Kids Gone Global - The International School of Hamburg Podcast

For years, we've been telling young people that the future belongs to those who can code. But here's an interesting twist: some of the world's leading artificial intelligence companies are increasingly turning to philosophers to help tackle questions of reasoning, truth, ethics and human judgement.

So, if philosophy is becoming increasingly relevant in the age of AI, are we teaching our children to think philosophically?

In this episode of Kids Gone Global, host Sarah Reich is joined by Sean Kane, an experienced educator who has taught Theory of Knowledge (TOK) at the International School of Hamburg since 2012.

At the heart of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, TOK challenges students to explore one deceptively simple question: How do we know what we know?

But this conversation goes well beyond the classroom.

Drawing on decades of teaching experience, Sean shares how he encourages students to question assumptions, challenge evidence and think independently. From the surprising connection between Taylor Swift and car accidents to the influence of culture on what we consider knowledge, he offers a fascinating glimpse into how critical thinking is developed.

He also challenges the familiar narrative that today's teenagers are losing their curiosity to smartphones and social media. And when asked how parents can prepare their children for an AI-driven future, his advice is refreshingly simple: read, stay curious and learn to question the world around you.

Together, Sarah and Sean explore what it means to educate independent thinkers in a world where information is abundant, but good judgement remains essential.

Whether you're a parent, teacher or simply curious about the future of education, this episode offers a thought-provoking reminder that some of the most valuable skills for tomorrow are profoundly human.

Kids Gone Global is a podcast from the International School of Hamburg, exploring how education prepares young people to navigate an interconnected and rapidly changing world.

Can a Non-Selective School Deliver the IB? How the International School of Hamburg Supports Every Learner

What if academic rigor didn’t depend on who a school admits—but on how well it supports every student once they arrive?

In this episode of Kids Gone Global, Sarah Reich speaks with Catherine McNaughton, Head of Student Support Services at the International School of Hamburg, about how a non-selective IB World School helps a wide range of learners succeed. They explore early intervention, executive functioning, student wellbeing, and why strong support systems, not selective admissions, may be the key to maintaining academic rigor in today’s schools.

In this episode of Kids Gone Global, host Sarah Reich discusses the ongoing challenges of modern masculinity with five educators from the International School of Hamburg. Panelists include Assistant Principal Andre Berry, teacher Josh Arnold, German teacher and sports coach Nils Hahnheiser, career counselor and life skills teacher André-Karl Belair, and scout leader and parent Seth Gannon.

They explore how boys often disengage academically and emotionally, and the crucial role schools can play in providing structure, mentorship, and belonging. Highlighting the need for boys to feel needed, connected, and accountable, the discussion emphasizes the importance of real-life interactions and leadership development in and around school life to help boys grow into balanced and compassionate young men.

In this episode of Kids Gone Global, we delve into the world of theater with two students, Nayeli and Vilasani, who share their experiences in the ISH 2026 theater production of 'Alice.' They reflect on what drew them back to the stage, the intense yet rewarding rehearsal process, and the surprising challenges they've faced while embodying their characters. The discussion highlights the unique atmosphere of school plays, the importance of teamwork, and how theater has helped them discover new strengths and talents. Nayeli and Vilasani also offer insights and advice for students considering auditioning in the future. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of the arts in fostering creativity, commitment, and confidence.

ALICE runs from February 10 to 12, 2026.
For more information about the production, visit: https://info.ishamburg.org/alice

In this episode of Kids Gone Global, host Sarah Reich speaks with Jackie Van der Steege Middle Years Programme Coordinator and Design Teacher at the International School of Hamburg (ISH), to discuss the unique challenges faced by today's middle schoolers. As students navigate a world dominated by smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence, the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) offers a supportive and adaptive educational framework. Jackie shares her personal journey into international education, her passion for middle school learners, and how design and the MYP curriculum prepare students for real-world challenges. 

They delve into the impacts of technology on young minds, the importance of critical and creative thinking, and the role of AI in modern education. This conversation also highlights how the MYP fosters lifelong learning, ethical use of AI, and the development of resilient and compassionate global citizens.

Welcome back to Kids Gone Global from the International School of Hamburg, the podcast that opens the door to the evolving world of international education.

In Season 1, we explored the purpose of education through multiple lenses: play-based learning, digital innovation, the arts, outdoor experiences, and the many pathways students take as they grow into global citizens.

In Season 2, we shift our focus to those navigating today’s global challenges firsthand. This season features conversations with teachers adapting to rapid change, school leaders making critical decisions, and students whose questions and curiosity push learning forward.

Together, we explore the big issues shaping the future of teaching and learning:

• How do educators stay grounded when the world feels unpredictable?

• What does it mean to prepare young people for a future we can’t clearly define?

• How do international schools create stability—and spark possibility—amid global uncertainty?

Through honest dialogue and diverse perspectives, Kids Gone Global highlights education as one of society’s most powerful platforms for understanding, resilience, and meaningful action.

A curated reading list for Season 2 is available on our website. Visit: https://info.ishamburg.org/podcast

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode of Season 2.

In this episode of 'Kids Gone Global' from the International School of Hamburg, host Sarah Reich interviews five students—Noelle, Tammy, Annabel, Ben, and Gasper—about their transformative journey to Sri Lanka. Crossing cultural boundaries, these teenagers participated in a student-run program assisting local Sri Lankan communities in schools and sustainable projects. 

They share their initial expectations, experiences of cultural immersion, emotional challenges, and the impactful service activities they engaged in. The students reflect on personal growth in empathy, teamwork, and leadership abilities while emphasizing the importance of sustainability and giving back. This episode provides an enlightening look into their meaningful travels and offers advice for future participants and their parents.

In this episode, we dive deep into the lesser-known IB International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (CP), currently offered in over 400 schools and recognized by more than 310 universities globally. Our guest, James Knight, a CP alum from the International School of Hamburg (ISH), shares his personal journey and experiences. James discusses how the CP, blending academic courses with real-world career skills in fields like business, arts, and technology, provided him with the flexibility and opportunities that traditional educational pathways might not. He also emphasizes the program's role in honing essential skills like leadership, communication, and cultural awareness. James recounts his involvement in school productions and how these experiences paved his way to the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (Lambda), where he is now a second-year student. 

The episode highlights the CP's practical and theoretical components, such as the reflective project and service learning, which equip students with diverse skills suitable for the globalized job market. James also offers valuable advice for current and prospective students and their parents, detailing how the program can support various career aspirations. Tune in to explore the unique advantages and challenges of the IB Career-Related Program and its potential to shape successful futures.

In this episode of Kids Gone Global, host Sarah Reich sits down with Dr. Nneka Johnson, a leading voice on innovative educational technologies, to discuss the integration of generative AI like ChatGPT into schools. They explore how educators and administrators are responding to this fast-changing technological frontier. 

Dr. Johnson recounts her background in design thinking and her journey into AI, highlighting its potential to transform learning while acknowledging the associated challenges such as privacy risks, data bias, and the importance of critical thinking. She advises schools to focus on foundational understanding of generative AI, including prompt engineering and the creation of AI policy labs, and encourages parents to engage with these technologies to support their children's learning.

In this episode Ana Mara Leppink, a Dutch German national who graduated in 2023 and is now a student at Harvard University, and Navin Proff, a German student set to begin his studies at Yale University share with us how they navigated the international school and beyond. They discuss their diverse experiences with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at ISH, detailing how it prepared them for university and shaped their personal development. 

Ana and Navin highlight the rigorous academic challenges and the broad curricula of the IB, including the extended essay and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) components, which they believe equipped them well for higher education. Beyond academics, they also share how engaging in extracurricular activities like sports teams, student council, and various clubs contributed to their growth, leadership skills, and sense of community. The alumni emphasize the significant support they received from the school's faculty, particularly in terms of college applications, and reflect on the lasting impact of ISH's culturally diverse environment on their perspectives and personal growth. They conclude with advice for current and prospective students and parents on making the most of their time at ISH, reinforcing the value of taking on challenges, seeking support, and immersing oneself in the vibrant school community.