Kids Gone Global International School of Hamburg

In this episode of Kids Gone Global, Tracy Rabbitts, Assistant Principal at the International School of Hamburg (ISH), shares her insights into utilizing data to enhance teaching practices.
Tracy's journey as an educator began in England, where she recognized the importance of assessing student learning. Upon transitioning to ISH, Tracy delved deeper into data analysis to understand student needs better. She explains the data-wise process implemented at ISH, which involves setting specific learning goals based on data analysis and implementing targeted teaching strategies.
Through concrete examples, Tracy demonstrates how ISH uses data analysis to inform lesson planning, support continual growth in student learning, and identify trends in student performance. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration among educators and the involvement of parents in supporting students' learning journeys.
Overall, the episode highlights the transformative role of data analytics in education, empowering educators to tailor instruction, foster critical thinking, and promote student success through personalized learning experiences.

In this episode of Kids Gone Global, 'The Power of Play-based Learning,' Sarah Reich interviews Dr. Suzan Weishof, an expert in play-based child therapy. 
Dr. Weishof explains that unstructured play is crucial for developing social, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Based on these important findings, Suzan describes how the International School of Hamburg incorporates play-based learning into its program and after-school care offer. She explains how play assists teachers in meeting each child's individual needs. 
The interview concludes with a discussion about the decline of unstructured play in children's lives and the role of parents in encouraging learner agency by providing time, space, and open-ended materials for their children's play.

In our first episode, Dr. Alan Knobloch discussed the important role of schools in helping students develop crucial skills for their future by offering real-life challenges and experiences. This included fostering students’ self-awareness, building up their social and emotional resilience and enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
In this episode, we explore skills that young people can acquire outside the traditional classroom and school campus, particularly in the great outdoors.
Our guest, Michael Kent, a Geography and Environmental Science teacher at the International School of Hamburg, introduces the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program he opened up in Hamburg. Michael discusses how these experiences in nature and broader society contribute to enriching essential life skills and reinforce what students learn in school.
Tune in for a breath of fresh air.

 In this digital age, our children are growing up as digital citizens. To ensure their safety and ability to contribute positively to society, educating them about their digital responsibilities is essential. 
Join us on Kids Gone Global as we talk to Laura Jakubowski, the Technology Integration Coach about how she developed a digital citizenship curriculum for the International School of Hamburg tailored to younger students, focusing on digital literacy and societal participation. 
The program follows a systematic approach, beginning with digital citizenship for 5-6-year-olds, building a foundation of skills for their journey through secondary school. Concepts covered include responsible use, media balance, digital identity, data protection, research skills, and managing online presence. 
Laura emphasizes self-awareness and establishing routines and habits around technology use and screen time. Digital safety and addressing cyberbullying are fundamental aspects of education. The curriculum focuses on teaching students to use technology responsibly and kindly, while also providing resources to handle cyberbullying situations. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare children for a future where technology serves as a conduit for meaningful connections between people. 

In this first episode, we delve into the core of the matter: what is the purpose of school today? What skills do students need to learn for their future and how do schools go about teaching them?  
Our guest, Dr. Alan Knobloch, the Head of the International School of Hamburg, will argue that to best prepare citizens of the future who can thrive in an ever-changing global environment, schools should aim to serve the needs of the child as a whole, develop students’ knowledge and their talents, but also, and increasingly, their socio-emotional wellbeing and resilience. How do they go about this? Tune into this podcast to learn more.