Kids Gone Global - The International School of Hamburg Podcast

The Middle Years Program in the Age of AI

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.

Season 2 Trailer

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

Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone: The Sri Lanka Project

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.

Paths in Education: Exploring the IB Career-Related Programme

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.

Embracing AI in Education with Nneka Johnson

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.