Bridging the GAP - Real Conversations in International Education

Vaughan B. Kitson
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Welcome to Bridging the GAP – Global Academic Perspectives. International educators have real conversations about the issues shaping global education today. From classroom practice and leadership to AI, student wellbeing, assessment, skills, and school culture, we tackle the topics that matter – with honesty, insight, and zero fluff. Whether you're working in an international school or simply curious about how education works across borders, this podcast brings you global voices and grounded perspectives. Previously MYP Decoded. linkedin.com/in/vaughan-kitson Music by Alexander Farquhar

  1. JAN 18

    Ep. 33 - From Champion to Catalyst (Part 2): Growing Chess in the UAE and Beyond

    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.

    12 min

  2. JAN 18

    Ep. 32 - From Champion to Catalyst (Part 1): Growing Chess in the UAE and Beyond

    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.

    11 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    Ep. 31 - Discovering the wonders of Himachal Pradesh - a Guide's guide to this region on top of the world

    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

    17 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    Ep. 30 - Sustainability in Action - Mangrove Restoration, ADIPEC & More...

    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

    14 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    Ep. 29 - Young Sports Stars Series - Part 3 - Kaiden the youngest Spanish F4 Racing Driver

    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/

    30 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    Ep. 28 - Young Sports Stars Series - Part 2 - Dexter the Triathlete

    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 linkedin.com/in/vaughan-kitson

    17 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    Ep. 27 - Young Sports Stars Series - Part 1 - Mohammed the golfer

    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

    13 min

  8. 07/01/2025

    Ep. 26 – Green Shoots: How Students Are Leading the Sustainability Charge

    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 dsmall@ris.ae Music by Alexander Farquhar

    29 min
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About

Welcome to Bridging the GAP – Global Academic Perspectives. International educators have real conversations about the issues shaping global education today. From classroom practice and leadership to AI, student wellbeing, assessment, skills, and school culture, we tackle the topics that matter – with honesty, insight, and zero fluff. Whether you're working in an international school or simply curious about how education works across borders, this podcast brings you global voices and grounded perspectives. Previously MYP Decoded. linkedin.com/in/vaughan-kitson Music by Alexander Farquhar

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