Bridging the GAP - Real Conversations in International Education

In Part 2, the focus shifts from competition to impact.Part 1: https://youtu.be/vG6e6fNtQAUBogdan explains why chess is such a powerful activity for young people, unpacking the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of learning the game from an early age — from decision-making and focus to resilience and emotional regulation.We then explore Bogdan’s newest initiative, the International Chess Club Abu Dhabi, and the thinking behind its creation. He shares the club’s vision, who it is designed for, and how it aims to bridge grassroots development with elite-level coaching in a truly international context.Finally, we look beyond traditional coaching to discuss how chess is increasingly being used in business and professional settings — supporting strategic thinking, leadership development, and problem-solving across industries.This episode is about the future of chess: not just as a competitive sport, but as a tool for learning, leadership, and long-term thinking.

https://youtu.be/vG6e6fNtQAU

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I sit down with Bogdan Garbea, a former national chess champion from Romania who has spent more than a decade shaping the chess landscape in Abu Dhabi and the wider region.Part 2: https://youtu.be/YZpQ84NWeRYWe begin with Bogdan’s personal journey into chess — from competitive player to coach — and explore his early years working with young players in Romania before being invited to coach and organise chess in the UAE. Bogdan reflects on how those early experiences shaped his philosophy as both a facilitator and organiser.The conversation then widens to examine the evolution of chess in Abu Dhabi and the region: the rapid growth of school participation, the rise of large-scale chess festivals, and the behind-the-scenes planning required to run events involving hundreds of players. Bogdan also discusses his role in organising the chess competition for the Open Masters Games 2026, which has already attracted over 600 entrants.We also take time to demystify chess ratings — what they really mean, how they’re calculated, and why they’re often misunderstood — before finishing with a global perspective on which countries are leading the way in chess development and elite performance.This episode offers a fascinating look at how chess ecosystems are built — from grassroots participation to world-class competition.

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GE6RLRfohVo

Our fantastic guide, Aman, shared a wealth of insight as we trekked up and down the famous Triund Eco Trail. Along the way, he offered fascinating stories about the region’s history, geography, and economy, and gave a thoughtful explanation of the Hindu beliefs and philosophies that shape life in this part of Northern India. It was a journey filled not just with stunning views, but with genuine learning.#himachalpradesh #himachal #triundtrek #triund #mcleodganj #dharamshala #t20 #india #indvssa

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KnFaNQBbPAw

The Sustainability Action Team at Raha International School (Gardens Campus) in Abu Dhabi comprises a healthy-sized group of young, future leaders, who really take sustainability seriously. In this chat, Grade 11 student Zifan outlines some of the recent developments and upcoming actions now that the weather is on our side again here in the UAE!Example of turning footsteps into electricity:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnAwsEUOUxw

Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/_98nSOjJzm4

At just 15, Kaiden is already somewhat of a veteran of motorsports, having competed extremely successfully in karting for many years. Now he has stepped up to the big league and is taking on the best of the Spanish F4 drivers and has been holding his own in his rookie season.In this interview he confidently and articulately explains the intricacies of the sport, breaking down a number of aspects which define his life as a competitive racing driver. Warning: May cause jealousy amongst anyone who enjoys the idea of driving a car at high speeds!Visit his impressive website:https://kaidenhigginsracing.com/

In this second episode in the series of conversations with dedicated young athletes, we catch up with Dexter - he was on the podcast (audio-only version) back in March 2024 in episodes 15 & 16.https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast...Training in the UAE heat takes a special kind of determination and resilience - it's not something many people's bodies ever really adapt to. It's just a case of digging deep, whilst taking in loads of the right types of fluids! Dexter has determination and resilience in bucket-loads, and his calm demeanor certainly helps in tense, race-day scenarios when so much can go awry when you least expect it.

https://youtube.com/@vaughankitson2968?si=mu6wGc5BYnQVD5eQ

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Audio of the YouTube video.

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

The video with Tommy Fleetwood:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlA6ycnx4x0&t=22s

The students and teacher leading the school’s Sustainability Action Team at Raha International School are no ordinary group! They are driving real change through student leadership, innovation, and education. From hydroponic and aeroponic towers to sustainable gardens across campus, their hands-on work is both practical and inspiring. They’ve been educating younger students, planting mangroves as part of a wider restoration effort, and proudly represented the school at COP28 in Dubai. With even bigger plans on the horizon from September, the team is now looking to expand its reach and bring sponsors on board to help take their impact to the next level.

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

Interested in exploring a partnership/sponsorship? Contact 'Coach Des' at [email protected]

Music by Alexander Farquhar

In this episode, Vaughan speaks with Rita Bateson, co-founder of Eblana Learning and long-time leader in the IB world. With her experience as a curriculum designer, school leader, and global consultant, Rita shares her insights into how schools are navigating the fast-evolving landscape of AI.

They discuss the need for balanced approaches that go beyond panic or blind adoption, the ethical and environmental implications of AI use in schools, and how Eblana Learning is equipping educators with practical tools and dynamic curricula. Rita also reflects on why disclosure, discernment, and trust still matter—and what schools can do today to prepare for tomorrow.

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

Eblana Learning and Rita Bateson contact details:

eblanalearning.com 

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

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

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

linkedin.com/in/vaughan-kitson

In this episode we dive into one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of student development: learning to fail well. Starting with a look at why many young people today struggle with setbacks, we explore the emotional and psychological weight failure can carry in a high-pressure, always-on world.

You’ll hear from a group of Grade 7 students who offer surprisingly mature and rational reflections on their own experiences with failure, as well as a few teachers who share light-hearted (and sometimes cringeworthy) anecdotes from their own journeys. School counsellor Katie joins us to unpack the psychology behind failure and what educators and parents can do to support students who find it especially difficult to cope.

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

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

Music created by Alexander Farquhar

linkedin.com/in/vaughan-kitson

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