also enhancing her social skills. Lucas fondly recalled the China Studies trip to the Shaolin Temple and various other events and activities that brought him joy and created lasting memories with his friends.
Karen also discussed the upcoming Grade 8 celebration, emphasizing that it is entirely student-led. The event serves as an opportunity for students to reflect on their experiences, and acknowledge their growth as middle schoolers. She expressed her excitement, stating that the celebration holds great significance for both the eighth graders and the teachers as they come together to commemorate the students' journey from sixth to eighth grade.
For more insights into their Middle School journey, don't miss out on this episode.
If you're a Grade 8 parent and like to participate in the G8 Celebration, please mark your calendar for June 14 and look out for the email with ticket purchasing and family photo reservation details. Tickets will be on sale by June 3.
In this week's WAB episode, we're joined by Grade 5 students Michelle and Justin, along with Elementary School teacher Kelly Crysell. They shared their experiences completing the PYP exhibition, shedding light on their motivation for selecting their topics, the knowledge they acquired, and their preparation process.
Kelly provided an overview of the PYP exhibition program, also known as PYPx, stating, "The PYP exhibition is a culminating project that students do that brings in all the different parts of their PYP experience." Throughout the year, they engaged in discussions around various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both local and global, to foster their interest. Students are divided into groups, collaborating to explore their chosen area of interest and its associated local or global issues, while considering actionable steps. During the final phase, they then thought about how to create art that inspired people to take action, setting the stage for PYPx.
Kelly also emphasizes the challenges of the PYPx, while students may be passionate and enthusiastic about their chosen topics they also need to invest a lot of effort into the research process.
Michelle, a Grade 5 student, shares her passion for consumer choices, which led her to select SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. Michelle explained, "The central idea that I had was consumer choices influence the well-being of all living things." Her group aimed to examine how individuals adapt and utilize resources and explore opportunities for improvement, recognizing that both positive and negative choices can yield varying outcomes.
Justin, another Grade 5 student, expresses his team's choice of SDG 14, Life Underwater, with a specific focus on overfishing and plastic pollution. Justin emphasizes the significance of their decision, stating "It is our responsibility to protect it" with the ocean covering 71 percent of our planet. Their exploration centered around the alarming consequences of plastic pollution.
If you're interested in the exciting student learning behind the PYPx, be sure to tune in to this episode!
In this week's WAB Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting a conversation with two Grade 11 students, Vanessa and Victoria, along with Kevin Crouch, WAB's Head of EdTech, IT, and Libraries. Together, they talked about WAB's approach to AI, its impact on students' learning, some of the challenges it poses, and how we can mitigate them.
Kevin described WAB's approach to AI as "cautious optimism." He acknowledged the potential for profound learning gains through the use of AI but also recognized the uncertainties surrounding its implementation and the associated risks. He stressed the importance of an innovative approach, where early adopters and innovators collaborate with professionals to identify areas of interest that align well with student learning. This ensures that the benefits of AI tools are maximized while minimizing the introduction of potential risks.
Victoria, a Grade 11 student, expressed her view that AI can be a helpful tool, particularly in finding relevant sources. However, she acknowledged the potential risks and opted to limit her use of AI to dictionaries and thesauruses.
Another Grade 11 student Vanessa shared her positive experience using AI to enhance her French learning. She found it to be efficient and convenient. Nonetheless, she cautioned against the risks associated with AI becoming overly generative and diminishing human creativity and critical thinking processes.
Find out more about WABs approach to AI on learn.wab.edu.
To explore the full discussion of our students on AI and its impact on student learning, be sure to listen to this episode.
In this week's WAB podcast, we're joined by three special guests: Grade 9 student Mia, and Grade 10 student Sam, along with their teacher James Lindop. Together, they shared insights about our new Global Crisis and Sustainability subject as an alternate stream to I&S in Grades 9 and 10.
James highlighted the new Global Crisis and Sustainability program, also known as GCNS, "showed a different way of thinking" to students and emphasized the importance of proactive inquiry and skill development. He provided an example of how he focuses on the connection between hazards and climate change while his colleague, Rob Clark, emphasizes mitigation strategies. Although they teach different aspects of Climate Change, their combined efforts provide students with a comprehensive understanding of complex global issues.
Grade 9 student Mia shared her journey of choosing GCNS after attending an informative introductory session at the end of Grade 8. She said she enjoyed the freedom and flexibility it offers. Mia believes that when students are genuinely interested in a topic, they have the opportunity to learn and absorb information more effectively.
Sam, a Grade 10 student, expressed his enthusiasm for the creative activities in the GCNS course, such as conducting different research and creating maps. He liked the course's student-centered approach, stating that it allows individuals to pursue their interests. Sam particularly enjoys mapping and reveals his consideration of making Geography one of his high-level DP courses.
For more insights into WAB's Global Crisis and Sustainability program and to hear more student learning stories, please tune in to this episode!
In this week's WAB Podcast, we're joined by three special guests- Grade 11 students Elliot and Xander, who are currently participating in the Capstone program, along with their program coordinator, High School teacher Chris Hayden. Together, they shared why they chose the Capstone Program, their individual learnings, how they designed their own subject study, and the program's assessment process through panel presentations.
Chris provided an overview of the Capstone Program. He emphasized that the program empowers students to take charge of their own learning by identifying their personal learning outcomes. By engaging in meaningful and long-term projects and internships, students are able to establish connections between those learning outcomes and real-world applications. Chris highlighted the student-led nature of the program, where students have the autonomy to shape their own learning experiences.
Xander, a Grade 11 student, expressed his enthusiasm to "learn a lot of new things" through his Capstone Project in photography. He shared his desire to acquire extensive knowledge in this field and even mentioned the possibility of pursuing it as a potential side job in the future.
Another Grade 11 student Elliot chose to focus on a car simulator. He shared he would use this opportunity to study the effect of adjusting car height and spoiler angles, aiming to gain insights for a future career as a race engineer.
To learn more about WAB's Capstone Program and the exciting student stories behind it, don't miss out on this episode!
In this episode of the WAB podcast, we have four special guests: Grade 7 student Mary, Grade 8 student Lachlan, Grade 10 student Ben, and Irina Karimova, the supervisor of WAB's Model United Nations (Model UN / MUN) Club. Together, they shared their inspiration for joining the Model UN club, how they prepare, their experiences, and personal growth along the way.
Irina introduced how the Model UN is a platform for students interested in current affairs to learn and discuss global issues together. During Model UN conferences, students are assigned a country and role-play its delegation. Irina emphasized that the club aims to foster dialogue, broaden horizons, and highlight the importance of collaboration.
Ben, who joined the Model UN Club in seventh grade, described how it helped him learn about different countries. As a Grade 10 student, he now has been twice selected as the conference chair. Ben shared the extensive preparation required for this role, such as writing detailed reports to guide delegates' research and providing an overview of the topics. He encouraged other students to participate, assuring them that everyone starts with similar nerves and mistakes, emphasizing the importance of taking the first step.
Lachlan, a Grade 8 student, spoke about the significance of considering a country's stance when preparing position papers and opening speeches, particularly for important conferences like UNISMUN, the Model UN Conference held at the United Nations International School in Vietnam.
Grade 7 student Mary joined the Model UN Club due to her interest in Geography. And having participated for one year, she has won herself "Most Improved Delegate" at a recent Model UN conference in Beijing. Mary highlighted how her research skills, collaboration, and public speaking abilities have improved through her Model UN experiences.
If you're interested in the exciting story behind WAB's Model United Nations club, be sure to tune in to this episode!
In this week's WAB Podcast, Grade 8 students Jade and Liam took over and led the conversation with Stephen Boyko, WAB Wild Outdoor Education Programme Coordinator. They discussed the history of WAB Wild, the features of WAB's Miaoliang outdoor education center, their favorite moments, and key learnings.
Stephen provided insights into the establishment of WAB Wild and highlighted how the Miaoliang Outdoor Education Center aligns with WAB's sustainability focus, enabling students to experience sustainable living practices. He emphasized that unlike schools that outsource their outdoor education, WAB's outdoor program makes connections to what students are learning in classrooms and builds longer-term relationships.
Jade, a Grade 8 student, shared her experience of participating in WAB Wild and emphasized the value of disconnecting from electronic devices, spending time with friends, and meeting new people. She also mentioned that the knowledge she learned during the program can also be applied back to WAB and make an impact in other ways.
Liam, another Grade 8 student and a three-time participant in WAB Wild, expressed his enjoyment of water-based activities such as kayaking and canoeing. He also highlighted the program's ability to bridge academics and environmental learning, allowing students to enjoy nature while making a positive impact on local communities through service activities.
To learn more details about the WAB Wild program, don't miss out on this student-led episode!
In this week's WAB podcast, Angelina and Hannah from High School Student Club Inkblot took over and produced their first episode titled "All about the IB". They opened up about their individual encounters with the IB program, sharing their challenges, turning points, personal growth, and insights gained along the journey.
During their conversation, Hannah recounts a story from one of her peers who expressed that the IB program showed them the extent of their capabilities and motivated them to push themselves to achieve their potential within a limited timeframe.
The two students also discussed their subject selection process. Angelina shares her initial struggle with three course clashes at the beginning of the IB program. However, she later discovered a newfound love for subjects she hadn't initially considered. Her IB learning journey, she explains, has been "evolving" and "challenging".
Hannah explains that her passion for industrial design in university led her to choose Design Technology and Visual Arts. Although her first choice of history wasn't available, she luckily ended up in Geography, which has now become her favorite subject. Hannah describes her IB experience as both "empowering" and "driving".
Angelina reflects on the significance of making independent decisions when choosing courses, stating "it was the first time that you're making a decision on your own." She recalls that the personal project in Grade 10 paved the way for this type of decision-making, but the IB program granted her even greater space and control.
For Hannah, one of the most empowering aspects of the IB program is the opportunity to pursue her interests. Her IB education has made her aware of her passion for social justice. She also mentions people need to pay attention to maintaining mental health. "We are IB students, but at the same time we're also teenagers", said Hannah. She emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between academic commitments and personal well-being.
Both Angelina and Hannah feel that WAB provides an ideal environment for students to pursue their IB studies. "We're in such an incredible environment where your voice is really heard," said Angelina.
To hear details about these students' IB experience, don't miss out on this episode presented by the HS student club Inkblot.
In this week's WAB podcast, two students from the High School student club Art Amplifiers, Jeremy and Isabelle, have taken over to interview their peers Daniel, Rosalina, and Salina, who recently participated in the APAC Band and International Schools Choral Music Society (ISCMS). During the interview, the guests shared their experiences, favorite moments, and key takeaways from their musical journey.
Rosalina, who returned from the ISCMS trip, talked about the valuable lessons she learned through her involvement in the choir group and performing a classical Beethoven piece. She emphasized how collaboration within the school choir had helped her integrate and improve her ability to read scores. Rosalina commented, "Cooperation was the key."
Salina, who also took part in the ISCMS event, joined as a member of the orchestra. She revealed at the beginning when joined the school orchestra, it was her first time playing the cello and she expressed gratitude for the support she received from her teacher. Now, she even had the opportunity to assist her stand partner, a Grade 9 student, with dynamics and other performance details. Salina highlighted that the aspect she enjoyed the most about ISCMS was the freedom that she could "express more of my body language there and feel more of the music".
Daniel, a Grade 11 student, participated in the APAC Band. He found the experience of being surrounded by other musicians who played the same instrument as him to be very inspiring. He also mentioned that the sectional meetings within the band were particularly beneficial as they helped him understand how to play his instrument within the context of a group performance.
To learn more about our student's experience in their recent musical voyage, don't miss out on this episode presented by the High School student club Art Amplifiers.
In this week's WAB podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Grade 4 student Aubrey and Grade 8 student Dakota, along with Elementary School teacher Suzie Sizemore and Middle School counselor Rachel George. They will be sharing their experiences in Grade 4 to Grade 8 Buddy Program, its goals, how it worked and its impact.
Aubrey from Fourth Grade shared how much fun she had participating in the Buddy Program. By connecting with her eighth-grade mentor, she gained a deeper understanding of what middle schoolers are like and discovered the many ways they are similar. Aubrey emphasized that the more she understood her buddy, the stronger their connection became.
Grade 4 teacher Suzie highlighted that for Elementary School students, it's beneficial to have a connection with an international peer learner from our web community who has already experienced different grades. Fourth graders are provided with role models to look up to, who can guide them, provide feedback, and share their unique perspectives as international learners.
Rachel, the Head of Middle School Counseling, highlighted that the Buddy Program aims to facilitate the social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, which includes self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills. Observing Grade 8 students in action and applying those skills while mentoring younger students allows them to practice and internalize these valuable abilities.
Grade 8 student Dokata pointed out that through participating in various activities, she and her mentee discovered common interests and similarities, despite the grade gap. She also acknowledged the positive impact of the Buddy Program on her own development of social-emotional learning skills.
To learn more about the Grade 4 and 8 Buddy program, be sure to tune in to this episode.
In this week's Podcast, we have invited representatives of WAB's Vex Robotics Club, who have participated in the APAC Robotics Tournament held in Shanghai. Grade 9 student Zander, and Grade 11 student Simo, along with their coaches Holly Cheng, and Phil Smith joined the discussion. They shared their competition experience, key takeaways, favorite moments, and future plans.
The APAC Robotics Tournament featured 42 teams this year, and WAB achieved 11th place. According to Holly, the club coach, the students dedicated around four months to building a robot capable of participating in the competition, which involved shooting balls into the opponents' goals.
Simo emphasized that the APAC Robotics Tournament represented a significant leap forward for the entire team. The event brought together a diverse group of schools and participants, resulting in a wide variety of robot designs and strategies. He mentioned being impressed by the "really unique robot designs" and found the "process of testing and improving" their robot very beneficial in the end.
Zander shared that during the contest, WAB collaborated with different schools, including International School Beijing (ISB), Nanjing International School, and Shanghai American School Puxi. He described the experience as highly competitive and challenging, noting that he took careful note of other schools' strategies to enhance WAB's competitiveness in the field.
Phil offered a teacher's perspective, highlighting that participating in such an event "ticked all the boxes for the student approaches learning", as the process required research, critical thinking, self-management, and numerous other transferable skills.
If you're interested in hearing more exciting insights into student activities at WAB, don't miss out on this episode.
In this episode of the WAB Podcast, we're joined by Grade 2 teacher Nisha Qureshi, who shared insights into the previous Unit of Inquiry (UOI) titled "How We Express Ourselves and How Voice Can Inspire Change."
Nisha explained that the objective of this unit was to help young learners establish tangible connections within the WAB community. She stated, "We decided to come up with the idea that voice can inspire change." By exploring the purpose of communication and how people advocate for change, Grade 2 students identified topics and areas where they wanted to advocate, linking themselves with the community through persuasive letter writing.
As part of the unit, students also recorded themselves reading letters, which were transformed into QR codes for the WAB community to listen to. Their ideas for change ranged from requesting larger lockers and planting more trees to suggesting the construction of an additional playground. Nyra, a Grade 2 student, proposed a "no shoes" policy on the classroom carpet, while her peer, Seohyung, recommended the introduction of non-English after-school activities, allowing students who are non-native English speakers to enjoy activities in their home language.
Nisha emphasized that when students are engaged in meaningful learning experiences that align with their interests and give them agency, it becomes a form of personalized learning. Additionally, the collaborative nature of this unit allowed students to connect with fellow learners, making their learning experience more meaningful as well.
To learn more about the Grade 2 UOI on "How We Express Ourselves", be sure to tune in to this episode.
In this week's WAB podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Grade 5 students Isabella and Victoria, along with Steve Kay, Grade 5 teacher and learning leader at WAB. They shared their learning, experience, and takeaways from the recent Shark Tank voyage.
The unit started with students learning the scientific principles of heat, and conducting heat-related experiments before they designed solutions to real-life problems and pitched these products to real clients (the "sharks"). Steve emphasized that students spent about three weeks learning insulation, and different types of heat transfer, including convection, radiation, and conduction. They then got into the practical cycle and had the opportunity to design and develop solutions for their clients.
All the clients involved in the program were members of the WAB community. For example, Isabella and Victoria chose to design a solution for Grade 3 teacher Nina's dog.
Isabella explained that they utilized various wrapping materials, such as Gore-Tex and Velcro, to create a dog coat and leg warmers that would keep Nina's pet warm during the winter. Additionally, Nina requested that her dog be visible at night, so the group of three incorporated LED lights into their final product.
Isabella mentioned her "teamwork got a lot better" through the program, while Victoria highlighted that she gained a deeper understanding of heat transfer and learned effective strategies for consensus-building within a group. She noted that their preferred method was to "divide and conquer."
"This is a transdisciplinary unit", mentioned Steve. He pointed out that the Shark Tank program integrates multiple subjects, including science, math, writing, and design. "Four strands of our curriculum combine, and we focus on leveraging all of those to build power in students' understanding," Steve concluded.
If you're interested in the exciting story behind the Shark Tank program, be sure to tune in to this episode!
In this week's episode, we have invited three special guests- Grade 5 students Alice and Chase, along with Douglas Taylor, Elementary School Design teacher and the driving force behind WAB TV. They shared their passion for TV production, favorite moments, advice for future participants, and exciting details about the upcoming 200th episode.
From the establishment to its development, Douglas provides an overview of the WAB TV program, which is an After-School Activity specially designed for Grade 4 and 5 students at WAB's Elementary School. He highlighted that WAB TV is a "risk-free way of practicing presenting," where students can acquire various transferable skills through participation, such as time management and leadership.
During the episode, Grade 5 student Alice discusses the production planning process, emphasizing how it has broadened her mindset and improved her collaboration with peers. "I've also become more confident when I'm talking on screen and I'm looking forward to learning more in WAB TV," she shared.
Chase, a new participant in WAB TV from Grade 5, shared his personal growth through the program. He candidly admitted that he was initially shy but has now become more confident and active with TV presenting.
Both Alice and Chase encourage future participants of WAB TV to embrace confidence, highlighting the supportive and comfortable environment within the program. If you're interested in the exciting story behind WAB TV, be sure to tune in to this episode!
In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of hosting three special guests: Grade 8 student Lachlan and Grade 9 student Audrey, along with Isaac Pena, Middle School Design and Math teacher, also the driving force behind WABX Productions. They discussed their passions for media production, the development of the WABX Productions program, and their key takeaways.
Isaac shared the background story of establishing WABX Productions, a program originally designed for sports broadcasting and gradually developed into other functions including filming and editing. "We found out that we are so much better at producing things than actually filming things. So that's how it started," explained Isaac.
He explained the whole team was very "template-dependent" at the beginning. However, as they explored different software and developed their skills, students were able to express their ideas by creating original audio, graphics, and visual effects. WABX Productions has successfully produced videos for various events, including the Mario Kart Cup in February 2023, the Identity Film Festival, the APAC Choir, and many other school activities.
Audrey, a Grade 9 student and student leader of WABX Productions, shared her unique experience in the program. She expressed her excitement in sharing the work she did at WABX Productions with her friends. Grade 8 student Lachlan mentioned that his most enjoyable moment was witnessing the efforts of the whole team coming together for the Identity Film Festival, which took weeks of hard work.
When it comes to production, "it's about being resilient," emphasized Isaac. Allowing students to research and learn how to produce things is beneficial. Meanwhile, facing tight deadlines and being proactive in problem-solving closely mirrors the real-life work experience outside school. Just as Lachlan described, many other school activities are kind of softened for students, but WABX Productions is the opposite, and it teaches students how the real world works.
If you're interested in the exciting story behind WABX Productions, be sure to tune in to this episode!
During the Council of International Schools (CIS) Deep Dive Pathway Two evaluation visit at WAB, Stephen Taylor, the Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, took on the role of host in this week's episode. He engaged in a conversation with two special guests from the recent CIS visit: Mary Powell, the School Support and Evaluation Officer for the Council of International Schools, and Kate Benson, the Primary School Principal and PYP Coordinator at Vilnius International School. Together, they explored the significance of Deep Dive Pathway 2 and how its evaluation process assists schools in reflecting on their daily practices and strategic goals.
Stephen expressed how much he has enjoyed being able to share the meaningful work that WAB has been doing with CIS and other peers. During the visit the community at WAB engaged in numerous morning workshops with CIS, our students, and our parents, allowing for reflection on the school's work.
Kate, one of the CIS evaluators, shared her perspective on the process. She believed that having peers as constructive supporters was valuable as they provided a mirror for self-reflection and pushed thinking.
She also likened the CIS visit at WAB to professional development, as it allowed Vilnius International School to review its strategic roadmap for the future. She commended WAB for involving students, alumni, parents, and the board in the strategic planning process, highlighting the high degree of inclusion. WAB is "finding an innovative way to get everybody's voices heard," said Kate.
Mary, emphasized CIS's goal of facilitating a community-based evaluation visit, enabling schools to consider their practices and identify areas for improvement through a standards-based reflection process. "We want the accreditation process to add value to our schools," she said.
WAB is among the first few schools to participate in the Deep Dive Pathway 2 process. Mary pointed out that "Some of the things that have stood out to me in terms of WAB’s approach to Pathway 2 have been the amount of community engagement that you've had."
The CIS pathway offers various deep-dive options for schools, including learning and teaching, well-being, and global citizenship. WAB chose to focus on the latter. Mary mentioned she also had some wonderful conversations with students at WAB about their engagement in the projects, and how they have been empowered to take leadership roles in the school in a range of initiatives and programs, some of which are directly related to the Pathway 2 projects.
To learn more about the relationship between WAB's Strategy 2022+ and the accreditation process, and how it aligns with CIS pathway options, don't miss out on this episode!
In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of hosting two Grade 5 students Aria and Leon, alongside Niall Watt, the driving force behind the Olympic Dream Series (ODS) and the ISAC Sports program in WAB's Elementary School (ES). Together, they discussed the joys and challenges of participating in the Olympic Dream Series, reflecting on its impact and sharing valuable advice.
During the episode, Niall provided a background and overview of the Olympic Dream Series, emphasizing the remarkable participation rate of over 90% among WAB ES students. He also highlighted how ODS offers young athletes a gradual introduction to competition, starting as early as Grade 2 and progressively intensifying until Grade 5. As the journey unfolds, students are presented with a diverse array of engaging sports activities, allowing them to explore and develop their skills.
As an ODS participant for two years, Grade 5 student Aria expressed her joy in forging lasting friendships with fellow athletes while giving her all in various sports. Echoing similar sentiments, Leon, also a grade five student, emphasized the significance of friendship, recounting the fulfillment he derived from celebrating victories with his friends and finding comfort in their support during moments of defeat. Reflecting on his personal growth through ODS, Leon said, “It has impacted my social skills. And in a way that I don't think any other program that I've been to has done."
Thank you again to our Grade 5 students for sharing their experiences and to Niall for his dedication to the ODS. Find out more about this unique program by tuning in to this episode.
In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Middle School science teachers, Marisabel Soliman and Thomas Howard, who were joined by two students, Anna and Jona. They engaged in a discussion about their recent learning experiences and the integration of students and teachers in mixed-age group science classes this school year.
Thomas provided an overview of Unit 1, which comprised six distinct lessons forming the foundation of the learning process. Marisabel highlighted the abundance of hands-on experiences offered to students, allowing them to truly engage with the subject matter. "They had the opportunity to get their hands dirty," she added.
The two teachers also shed light on the teaching model employed in mixed-age group classes, which aims to provide students with greater flexibility and motivation in their learning journey. “It's not a traditional model of teaching where” and “It's a very active zone”, said Marisabel. Instead of only lecture-based, students are spread out in the learning areas with more learning options, “we're moving”, added her.
Anna, a Grade 7 student, emphasized how her motivation to learn increased when she had the chance to attend classes with Grade 8 students, while also forming new friendships. “We got to focus, we got to get this done. So, then we're on the same page as them, ” said her.
In the mixed-age group class, Grade 8 student Jona had the opportunity to assist a student from a lower grade level, an experience that left him feeling fulfilled and more confident in his learning. Meanwhile, he also emphasized how the two grade levels can facilitate each other’s learning, “Some topics we know better because we had that last year a bit. But some topics we weren't so familiar with because we didn't do that in depth. But the seventh graders did. So they can teach us.”
If you want to find out more about how Middle School students are adapting to the mixed-age group class at WAB, be sure to listen to this episode.
In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of students who shared their competition experiences with us. Joining us were Middle School students Ava, Harry, Jeff, and Jonathan, along with High School students Isabela and Masaaki. They have discussed various competitive activities, including math, writing, and coding, offering valuable insights into their preparation strategies, lessons learned, and advice for peers seeking to enhance their participation in these events.
Jeff, an eighth-grade student, highlighted the support he received from his teachers at WAB, which inspired him to participate in a prestigious writing competition in the UK. Grade 7 student Ava, who recently returned from Yale after participating in the World Scholars' Cup, shared her experience of conquering the challenges of individual research and task breakdown as effective problem-solving techniques.
High School student Masaaki recounted his experience in a group maths competition known as ARML, where he discovered the benefits of collaborative problem-solving. He encouraged students to step out of their comfort zone and explore competitions beyond their familiar subjects. Masaaki found participating in a coding competition for the first time both challenging and enriching.
When discussing preparation for different contests, Grade 9 student Jonathan, and Grade 11 student Isabel both emphasized the importance of understanding the unique formats and requirements of each competition. Isabel added that some contests test existing knowledge, presenting a multitude of questions to be completed within a limited timeframe, while others provide more time for problem-solving and knowledge development.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Middle and High School students for their insightful and engaging discussion. For more inspiring learning stories at WAB, don't miss out on this episode.
In this week's episode, WAB's Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, Stephen Taylor, has taken over as host and engaged in a conversation with two special guests from the recent accreditation visit: Darlene Fisher, an International Accreditation Leader for NEASC, and Angela Meikle, Head of International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. Together, they explore the development of the Collaborative Learning Protocol and its role in maintaining a strong focus on learning within schools.
Darlene explains that the creation of the CLP by both NEASC and IB is aimed at establishing a unified process for schools, eliminating the need for multiple reports for different organizations. By aligning efforts for reevaluation and reaccreditation, NEASC and IB sought to streamline the accreditation process. The CLP also served as a tool to facilitate deep conversations within schools about learning, its quality, and methods for improvement and transformation.
Angela adds that the CLP was designed during a transitional period when the IB introduced new foundational program standards and practices in 2020, with schools adapting to the new evaluation model in 2021. The CLP was developed to effectively direct schools' attention towards learning, providing clarity during this transition phase.
Stephen sheds light on WAB's decision to embrace this process, driven by the philosophical alignment between the IB and NEASC, as well as their shared commitment to future directions. "We don't want to be a school that just sits back and keeps on doing things the way we always do them, but to always keep growing. And this evolution of authorization and accreditation pathways is something that does force that growth mindset," said Stephen.
If you're interested in discovering how WAB collaborates with world-leading accreditation groups to enhance our learning and innovation, tune in to this episode for more insights.
In this week's episode of the WAB Podcast, Grade 12 student Mia takes over as the host, diving into the impactful experiences of students participating in WABX, WAB’s co-curricular athletics and activities program. Joining her are three fellow Grade 12 students, Alice, Annabel, and Oscar, who talk about what they are involved in, how it has impacted them, and the skills they have developed.
WABX offers an extensive range of 300 to 400 different activities for students to choose from, providing a diverse array of options. Additionally, students at WAB actively participate in the Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC) events. This conference involves 12 schools from the Asia-Pacific region, hosting friendly competitions and engaging activities for international school students.
During the podcast, Oscar emphasizes the valuable friendships he formed throughout his WABX journey. Alice discusses how her involvement in the choir enhanced her time management skills. Annabel shares her insights on mentoring younger students and taking leadership roles. The group also reflects on the challenges posed during COVID and provides insights on balancing academic commitments with co-curricular activities.
For a deeper understanding of these personal stories and experiences, tune in to our latest episode of the WAB Podcast. Discover how WABX has shaped the lives of our students and provided them with invaluable skills and learning opportunities.
In this week's episode of the WAB Podcast, we are joined by Angelia Crouch, WAB's Global Citizenship Coordinator, who explains what Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) is and how WAB students fulfill their CAS goals. We also hear from Grade 11 students, Jeremy, Lily, and Lucienne, who share their club activities and the valuable learning they've gained from participating.
During our conversation, Angelia breaks down the elements of CAS: creativity, action, and service, emphasizing the significance of the service component at WAB, in which "students connect with community partners, develop projects, engage in SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and global issues."
Lily takes us through her experience participating in the Model Climate Change Conference of Parties (MCCCOP) this year. She conducted research, represented Australia, the assigned country for her and her partner during the conference, and won the Most Sustainable Project prize.
Jeremy, from the Profarmer club, highlights the communication and organization skills he has developed as a co-leader. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication with school faculty and farmers outside the WAB community.
Lucienne, a member of the Club Zer0, shares her passion for conservation and sustainability, which motivated her to join the club. She believes that Zer0 has the potential to make a meaningful impact in this area.
Join us for an engaging conversation in this episode as we dive into the IB CAS program and explore how students at WAB navigate and experience it.
In this week's WAB Podcast, we dive into the significance of learning spaces in students' learning and how they can ignite inspiration as a "third teacher." Stephen Taylor, WAB's Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, has taken over as host, engaging in a conversation with two guests: Erica Borsa, an architect and founder of Studio Vapore, and Leanne Kingston, a Middle School Visual Arts teacher at WAB.
With several years of collaboration with WAB, Erica Borsa's designs have played a crucial role in numerous recent renovation projects. As students transitioned into new spaces after the summer break, Erica highlighted the delight and surprise she experienced when students discovered new functions within the environment. Reflecting on the influence of spaces in students' learning, she said, "Spaces are meant to inspire people."
Leanne, as a teacher at WAB, shared her firsthand experiences with the newly renovated spaces, emphasizing the added flexibility they bring to her classroom. She also expressed her impression of these spaces, stating, "You can really see that there's a real intention in how the spaces are made, and that comes across really strongly."
If you're interested in finding out more about WAB's learning spaces and their impact on student learning, this episode is not to be missed.
WAB's latest podcast episode delves into the exciting realm of personalized learning, offering insights into how we tailor learning for our students. Taken over and hosted by Kevin Crouch, WAB’s Head of EdTech, IT, and Libraries, this discussion features Phil Jury from Education Perfect and Ben Newman, WAB's Head of High School Math and Middle School Math Teacher.
Phil Jury shares insights into the evolution of personalized learning, tracing its history and highlighting the role of modern technology. He defines personalized learning as the process of tailoring educational approaches to address individual needs.
Ben Newman, sheds light on how WAB uses tools like Education Perfect to empower both students and teachers at WAB to effectively personalize challenging learning. By recognizing the diverse backgrounds, interests, and abilities of our students, these tools support teachers in providing relevant and engaging educational experiences.
If you're interested in finding out more about how personalized learning can be used to ensure each student achieves their learning goals, then this podcast episode is a must-listen.
In this week's episode of the WAB Podcast, High School Student Council President Jeremy and Vice President Hannah took the reins as hosts to interview Dr. Jaime Pustis, our new High School principal.
During the conversation, Jaime reflected on her educational journey across Peru, Poland, Latvia, Cameroon and Guatemala, which influenced her values as an educator and leader, as well as her human-centered philosophy.
"I believe that classrooms should be a place where students walk into and can be themselves, and they are safe to take risks, learn, grow, and even fail," expressed Jaime.
"As I took on a leadership role, I carried these sentiments with me. My desire is to serve others, and now, instead of it just being in the scope of a classroom, it extends to the community, such as here at the WAB High School," she added.
Jaime also shared her impressions before and after joining WAB, highlighting WAB's warm and welcoming nature. "Our school is a connected community," she emphasized.
To learn more about our new High School Principal, don't miss this student-led edition of the WAB Podcast. Tune in for an engaging and friendly conversation between Jaime and her students.
During the first month of the 2023/24 school year, the WAB campus has become a hub of exciting activities, setting the stage for a dynamic start to the school year. From the lively Community Picnic and WABX to the MAX Festival, the AI Parent Workshop, and the International Peace Day activities, the enthusiasm and joy among students and staff are palpable.
In the first episode of WAB's Season 4 podcast, WAB's Head of School Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic, and Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor, reflect on the positive spirit and energy of the first month of school. They discussed the exciting summer renovations, emphasized the community's inclusiveness and diversity, and highlighted WAB's ongoing commitment to sustainability.
They also shared information on our upcoming reaccreditations and the planned celebrations for our 30th anniversary.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series featuring Rosalind Wiseman and be sure to stay tuned for the next podcast episode, where high school students will take over to interview their new Principal.
The 2023-2024 school year was impactful and inspiring in many ways. We learned about resilience and keeping a positive, growth mindset despite challenges. We learned to appreciate and value community and being together more than ever. We celebrated the return of our events and traditions by coming out in full force. It was truly a year to remember.
In the last episode of Season 3 of the WAB Podcast, we are joined by WAB’s Head of School Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic and the Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor. Together, they talk about some of WAB’s greatest achievements this year and what they hope the future holds for the school.
From enhancing diversity and inclusion to making progress in terms of their sustainability goals to successfully dealing with the influx of technological advancements, WAB is doing an incredible job of navigating the challenges of the current era and the future is looking bright!
Don't miss out on this insightful conversation, and make sure to continue following our podcast as we’ll be back with Season 4 in the upcoming school year!
Since 2016, Grade 9 students at WAB have been taking part in ‘Infinity Week’, which as the name suggests is a week where students can explore an infinite number of interests and passions. The aim is to give students the option to try something completely new, get a taste for self-directed learning ahead of the Grade 10 Personal Project, and encourage making a positive impact in the community.
This year, for the first time, students have the option between off-campus projects focusing on six different themes and on-campus projects based on any topic of interest. Off-campus options include working with the hearing-impaired community and learning sign language, volunteering at an animal shelter & creating awareness-raising campaigns, learning about sustainability by visiting a zero-waste school and volunteering at a local thrift store, working with children at a Leukemia ward school, and learning about urban farming and biodiversity.
Angelia Crouch, WAB’s Global Citizenship Coordinator is particularly excited about the off-campus offerings this year. In the latest episode of the WAB Podcast, she explains:
“I was really excited by the types of things that kids chose to spend their time doing. It says a lot about our students at WAB that giving 14-year-olds a whole week to do something, and seeing that just about every single one of them are meaningful. And we did want them to think about not just ‘me’ but ‘we’ in their planning and in how they were going to collaborate with their peers.”
Those students choosing to stay on campus are also delving into a fascinating and diverse range of topics, covering everything from music and filmmaking, to storytelling to disease research and more. They get to work on projects individually or in groups and take complete ownership of their learning.
Also joining this week’s podcast are High School Vice Principal Brent Abrahams, who started Infinity Week seven years ago, and Holly Rogers, the Grade Level Learning Leader for Grade 9. The conversation explores how infinity week came about, the learning outcomes it aims to achieve and the exciting projects students will be working on.
Tune in to our podcast for an in-depth exploration of Infinity Week and the upcoming community event featuring presentations by Grade 9 students. Keep an eye on WAB Weekly for details about the event.
WAB has always prioritized inclusivity as part of its core values. The Student Support Services team at WAB plays an important role in creating a sense of safety and belonging for students. WAB’s student support services encompass a wide range of areas, including language acquisition support, learning support, social-emotional well-being support, psychological support, and therapeutic support. Through a collaborative effort involving learning support, English as an Additional Language and Enriched Inclusion staff, counselors, and external therapists, students receive comprehensive assistance tailored to their specific needs.
In this week’s WAB Podcast, we sit down with WAB’s Whole School Educational Psychologist Christin Topper, who in the next school year will also take on the role of Head of Student Support Services.
During the conversation, Christin emphasizes the support services team's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students. As she states, "We don't deliver programs. We put the students at the center, and every student is different. And once we know their strengths, their interests, their passions, their areas of growth, then we develop support around that child."
The world of visual arts is evolving, and media and film have emerged as powerful mediums of creative expression. The Identity Film Festival, an annual event at WAB that takes place on May 19 this year, showcases the artistic talents and storytelling abilities of WAB’s young visionaries.
In our latest WAB podcast episode, Patrik Izing, WAB’s Film Teacher, and Dylan Z., a Grade 11 student and filmmaker, share their thoughts on the festival and discuss the broader impacts of WAB’s film program.
The main goal of the Identity Film Festival is to provide students with a platform to showcase their filmmaking skills and creativity. By nurturing better storytellers, it aims to foster an environment where students can share their unique perspectives and create impactful narratives.
Dylan, who submitted three films to the festival, believes creative freedom and collaboration is crucial, and this is an aspect that WAB does very well. Students studying film at WAB are given complete agency to explore their own voice and style while collaborating with a team. The film department supports students by providing equipment, guidance, and a supportive environment to bring their visions to life.
The Identity Film Festival and WAB’s film program cultivate a community of passionate storytellers. The filmmaking opportunities and resources at WAB provide a stepping stone for aspiring filmmakers to pursue higher education and careers in the film industry.
Our grade five students have embarked on the most incredible skills and learning process, the PYPX exhibition, and today we are joined by three grade five students, Becca, Hamish, and Ellie as well as their teacher, Steven to tell us all about their Primary Years Programme exhibition.
Tuning in, you will get an overview of what the exhibition is, the comprehensive process and who is involved, the different topics, the skills and five approaches to learning our teachers want students to walk away with, and the challenges they faced. We even discuss the assessment process, how feedback from other schools assisted in the learning process, and so much more! Finally, our guests share some words of wisdom for next year’s grade five PYPX students.
So to hear all about PYPX and be reminded of the importance of letting go of perfection, tune in now!
This week on the podcast, two high school students have taken over as hosts; Grade 9 student Chris and Grade 10 student Jeremy. Both are part of WAB’s sustainability steering committee and are passionate advocates of environmental sustainability. During this episode, they sit down with guest Anthony Dixon, the CEO of Metanoia, to discuss WAB’s sustainability journey, Metanoia’s partnership with WAB, and how students are getting involved.
Mr. Dixon firmly believes that involving students and educating them on sustainability will greatly impact the world. With schools working towards being more sustainable, with zero carbon and zero waste, significant change will be seen. For all this and more, don’t miss out on this episode so tune in now!
On April 26, display boards lined the halls of the High School showcasing an impressive and diverse range of Grade 10 students’ Personal Projects. This Personal Project Celebration is the culminating project of the Middle Years Program, where students have the freedom to choose any topic they want and work on it independently throughout the school year.
Throughout that time, they investigate, plan, take action and reflect. This year’s topics were as diverse as they were fascinating. Projects spanned from sustainability and songwriting to space debris, video games, neuroscience, and much more.
As we explore in this week’s WAB Podcast, self-directed learning was a core element of the Personal Project, with students given the freedom to choose their topic, set their own assessment criteria and define their own standards for success. This allowed them to explore who they are as learners and develop skills in self-reflection and self-assessment.
Listen to this week’s podcast to hear from three Grade 10 students, as they explore the process and how it has impacted them.
On April 7, WAB’s first-ever Asian Night Market made its grand debut on the High School lawn. The lively market was organized by FNL, one of WAB’s longest-running student clubs, which until recently was best known for the popular WAB Idol event. The vibrant market featured red and yellow market stalls and Chinese lanterns, and visitors had the opportunity to indulge in an assortment of global cuisine and drinks, while also browsing through trinkets and enjoying live performances by student bands. The market included a total of 27 stalls run by student clubs and the WAB community.
This week in the WAB Podcast, we spoke to two of the club’s leaders Marcy and Lisa from Grade 11, together with their supervisor and WABX Athletics & Activities Assistant Director Caleb Liu, to find out more about the Asian Night Market and the club behind it.
In line with FNL’s goals, the Asian Night Market brought good vibes to the school and promoted a sense of community, all while supporting other student clubs. FNL gives students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event planning and is a great example of student agency in action.
Tune in to the latest episode of the WAB Podcast to learn more about FNL, opportunities for students to get involved next year and upcoming events.
Colorful flags representing countries of the world decorated the ceilings and hallways of the WAB Elementary School this week. These flags were part of the “Celebration of Languages” week and a symbol of the linguistic and cultural diversity of our school.
At WAB, we embrace and develop all languages spoken because we believe this fosters a greater sense of identity and belonging, in line with our strategic focus on I-DEAS (Inclusion through Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Social Justice). Preserving and developing multiple languages also prepares students for success in an interconnected world.
Following on from our conversation with EAL teacher Helen Avetisyan about English as an Additional Language and multilingualism on the WAB Podcast last month(link to the article), we continue to explore how languages are celebrated and promoted at WAB in a new podcast episode – this time speaking with High School French Teacher Ludivine Kennedy and ES Chinese Teacher Hershey He.
Listen as Ludivine and Hershey unpack the many pathways WAB offers to allow students to preserve their home languages, excel in academic English and explore other languages. They also discuss the concept of translanguaging as a learning tool to make the curriculum accessible to all. In the conversation you’ll also hear how the many events, workshops and activities at WAB promote a culture where multilingualism is celebrated and integrated in everything we do.
Listen to explore WAB's commitment to multilingualism and its importance.
Ever since WAB’s founding almost 30 years ago, China Studies trips have been an integral part of learning. WAB’s China Studies department meticulously plans and organizes annual trips with teachers that take students to some of the most historically and culturally significant destinations in China.
In this week’s WAB Podcast, WAB’s China Studies Director Wenjing Wang and Middle School Principal Marina Frias-Gavidia discuss the importance of these trips for learning and China engagement and reflect on the innovative approach WAB used to keep the learning going throughout the pandemic years.
China Studies trips comprise of day trips in and around Beijing, as well as “residential trips” that take students further afield for 3-5 days. Starting in Grade 6, students can choose from three themes related to sports, science or art, with China engagement always being the core focus.
Previous trips have taken students to ancient villages, homestays in ancient water towns, major cities like Shanghai and sites of natural beauty like the grasslands. Students have previously also replicated the famous Long March, enjoyed white water rafting, cycling through the countryside and much more.
To learn more about these exciting China Studies trips and also what parents can do to ensure a seamless trip, please make sure to listen to this week’s episode.
Executive skills or executive functions refer to a set of skills that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember, self-regulate and juggle multiple tasks. In other words, executive functions are essential for everything from school achievement to positive behaviors to future success in the workforce.
While these skills typically develop most rapidly between the ages 3-5, children experience another spike in development during the adolescent years – often during Middle School. But Middle School can be a turbulent time for students when they face increased demands for self-management while also dealing with major physical and emotional changes.
In order to understand executive skills better and how WAB’s Learning Support team are there to help all students develop and hone these essential skills, we invited Monika Herrera, WAB’s Head of Learning Support in the Middle School, to the WAB Podcast.
As we learn from Monika in this week’s episode, children are not born with executive skills; rather they are born with the ability to develop them. This can lead to children developing at very different paces and can be reflected in classroom behaviors and performances.
Make sure to listen to this week’s episode for practical examples of how Monika and her team support students to develop these functions both in groups and individually, as well as some concrete things parents can do at home to help. Make sure to tune in!
On Sunday, March 26, the WAB community is invited to the IB DP Visual Arts exhibition or “Passage” as it is also known, a culmination of theoretical, practical and curatorial art skills that students have been building up since Grade 11. The exhibition is curated by the students themselves and promises to be an impressive display of creative, individual expression.
In this week’s podcast, DP Visual Arts Teacher Daniel Avila and Grade 12 students Grace and Lucas join the conversation to share the story behind their art pieces, their experiences taking DP Visual Arts over the last two years and why they’re really excited about this Sunday’s exhibition.
Visual Arts is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program subject that combines practical, hands-on skills alongside theory and conceptual thinking.
Over the two years, students are given agency to experiment with an infinite range of mediums and what concept to base their Passage artworks on. Each year, the result is an impressive expression of individuality, exploration and growth.
WAB is a big advocate of holistic education, which means students are not only given the chance to thrive through rigorous academics where every learner is supported but also through the many extracurricular activities that all students have access to.
But how do students balance good academics with their passions outside of the classroom? For students who are starting to get involved in high-level competitions like APAC for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, that is a particularly pertinent question.
In this week’s WAB Podcast, Grade 12 students Eric and Matilda reflect on their current leadership roles in basketball and theater, how they’ve grown over the course of their four years in High School and how they balance it all.
Also weighing into the conversation this week is Ben O’Brien, who is the Director of Student Support Services, ES Counselor and Boys Basketball coach.
Stay tuned as we discuss all the above in detail and hear advice from Eric and Matilda for younger students who may want to take on bigger roles in their clubs in the coming years.
Language is a powerful tool for inclusion. As an IB World School with a diverse student body, WAB is committed to championing multilingualism as a fundamental part of increasing intercultural understanding, international-mindedness and I-DEAS: Inclusion through Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Social justice.
In this WAB Podcast episode, we focus on English as an Additional Language (EAL), speaking to High School EAL Department Teacher Helen Avetisyan and Grade 10 student Sarah to understand the philosophy of EAL at WAB and how it is integrated into the curriculum.
We also explore the role of agency in English language acquisition and how it creates a culture of inclusion, where each student’s home culture, language, and identity is valued.
Helen also unpacks the EAL Department’s goal to achieve what is known as “additive bilingualism”, which ensures that English language learning doesn’t happen at the expense of other languages.
Make sure to tune in to this week’s episode to learn more!
In the High School, students can take Nature of Science, a course that seeks to engage students in authentic scientific exploration based on a topic of their interest. In this course, students have the freedom to direct their own learning but within a structure, and the teacher becomes more of a guide.
In our latest conversation on the WAB Podcast, High School Science Teacher Chris Hayden and Grade 10 students Jeremy and Lucienne explain why this approach is allowing students to go beyond what might normally be offered in a regular science class and deepens learning.
By giving students agency in Nature of Science, they’re not only able to choose what to base their projects on and therefore specialize in an area they may want to pursue at a higher level, it is also building their confidence as they progress in their learning.
Make sure to listen to the full conversation!
In our latest WAB Podcast episode, co-host Stephen Taylor, Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, gives listeners a thorough overview of what WAB’s approach to AI is and how we’re preparing our whole school community for the future. We’re also joined by a special guest whose thoughts about how AI might help students succeed in the world leave a lot of food for thought. Listen to the episode for the big reveal!
Make sure to listen to this week’s podcast for details about how we’re preparing our school, what excites us about the future of AI in education, and what resources we have for our parents to keep them informed. Don’t miss this episode!
As WAB has been nominated for a China Schools’ Award in the category of holistic education, this week we delve into the subject of what holistic education means at Western Academy of Beijing.
Joining us for this conversation is WAB’s Senior Grade One Early Years Interventionist Elizabeth Sames who oversees learning support services and English as an Additional Language Services.
We discuss what exactly holistic education means at WAB, what different support systems it encompasses, and why a holistic approach to education has been a driving goal at WAB since its founding. You’ll also hear examples of how this holistic approach is used across different domains, what is meant by WAB’s ‘whole child’ approach to education, the role of social-emotional learning in this approach, and how student agency aligns with it.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of WAB’s approach to holistic education.
Mathematics is often perceived as a stressful subject, and learners can easily fall behind when they find themselves in an inadequate learning environment. Today, we continue our exploration of student agency, but this time with a focus on High School math.
Here to help us unpack this topic is High School math Learning Leader Ben Newman, along with Grade 9 students, Ryan and Violet, to help us better understand student agency in High School math and how it is helping them maximize their learning.
In our conversation we learn about the choices students are given over their learning methods and how it is helping them work at their preferred pace. Ben also describes the positive effects he’s observed as a result of giving students agency, while Ryan and Violet share their appreciation for self-directed learning (SDL). To deepen your understanding of student agency and how it pertains to High School math, be sure to tune in!
When elements of flexibility are added into classes to personalize the learning experience for students, it allows them to take greater ownership of their learning and to engage more deeply with the content.
In today’s podcast episode, we examine personalization in High School English, a continuation of our series on personalization in different subject settings. For this conversation, we are joined by Jean Matheson, a High School English teacher, and Frans, a Grade 12 student who has been at WAB for 16 years.
In the conversation, you will hear how Jean applies personalization in her classroom, how this approach sets students up for success outside of WAB, and why this approach can promote student engagement.
Students at WAB take part in a rigorous, challenging Math program that is taught in a way that allows them to fully grasp the concepts and apply them across a wide range of disciplines and activities. WAB’s Math program embraces personalization, an approach that meets the students where they’re at and tailors the content to ensure they are challenged and meeting or even exceeding learning goals.
In this week’s episode of the WAB Podcast, we sit down with Middle School math teachers, Tracey Brown and Karen Jewett, along with three middle school students, Chris, Ivar, and Marie-Fleur to explore personalization in Middle School Math in greater depth.
Make sure to tune in to the podcast to hear how personalization unfolds in the classroom and how it benefits our students on their learning journey. Thanks for listening!
The WAB podcast is back this week to discuss Units of Inquiry (UOI), a key feature of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP).
A Unit of Inquiry is a transdisciplinary learning unit where students do an in-depth exploration of a concept for six to eight weeks and are challenged to question and investigate real-world issues. Organized around one of six themes that evolve in complexity each year, Units of Inquiry at WAB are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, which act as a framework for structuring the units.
Joining us in this week’s podcast to help us unpack this topic is Christine Bodt, a Grade 5 teacher who has been with WAB for seven years, along with Giulia and Amalia, two of our Grade 5 students.
In our conversation, Christine breaks down how Units of Inquiry are taught, why it’s such a powerful teaching method, and how it avoids siloed teaching and instead facilitates authentic learning. Giulia and Amalia reflect on some of the topics they’ve covered this year before sharing what they’re currently working on. We also cover the PYP exhibition that is coming and why it’s such an exciting time for students, parents, and teachers alike.
Student agency can mean different things in different contexts and to different people. At WAB, student agency is embedded in everything: the curriculum, the learning, the teaching, even the strategic planning. Understanding what it actually means and how it looks in practice is important in understanding WAB.
In this week’s WAB podcast, we are joined by ES Vice Principal, Curriculum Co-ordinator and Coach for Early Years to Grade 1 Karen Lindner and WAB’s MYP Co-ordinator and Middle School Curriculum Coach Jason Reagin who explore the meaning of student agency in the WAB context. They provide useful insights on the importance of giving students agency in their learning and what it looks like in practice. Listen in as they also discuss the importance of teachers in setting boundaries, supporting students and helping students understand the responsibility that comes with having choices.
At WAB we believe that swimming is more than just a sport, it’s a life skill. In this episode, we are joined by WAB’s Director of Aquatics, Donald Watson-Brown, who has dedicated the majority of his career to aquatics. He is truly passionate about ensuring that WAB’s program is inclusive and stays with the students throughout their lives.
Today, he joins us to discuss WAB’s approach to aquatics, the difference between “aquatics” and “swimming”, and tells us what is currently on offer at WAB in terms of aquatics programs and facilities. He sheds light on why he sees swimming as a valuable life skill and breaks down his philosophy on the psychology of engagement and how swimming is so much more than just a sport.
Tune in for a thorough understanding of what you can expect from aquatics at WAB.
The recent Change Through Partnerships Conference highlighted why our students are moving away from service being a transactional relationship. Instead, they are approaching it in a way that is more reciprocal and equitable. This new endeavor was created in collaboration with the ECIS (Educational Collaborative for International Schools) and the International School of London (ISL).
To discuss this conference, today we are joined by WAB’s new Global Citizenship Coordinator Angelia Crouch and one of the key steering committee members of the conference who has been instrumental in getting it off the ground, WAB Grade 10 student, Kristina.
Listen in to gain a better understanding of what this conference entailed, Kristina and WAB’s involvement in this student-led global endeavor, and what community engagement initiatives we can look forward to at WAB.
Students from Senior Grade 1 all the way through to Grade 10 recently completed the first of two Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments for the 2022-2023 school year at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). MAP Growth, administered by the North West Evaluation Association (NWEA) is one of the most trusted and reliable computer-adaptive tests to measure a student’s academic progress, used by international schools in 140 countries worldwide. MAP Growth provides WAB with useful information to support the learning of each child, and is also a valid point of comparison to evaluate the foundations of our curriculum.
In order to shed more light on how the MAP testing results are used at WAB, we invited Vice Principals from Elementary, Middle and High School to the WAB Podcast this week.
Our Vice Principals explain why WAB uses MAP Testing, how it is used by teachers and different departments across the school, and how parents should be reading and interpreting these results. You’ll hear about some of the other ways that WAB assesses the progress of the students and why you shouldn’t be concerned with spikes in the results.
In Middle and High School, WAB students take part in Day 9, a day when students have an opportunity to self-direct their learning, allowing them to sign up to a wide range of workshops to explore interests, join clubs, build skills, or just catch up on homework. As the name suggests, this happens every ninth school day.
Unique to WAB, Day 9 is now in its fourth year and has proven to be an effective tool in empowering student-directed learning. One student who has been part of Day 9 from the very beginning is Stella from Grade 12. In our latest podcast episode, Stella discusses her journey with Day 9, how it evolved from Middle School to High School and the opportunities it has given her to take on leadership roles in numerous student clubs while still having enough time to stay on top of academics.
We also speak to WAB’s new MYP Co-ordinator Coach Jason Reagin to find out what excites him about Day 9 and his role in bridging Day 9 between the Middle School and High School.
In today's episode, we reflect the An Artists’ Wonderland, a gala and auction event that we recently had at WAB. Joining us for this conversation is Sophie from Grade 12 and Kun Jiao, WAB’s Head of Alumni, Advancement, and Archiving. Sophie sheds light on what inspired her to create the student club Art for Enlightenment and how, with the help of Kun Jiao, they came together with another club, Auction for Change, to create the artists’ gala. Tuning in you’ll hear how the event featured over 130 pieces of art, how much money was raised through the auctioning off of this art, the cause that they raised money for, and why so many WAB students are so passionate about this cause. You’ll also hear how Sophie balances her time between her club and academics, why she feels they complement each other so well, and what she learned in creating this event. Whether you attended the gala or not, don’t miss this podcast!
Welcome to a new season of the WAB Podcast, with your brand new host, Ellen Schliebitz! In today’s episode, we catch up with WAB’s senior leadership to find out what there is to look forward to in the upcoming school year.
Listen in as Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic and Stephen Taylor offer us a glimpse into their plan for the year ahead and the critical part that students, teachers, staff, parents, and alumni played in developing it. We take a look at the core tenets of sustainability, inclusivity, wellbeing, and innovation that permeate every level of the strategic framework for 2022 and beyond and find out how WAB is walking the walk with ‘IDEAS’. To learn more about how we are guiding the work of our school and community to meet the future needs of our learners and helping them build knowledge, competencies, and dispositions that they can use to make a difference, both within and beyond the walls of the WAB campus, make sure to tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Looking back at the results of the 2022 school year before we look to the future.
- How WAB maintained such high academic standards, despite the hurdles of COVID.
- The key role that community voices and students played in developing the strategic framework for 2022 and beyond.
- Ways that the core values of the school are affirmed, amplified, and developed.
- “Walking the walk” when it comes to inclusivity and environmental sustainability at WAB.
- Practical examples of how these emerging themes will be implemented at WAB.
- Creating new IDEAS: Inclusion through Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Social justice.
- How day-to-day teaching and learning contribute to our ‘portraits’ of WAB Alumni.
- The innovation and diversity that new hires will bring to WAB in the upcoming school year.
- Highlights from the WAB Recruitment Fair.
- A look at how remote learning will evolve in a post-pandemic environment.
Vex Robotics is an international robotics program for students in Elementary, Middle, and High School. They also host the world’s largest robotics competitions, in which students around the globe can compete to design, build, program and drive robots to complete specific challenges.
One Grade 12 student at WAB capitalized on his passion for robotics by helping to bring Vex into the school. It started as an extracurricular club, has grown into a competitive team, and will eventually find its place in the Design curriculum.
"I think every kid should be exposed to robotics," Design Teacher and club supervisor Rob Langlands said. "When you come into one of those sessions, you're going to see kids collaborating. They're solving problems. They're doing math. They're doing science. There's so much going on, and it's really connected to every part of the curriculum."
On today's episode of the podcast, we talk to Rob about the practical applications of the skills learned in robotics as well as his plans for the future of robotics at WAB. We also chat with the student, Furkan, about his inspiration to found the club and his plans to study robotics and computer programming in university.
To build confidence and get the most out of their learning experience, students need to feel connected to a sense of identity. Today on the WAB Podcast, we are joined by Jodie Zuccato and Meng Tao. Jodie and Meng are teachers who have joined forces to create China and Me, a Chinese and English Bilingual Poetry Unit for their grade 7 students. Today, the teachers give us some details about the planning process and learning benefits!
Jimmy Chen joined WAB as a Grade 5 student and graduated in 2012. He attended the University of Southern California and earned both a bachelor's and a master's in electrical engineering. Jimmy then went on to work as a software development engineer at Amazon for more than 4 years and is now progressing his career in the field of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. On today's episode, Jimmy talks about his favorite memories from WAB, how the school shaped him and supported his journey, as well as the connections he still has to the school and community.
In a school workshop, Grade 6 students were invited to collaborate directly with teachers to create a new interdisciplinary study, covering multiple subject areas.
The outcome was a unit in math, science, and humanities classes that resulted in the construction of a vegetable garden on campus.
Today we’re joined by Grade 6 student Mia and Grade 6 Math and Science Teacher Mr. Greg Brown who were among the group leading the creation of the unit. They explain how this project came into existence the help they received from a local village, and plans for the sustainability of the garden in the future.
Things got pretty groovy in the Middle School Math and Design classes last month, as students learned to do the robot.
No, the students themselves weren’t dancing, but an interdisciplinary unit created by teachers in the Math and Design departments had them programming robots to weave their way through mazes or synchronize a series of movements.
Tune in as teachers discuss the benefits of interdisciplinary learning and strategies for collaborative planning.
At a global education conference last week, it was once again WAB students teaching the teachers.
At the Learning2 Conference, a group of WAB high schoolers presented a workshop to an audience of dozens of teachers around the world. The students explained strategies and actions teachers can implement to make their classrooms more welcoming, inviting, and inclusive for students of all backgrounds.
On today’s episode, we’re joined by two of the students who presented at the workshop. They share their message of inclusion and also explain why it’s important to turn the tables, so to speak, and let the students do the teaching.
Grade 12 student Seb made his professional broadcasting debut at the Naraka Bladepoint World Championships in China. But the person who served as his broadcasting partner might surprise you: WAB Design Teacher Isaac Peña.
Naraka is one of China's most popular video games. Peña has a background in the eSports and broadcasting industries, and he called on Seb, a leader in WAB's Tiger Sports & Entertainment Network broadcasting club, to join him for the tournament.
The duo is now working together to expand the presence of eSports and broadcasting at WAB, as well as raise awareness of the value gaming and broadcasting can contribute to students' academics and future professional lives.
They join us on today's episode to talk about their endeavors.
The Educational Collaborative for international schools or ECIS is a global organization made up of more than 500 schools in 82 countries. This month, ECIS announced WAB as a HUB school, a partnership between the two groups focused on professional development in the areas of leadership, inclusion, and beyond.
On today’s episode we’re joined by WAB’s Head of School, as well as the Executive Director of ECIS, who discuss how this collaboration will benefit teachers, parents, and students both at WAB and around the globe.
When we hear the words "struggle" or "failure," our first thoughts are likely negative. Our conversation on today’s episode of The WAB Podcast might make you change your mind.
Today, two WAB Middle School Counselors explain growth mindset. They point out that failure in life is unavoidable, and discuss its value in the journey toward success and achievement. Regina Wehner and Rachel George help us understand how we can view struggles as learning opportunities that fuel our continuous personal growth.
This conversation is one that was originally planned as a workshop for WAB parents, and that we hope will reach a larger audience on this podcast. It’s enlightening, inspiring, and heart-warming, and it is packed with practical advice as well as learning resources for parents, teachers, and students.
Thanks for tuning in.
Grade 12 WAB Student Safal is taking both the IB Diploma Program and WAB’s Capstone Project. Capstone is bespoke program which allows students to take a self-directed deep dive into a subject area of their choice.
Safal’s is focusing on computer science, and more specifically, he’s conducting academic research related to the intersection between machine learning and philosophy.
On today's episode, we're joined by Safal and his project mentor and head of WAB's Capstone Program, Brian McEwen.
Danny Du joined WAB in Grade 5 and graduated in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to academics, community service, arts, leadership, athletics, and more.
He went on to study engineering at Stanford University, majoring in computer science, and was recently named a winner of the prestigious Frederick Emmons Terman Engineering Scholastic Award.
On today's episode, we are also joined by WAB High School Principal Melanie Vrba to discuss Danny’s award and other academic accomplishments, his plans for the future, and the people and systems that supported him throughout his journey at WAB. Danny also shares some poignant advice for current WAB High School students.
University application season can be a stressful time of year for students and families. One of the most essential role players in the journey is high school counselors.
While many schools use their students’ admissions to brand name schools as a selling point, at WAB, the focus on university counseling is the relationships our counselors build with students and families to support each of their own individual definitions of success.
On today’s episode of The WAB Podcast, we’re joined by two members of WAB’s High School Counseling Team who discuss relationship building as a foundation of their work, our school’s holistic approach to counseling, the distinctions between best and best-fit universities, and what parents can expect when their children come to WAB High School.
When we hear the word assessment, it’s common to think of tests that evaluate how well we know certain information. We sit down, answer the questions, get a grade back and whether it’s good or bad, we move on.
But WAB’s approach to assessment in the IB Middle Years Program will make you change the way you think.
This week, we sit down for a conversation with two Grade 7 students who share their assessment experiences, explain how assessments are personalized, and describe assessments as an opportunity to progress through their learning with choice and ownership.
Technology has been penetrating all aspects of our lives for years, but the rate at which we are using our devices for every day tasks has sped up exponentially with remote learning and working.
Today, we’re joined by two of WAB's tech experts, Kevin Crouch and Keri-Lee Beasley, who discuss the best strategies for parents to support their children’s healthy, safe, and productive use of technology. We also discuss the fifth year of Keri-Lee’s worldwide initiative, Media Mentor Month, which, during the month of March, seeks to bring resources, conversations, and tools into the spotlight for students, teachers, and parents.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is not just an individual course to support non-native English speakers. It should be seen as a life-long journey, which, at WAB, is coordinated and supported across all school sections from Early Years through to Grade 12 graduation. On this week's episode, we are joined by the EAL specialists in WAB's Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. The team discusses why language diversity in a school community is an asset, how they work to train teachers school-wide, the most impactful strategies for approaching EAL, and the difference between learning language for academics and learning language for life.
Head of School Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic and Director of Innovation for Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor join The WAB Podcast to reflect on the first half of the school year and look ahead at what's to come. They discuss the transition to remote learning, major community achievements from the first semester, an update on WAB's strategic framework development, and preview of what's to come during semester two.
Since becoming an Olympic Model School in 2008 ahead of the Summer Games in Beijing, WAB's Elementary School has kept up the inspiring tradition of connecting the members of our diverse student body through sports.
Our Olympic Dream Series is a lunchtime extracurricular program that invites students to try new individual and team sports in friendly competition against their classmates. Students represent their countries, and award ceremonies feature national flags and anthems of medal winners.
“When I was new to WAB, I did my first Olympic Dream Series, and I met so many people,” Grade 5 student Kylin said. “The next year, a lot of them were in my class, and they all became my friends.”
On today's episode of The WAB Podcast, Kylin joins us with three of his classmates and Elementary School PE Teacher Niall Watt. They discuss how the Olympic Dream Series helps forge new friendships, celebrate diversity, and develop good sportsmanship.
At WAB, Middle and High School students follow a nine-day rotation. The first eight are regular curricular classes, but on the ninth day, students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of workshops or lead their own.
On today's episode, we're joined by two students and our Middle School Vice Principal who discuss how Day 9 has led to impactful and innovative projects, leadership opportunities, and deep learning.
The term "learning community" can be understood differently in different contexts.
In Grade 3 at WAB, faculty have shifted away from the traditional structure of one teacher in one homeroom with one group of students.
"This means all home-base teachers, all Learning Support, and all EAL teachers have a vested interest in every student's success and development," teacher Angela Langlands said.
On this week's episode, take a trip into the Grade 3 Learning Community to understand how it enhances learning and teaching.
Precious Plastics is a new student group at WAB, joining a worldwide movement to upcycle plastic waste into new, usable products while also campaigning for the reduction of single-use plastics.
On today’s episode of The WAB Podcast, students Claire and Patrick discuss their inspiration for taking part in Precious Plastics, the products they plan to release to the school community, as well as the role they see themselves playing in the future of our school’s sustainability.
Language learning is often described as a way to gain new perspectives, connect people, and build relationships. In a school context, it can also be used as a tool to bridge academic disciplines.
On today's episode, WAB's Heads of Languages in the High School and Middle School, Ludivine Kennedy and Lynn Xing, describe how WAB approaches and values language acquisition.
“The way we look at languages at WAB is for students to get a better inter-cultural understanding of the world around them,” Ludi said. “We make it fun, and we make it relevant, because it helps students remember things. But we also have a curriculum that’s rigorous and that ensures the students develop their speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.”
The transition to remote learning due to the pandemic accelerated technology's growing role in the classroom. As schools strive to find ways to enhance the learning experience both remotely and on campus, applications like Toddle have become valued platforms with functionalities that cover every element of the learning journey.
From unit planning to activities, from assessment to feedback and parent communication: On today's episode we discuss the evolution of EdTech with Toddle CEO Deepanshu Arora.
The home-school partnership is an essential element of student success in K-12 education.
It's conference season here at WAB. This year, parents were back on campus with their children, having meetings with each individual teacher. On today's episode, we're joined by a Grade 12 student, her mother, and her teacher who explain their approach to parent conferences and offer tips to enhance and sustain productive communication around learning.
WAB Grade 5 teachers have joined their homerooms to create a shared system of learning which prioritizes self-regulation, real-world application, and personal reflection. Each Monday, students across the grade level set individual goals and are then guided by teachers as they choose to engage in a series of workshops, tools, and technology to develop skills and demonstrate their learning.
On this week's episode, two Grade 5 students and a Grade 5 teacher explain why this new system improves learning.
For the Master Snack project in WAB's MYP Design class, students were asked to design a meal, as well as the plate it is served on, based on the fusion of two cultures of their choice.
On today's episode, we're joined by two Grade 10 students and two Design teachers who explain the inspiration and impact of one of WAB's favorite design units.
On today's episode, we discuss a topic that is getting a lot of attention at WAB: Grade 6 is replacing standardized numerical grades with qualitative reporting focused on descriptors.
WAB's Grade 6 Level Leader and our Middle School Principal join us for a conversation about the purpose of assessments as motivators for student learning, why descriptive reports are more valuable, and address questions they have been hearing among the parent community.
What makes a good WAB teacher?
This is a question we put forward to a panel of students at WAB's recent on-campus Recruitment Fair. The two groups of students spoke with the more than 100 candidates seeking jobs for the coming academic year at WAB.
"We know that student voice is a super important part of WAB, and we can't do the things we do without the support and voice of the students in helping to move us forward," WAB's Director of Innovation for Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor said. "We want the people who are thinking of coming to work here to understand that clearly and to hear how articulate and passionate and interesting our students are."
On this week's episode of The WAB Podcast, we're joined by Grade 6 student Audrey and Grade 10 student Amelia, both of whom were on the panels. They discuss what makes a great teacher and share their visions for the future of education at WAB.
For the first time at WAB, Design is a stand-alone subject in our Elementary School. Every student in Grades 2 to 5 takes the class each week.
How does the design class enhance our delivery of the IB PYP? How does design thinking impact learning in other subject areas? What does coding look like for Grade 2 students? Tune in to our latest episode for an insightful look into Elementary Design, as well as practical tips for parents and teachers to support design learning.
Libraries used to be synonymous with being quiet. This is no longer the case – nor are libraries merely physical spaces. Today, our MS and HS teacher-librarians discuss moving libraries into the virtual space and their evolution into collaborative space. We cover how to guide students to do productive research, as well as how the contents of the WAB Library's online portal can help both parents and students. Finally, we chat about the IB DP's Extended Essay and offer a few book recommendations.
High school is about far more than academics, and being part of extracurriculars can enrich students’ lives in multiple ways. Today, we talk with two Grade 12 students, Jodi and Gabriel, who are both involved with a range of clubs and sports. They discuss how extracurricular activities enhance their school experience, teach them life lessons, and fuel their university applications.
This week is an extra special episode, as Grade 5s take over the microphone as hosts.
The students interview WAB's new Elementary School Principal, Ms Catherine Pierre-Louis. They discuss why Catherine became an educator, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, favorite books, and more!
The IB Diploma Programme exams have a pretty rough reputation among students. They are known both for their rigor, as well as for their reward.
While schools rightfully use the exam scores as material to promote their students' achievements, there is much more to be said about what defines success in the DP.
On today's episode, we are joined by WAB Alumna and one of WAB's 2021 Confucius Scholars Imme Koolenbrander. Imme sits down with WAB's DP Coordinator Scott Lindner for a conversation about the student experience, personalized definitions of success, and the value of knowing yourself as a learner.
On the first episode of our second season, WAB Head of School Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic and WAB Director of Innovation for Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor join us for a conversation.
They discuss what's new at WAB to start the school year, the renovations to WAB's learning spaces, an update on strategic plans, and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The 2020-2021 school year presented opportunities for students, parents, and staff to learn things we could have never imagined.
In the season finale episode, Head of School Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic & Director of Innovation for Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor discuss found learning, adapting the school experience, highlights from a challenging school year, the lessons we will take with us going forward, and WAB's strategic direction, among so many other topics.
When a student leaves WAB, what are the key skills, knowledge, and characteristics they should possess that will guide them into the future?
It’s this question that is leading the development of WAB’s new strategic plan, known as Portraits of WAB Alumni. All international schools have a strategic plan that provides direction for the schools’ efforts in academics and experience. But as a school that is committed to putting students at the center of everything we do, WAB has decided to empower our students to direct the process of creating these portraits.
On today’s episode, we speak with two of the students who are taking the lead in the development of WAB's strategic plan, and we have also welcomed back our head of school, Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic, to help us understand how the school community benefits from putting this important task into the hands of the people it will impact most.
In light of heightened conversations around racism and discrimination, schools around the world are evaluating, strengthening and creating policies that promote inclusion, diversity, and equity.
On today's episode, WAB's Head of School is joined by three representatives from one of our accreditation partners, the Council of International Schools (CIS), for a conversation about how they are helping school communities improve the way they approach these issues, talk about them, and take action.
International schools like WAB are strengthened by their diversity. At WAB, we learn about and celebrate different identities among our school community in many ways, including through the curriculum, different festivals, and through social action.
Today, we're joined by three WAB students who talk about their key roles focused on inclusion, as well as WAB's school psychologist who discusses the importance of empowering students to make an impact.
As we approach the end of the school year, we enter a time of transitions.
People are preparing to transition into new grade levels, new school sections, and even new countries. Due to the inherent transience of international school communities, it’s essential for schools like WAB to support students and families through transition period. On today's episode, we're joined by a Grade 8 student and WAB's Middle School Counselor
Equip students with a diverse set of tools necessary to be leaders of the future.
This is the goal of the Future Now Leadership Toolkit series piloted for Middle and High School students at WAB (@WAB_LIVE). Created in collaboration with Inspire Citizens (@inspirecitizen), students can voluntarily join the series of 17 workshops throughout the school year – each one focusing on a different “tool.” On this week's episode, two Grade 10 students describe their experience and how they're using their newly developed skills.
A local initiative is helping female high school students in Beijing gain exposure to careers in STEMM industries -- science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.
Several WAB students and teachers have been part of the pilot program's cohort, visiting offices and labs of some of the world's leading companies. On today's episode, WAB Grade 10 student Stella and Science Teacher Jaima Holland discuss their experience in the program and their views on how the Beijing' Girls in STEMM program fits into the larger global movement.
The PYP Exhibition, or PYPX, is the culminating academic event of the IB's Primary Years Programme. It is a self-directed, research-based, action focused project that marks Grade 5 students' final academic endeavor prior to moving to the Middle Years Programme in the Middle School.
On today's episode, we hear from students Liam and Esther about the form of media they have chosen, what led them to choose their respective topics, and some of the lessons they have learned through working on their exhibition projects.
International schools like WAB are pushing innovation in learning and teaching, setting new standards in education, and making changes to the traditional ways schools operate.
So how can they ensure that these new approaches and practices will benefit students and communities? On today's episode we're joined by Ashish Trivedi, the International Baccalaureate's (IB) Head of Strategic Initiatives, Innovation and Incubation, and Trillium Hibbeln, Associate Director of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) International.
Right from the beginning of a child's experience at a new school, it's essential that they feel a sense of belonging and care. With the diversity of international school communities, how can we ensure we are able to adapt to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of every individual child?
On today's episode, we sit down for a conversation with WAB's Enriched Inclusion Lead Rovanna Bawden.
On your mark. Get set. Go!
Middle School design students put their race cars to the test this week at Formula WAB. The competition was the culminating event of a unit aimed at students learning about plastics as both as a material for creation and as solid waste.
Students followed the design cycle to create their cars. On this week's episode, two of WAB's MYP Design teachers discuss how the course prepares students for the future.
With students and teachers excited to be back on campus, one Grade 4 class has turned Fridays into a day of experiential learning. The students are divided into three groups, and every Friday, they rotate between the school's greenhouse, learning kitchen, and makerspace.
How does experiential learning engage students and impact their learning? What skill and knowledge can be gained form hands-on activities? On this week's episode, we let the kids answer these questions.
The Personal Project is the culminating experience for students in the IB Middle Years Programme. It's an opportunity for students to dive into their interests within an academic context and learn how to apply their skills and knowledge in the world outside of school.
On today's episode, we sit down with three Grade 10 students who explain their Personal Project experience.
As our school prepares to resume our outdoor education and adventure trips, WAB Wild Director Rob Starmer talks about the importance of re-connecting with nature post-pandemic, the value of experiential learning, and outdoor education's role in the future of learning.
Bespoke, customizable diploma programs are popping up at innovative schools around the world. Students are turning to them for increased freedom and flexibility to dive deeply into an area of interest they choose.
At WAB, this pathway to graduation is called the Capstone Program. On today's episode, we speak with the program coordinator, a student, and an alumni to discuss how the program impacted their pursuit of expertise, a university degree, a career.
When administrators approached the Middle School Student Council about a new playground, students jumped at the opportunity to lead the project.
On this week's episode, we hear how the school's desire to improve physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as the student involvement and parent support resulted in a student-led project to create their dream play area.
For many people, a love for sports and physical fitness begins at an early age.
Playing games and having fun are essential parts of the Elementary School experience. It’s a time when young people begin to fall in love with different sports and develop life-long fitness habits.
How do teachers use physical education to help young people create a healthy and active lifestyle? And how does fun fit into the IB Primary Years Programme curriculum framework?
On today’s podcast, we’re joined by WAB’s Elementary School PE Team.
How can we equip teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to help students achieve their goals?
As the world changes at an increasingly rapid pace, teachers will be tasked not just with becoming single-subject experts, but in helping students develop a future-focused picture that fuels their motivation to learn.
On today's podcast, we sit down with education consultant and author Steve Barkley to talk about professional growth for teachers.
Last week, Chinese authorities closed schools throughout Beijing.
As WAB returns to remote learning, our Elementary, Middle, and High School principals discuss our strategies to ensure continued high-quality learning, what's changed since WAB was last learning remotely, and how the school is supporting students and families.
Even WAB’s youngest students are empowered to make decisions about their learning.
Twice a week in Junior Grade 1, teachers host a dedicated time during which students can choose what, how, where, and with whom they learn. Guided by a big-picture question related to their PYP Unit of Inquiry, students have the opportunity to explore their passions while developing academic and social-emotional skills. On today's episode, we speak with the team of Junior Grade 1 teachers to find out how and why this effort has been such a success.
Mathematics is one subject that many people think may be better suited for a conventional educational model: a teacher at the front of a class, demonstrating the next principle.
Teachers in WAB's Middle School Math Department would disagree. On today's episode, the team of math teachers discusses how a new space, team teaching, and student choice, have increased engagement in the subject.
On today's episode, we take a field trip in to WAB's Grade 3 learning spaces. In a conversation with two teachers, we explain the true definition of a learning community, discuss why the transition from a traditional homeroom model is better for students, and uncover how schools and teachers can make the successful transition.
The IB Diploma Programme's Extended Essay is the pinnacle of academic research. A project that is often seen as a daunting task, two WAB students and our Extended Essay Coordinator break down their experiences and offer advice on how to make the most of project.
How do schools create and evaluate their curriculums to ensure high-quality and academically rigorous learning? What are the benefits of an international curriculum framework? And where does student agency fit into an established curriculum?
On this week's episode, we sit down with WAB's team of IB Program Coordinators & Curriculum Coaches to discuss the process.
Innovation is a word we here everywhere around the international education universe. But what does it truly mean for schools, learning, teaching, and education as a whole to be "innovative"?
In this episode, WAB's Head of School and Director of Innovation for Learning and Teaching define innovative education and explain how and why schools are striving for new approaches to education.
Progressive schools are shifting away from strict, subject-based curriculums and are finding new ways to teach students the skills they will need to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world.
We sit down with two educators who discuss the upcoming launch of the Leadership Toolkit, a 17-part workshop series aimed at empowering students to make an impact in their local and global communities.
WAB's Winter Charity Bazaar is right around the corner. The annual event is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in Beijing. Vendors, charity organizations, and student clubs take part, and families attend in the thousands.
While many Beijing residents kick their holiday season off at the bazaar, the event's impacts reach far beyond the school community and out into the world. This week, we are joined by a WAB parent and WAB student to talk about the school's role in supporting community members' philanthropy efforts.
For international school students and their families, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense uncertainty around the transition from high school to university.
In this week's episode, High School Counselors Michelle Chow-Liu and Ben O’Brien discuss the shifts they are seeing in the university admissions process, share new strategies for advising high school students, and offer valuable tips for parents.
When people talk about the future of learning, there is almost certainly an element of impact. Academic experiences are increasingly designed around students taking their learning beyond the classroom walls to make a difference in their communities.
At WAB, one student's MYP Personal Project sparked a collaboration with The New York Times for Kids - China, and that evolved into a partnership aimed at empowering students to make a change.
School communities have been forced to find new ways to remain connected in the face of campus closure.
One Grade 11 student at WAB took it upon herself to solve this problem for her classmates. She took on the role of Editor in Chief of the school's student-run magazine and is using storytelling as a way for her peers to connect and share their experiences.
On today's episode, we're joined by Inkblot's Editor in Chief, TianTian X., and Logan Brennan-Sawyer, a WAB teacher and the group's faculty advisor.
In the international school community, we often hear about diversity, international mindedness, and global citizenship. It's easy to find examples of schools celebrating local festivals and foods, but how can we help students connect deeper with their host country? And how will understanding and investigating new perspectives benefit student learning and the world?
We're joined by Wang Wenjing, a founding member of WAB and the Head of our China Studies Department. We also welcome Kerry Bidder, WAB's Middle School Curriculum Coach and MYP Coordinator.
As schools evolve, they are finding new ways to connect with and engage their students.
Teachers and expert educators around the globe are finding news ways to tap into students' interests and create learning activities that can make a real impact in the world.
In Episode 6, we're joined by Inspire Citizens Deputy Director Kavita Tanna and WAB's IB Primary Years Programme Coordinator Jonathan Mueller.
Video games have become an effective tool for schools seeking new ways to connect with and engage their students, but they have not always been welcome on campus. So how have video games found a place alongside academics in school?
To answer this question, we're joined by Dan Martinez, the founder of The FUSE Cup, and WAB's Director of Innovation for Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor.
WAB's Director of Innovation for Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor joins The WAB Podcast to talk about the need for new and unique approaches to engaging students.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a world-renowned course for students in their final two years of High School. The exams taken at the end of the program are vitally important, but are also well-known to be a source of stress for soon-to-be graduates, teachers, and parents alike.
So how did the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures impact the exams and the Class of 2020's plans for university? We're joined by WAB's DP Coordinator Scott Lindner, who answers this question and many more.
In this Monday's episode, we take a look at the latest news from Western Academy of Beijing and introduce our new Head of EdTech, Kevin Crouch.
How is Western Academy of Beijing using technology to offer individualized support to students' academic goals and social-emotional well-being?
In our first episode, High School Vice Principal Brent Abrahams and Dean of Student Lis Wilson discuss the intersection of relationship-based learning and educational technology.