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.