The WAB Podcast
The WAB Podcast brings you engaging and inspiring stories about innovative learning, school activities, and community initiatives at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), a leading international school in Beijing. Join us for conversations that will connect you with the educators, students, parents, and staff who make our international school community unique.
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Students and Head of EdTach Discuss the Impact of AI
05/16/2024
Students and Head of EdTach Discuss the Impact of AI
In this week's WAB Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting a conversation with two Grade 11 students, Vanessa and Victoria, along with Kevin Crouch, WAB's Head of EdTech, IT, and Libraries. Together, they talked about WAB's approach to AI, its impact on students' learning, some of the challenges it poses, and how we can mitigate them. Kevin described WAB's approach to AI as "cautious optimism." He acknowledged the potential for profound learning gains through the use of AI but also recognized the uncertainties surrounding its implementation and the associated risks. He stressed the importance of an innovative approach, where early adopters and innovators collaborate with professionals to identify areas of interest that align well with student learning. This ensures that the benefits of AI tools are maximized while minimizing the introduction of potential risks. Victoria, a Grade 11 student, expressed her view that AI can be a helpful tool, particularly in finding relevant sources. However, she acknowledged the potential risks and opted to limit her use of AI to dictionaries and thesauruses. Another Grade 11 student Vanessa shared her positive experience using AI to enhance her French learning. She found it to be efficient and convenient. Nonetheless, she cautioned against the risks associated with AI becoming overly generative and diminishing human creativity and critical thinking processes. Find out more about WABs approach to To explore the full discussion of our students on AI and its impact on student learning, be sure to listen to this episode.
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WAB's High School Global Crisis and Sustainability Program
05/02/2024
WAB's High School Global Crisis and Sustainability Program
In this week's WAB podcast, we're joined by three special guests: Grade 9 student Mia, and Grade 10 student Sam, along with their teacher James Lindop. Together, they shared insights about our new Global Crisis and Sustainability subject as an alternate stream to I&S in Grades 9 and 10. James highlighted the new Global Crisis and Sustainability program, also known as GCNS, "showed a different way of thinking" to students and emphasized the importance of proactive inquiry and skill development. He provided an example of how he focuses on the connection between hazards and climate change while his colleague, Rob Clark, emphasizes mitigation strategies. Although they teach different aspects of Climate Change, their combined efforts provide students with a comprehensive understanding of complex global issues. Grade 9 student Mia shared her journey of choosing GCNS after attending an informative introductory session at the end of Grade 8. She said she enjoyed the freedom and flexibility it offers. Mia believes that when students are genuinely interested in a topic, they have the opportunity to learn and absorb information more effectively. Sam, a Grade 10 student, expressed his enthusiasm for the creative activities in the GCNS course, such as conducting different research and creating maps. He liked the course's student-centered approach, stating that it allows individuals to pursue their interests. Sam particularly enjoys mapping and reveals his consideration of making Geography one of his high-level DP courses. For more insights into WAB's Global Crisis and Sustainability program and to hear more student learning stories, please tune in to this episode!
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Personalized Learning in WAB's Capstone Program
04/24/2024
Personalized Learning in WAB's Capstone Program
In this week's WAB Podcast, we're joined by three special guests- Grade 11 students Elliot and Xander, who are currently participating in the Capstone program, along with their program coordinator, High School teacher Chris Hayden. Together, they shared why they chose the Capstone Program, their individual learnings, how they designed their own subject study, and the program's assessment process through panel presentations. Chris provided an overview of the Capstone Program. He emphasized that the program empowers students to take charge of their own learning by identifying their personal learning outcomes. By engaging in meaningful and long-term projects and internships, students are able to establish connections between those learning outcomes and real-world applications. Chris highlighted the student-led nature of the program, where students have the autonomy to shape their own learning experiences. Xander, a Grade 11 student, expressed his enthusiasm to "learn a lot of new things" through his Capstone Project in photography. He shared his desire to acquire extensive knowledge in this field and even mentioned the possibility of pursuing it as a potential side job in the future. Another Grade 11 student Elliot chose to focus on a car simulator. He shared he would use this opportunity to study the effect of adjusting car height and spoiler angles, aiming to gain insights for a future career as a race engineer. To learn more about WAB's Capstone Program and the exciting student stories behind it, don't miss out on this episode!
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Growth and Global Engagement through Model UN
04/18/2024
Growth and Global Engagement through Model UN
In this episode of the WAB podcast, we have four special guests: Grade 7 student Mary, Grade 8 student Lachlan, Grade 10 student Ben, and Irina Karimova, the supervisor of WAB's Model United Nations (Model UN / MUN) Club. Together, they shared their inspiration for joining the Model UN club, how they prepare, their experiences, and personal growth along the way. Irina introduced how the Model UN is a platform for students interested in current affairs to learn and discuss global issues together. During Model UN conferences, students are assigned a country and role-play its delegation. Irina emphasized that the club aims to foster dialogue, broaden horizons, and highlight the importance of collaboration. Ben, who joined the Model UN Club in seventh grade, described how it helped him learn about different countries. As a Grade 10 student, he now has been twice selected as the conference chair. Ben shared the extensive preparation required for this role, such as writing detailed reports to guide delegates' research and providing an overview of the topics. He encouraged other students to participate, assuring them that everyone starts with similar nerves and mistakes, emphasizing the importance of taking the first step. Lachlan, a Grade 8 student, spoke about the significance of considering a country's stance when preparing position papers and opening speeches, particularly for important conferences like UNISMUN, the Model UN Conference held at the United Nations International School in Vietnam. Grade 7 student Mary joined the Model UN Club due to her interest in Geography. And having participated for one year, she has won herself "Most Improved Delegate" at a recent Model UN conference in Beijing. Mary highlighted how her research skills, collaboration, and public speaking abilities have improved through her Model UN experiences. If you're interested in the exciting story behind WAB's Model United Nations club, be sure to tune in to this episode!
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Student Takeover: A Journey into WAB Wild
04/11/2024
Student Takeover: A Journey into WAB Wild
In this week's WAB Podcast, Grade 8 students Jade and Liam took over and led the conversation with Stephen Boyko, WAB Wild Outdoor Education Programme Coordinator. They discussed the history of WAB Wild, the features of WAB's Miaoliang outdoor education center, their favorite moments, and key learnings. Stephen provided insights into the establishment of WAB Wild and highlighted how the Miaoliang Outdoor Education Center aligns with WAB's sustainability focus, enabling students to experience sustainable living practices. He emphasized that unlike schools that outsource their outdoor education, WAB's outdoor program makes connections to what students are learning in classrooms and builds longer-term relationships. Jade, a Grade 8 student, shared her experience of participating in WAB Wild and emphasized the value of disconnecting from electronic devices, spending time with friends, and meeting new people. She also mentioned that the knowledge she learned during the program can also be applied back to WAB and make an impact in other ways. Liam, another Grade 8 student and a three-time participant in WAB Wild, expressed his enjoyment of water-based activities such as kayaking and canoeing. He also highlighted the program's ability to bridge academics and environmental learning, allowing students to enjoy nature while making a positive impact on local communities through service activities. To learn more details about the WAB Wild program, don't miss out on this student-led episode!
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Student Takeover: HS Learners Share Insights on their IB Journey
03/28/2024
Student Takeover: HS Learners Share Insights on their IB Journey
In this week's WAB podcast, Angelina and Hannah from High School Student Club Inkblot took over and produced their first episode titled "All about the IB". They opened up about their individual encounters with the IB program, sharing their challenges, turning points, personal growth, and insights gained along the journey. During their conversation, Hannah recounts a story from one of her peers who expressed that the IB program showed them the extent of their capabilities and motivated them to push themselves to achieve their potential within a limited timeframe. The two students also discussed their subject selection process. Angelina shares her initial struggle with three course clashes at the beginning of the IB program. However, she later discovered a newfound love for subjects she hadn't initially considered. Her IB learning journey, she explains, has been "evolving" and "challenging". Hannah explains that her passion for industrial design in university led her to choose Design Technology and Visual Arts. Although her first choice of history wasn't available, she luckily ended up in Geography, which has now become her favorite subject. Hannah describes her IB experience as both "empowering" and "driving". Angelina reflects on the significance of making independent decisions when choosing courses, stating "it was the first time that you're making a decision on your own." She recalls that the personal project in Grade 10 paved the way for this type of decision-making, but the IB program granted her even greater space and control. For Hannah, one of the most empowering aspects of the IB program is the opportunity to pursue her interests. Her IB education has made her aware of her passion for social justice. She also mentions people need to pay attention to maintaining mental health. "We are IB students, but at the same time we're also teenagers", said Hannah. She emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between academic commitments and personal well-being. Both Angelina and Hannah feel that WAB provides an ideal environment for students to pursue their IB studies. "We're in such an incredible environment where your voice is really heard," said Angelina. To hear details about these students' IB experience, don't miss out on this episode presented by the HS student club Inkblot.
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Student Takeover: Amplifying Art at WAB
03/14/2024
Student Takeover: Amplifying Art at WAB
In this week's WAB podcast, two students from the High School student club Art Amplifiers, Jeremy and Isabelle, have taken over to interview their peers Daniel, Rosalina, and Salina, who recently participated in the APAC Band and International Schools Choral Music Society (ISCMS). During the interview, the guests shared their experiences, favorite moments, and key takeaways from their musical journey. Rosalina, who returned from the ISCMS trip, talked about the valuable lessons she learned through her involvement in the choir group and performing a classical Beethoven piece. She emphasized how collaboration within the school choir had helped her integrate and improve her ability to read scores. Rosalina commented, "Cooperation was the key." Salina, who also took part in the ISCMS event, joined as a member of the orchestra. She revealed at the beginning when joined the school orchestra, it was her first time playing the cello and she expressed gratitude for the support she received from her teacher. Now, she even had the opportunity to assist her stand partner, a Grade 9 student, with dynamics and other performance details. Salina highlighted that the aspect she enjoyed the most about ISCMS was the freedom that she could "express more of my body language there and feel more of the music". Daniel, a Grade 11 student, participated in the APAC Band. He found the experience of being surrounded by other musicians who played the same instrument as him to be very inspiring. He also mentioned that the sectional meetings within the band were particularly beneficial as they helped him understand how to play his instrument within the context of a group performance. To learn more about our student's experience in their recent musical voyage, don't miss out on this episode presented by the High School student club Art Amplifiers.
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Buddy Program Enhances Social-Emotional Learning Skills across Grades
03/07/2024
Buddy Program Enhances Social-Emotional Learning Skills across Grades
In this week's WAB podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Grade 4 student Aubrey and Grade 8 student Dakota, along with Elementary School teacher Suzie Sizemore and Middle School counselor Rachel George. They will be sharing their experiences in Grade 4 to Grade 8 Buddy Program, its goals, how it worked and its impact. Aubrey from Fourth Grade shared how much fun she had participating in the Buddy Program. By connecting with her eighth-grade mentor, she gained a deeper understanding of what middle schoolers are like and discovered the many ways they are similar. Aubrey emphasized that the more she understood her buddy, the stronger their connection became. Grade 4 teacher Suzie highlighted that for Elementary School students, it's beneficial to have a connection with an international peer learner from our web community who has already experienced different grades. Fourth graders are provided with role models to look up to, who can guide them, provide feedback, and share their unique perspectives as international learners. Rachel, the Head of Middle School Counseling, highlighted that the Buddy Program aims to facilitate the social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, which includes self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills. Observing Grade 8 students in action and applying those skills while mentoring younger students allows them to practice and internalize these valuable abilities. Grade 8 student Dokata pointed out that through participating in various activities, she and her mentee discovered common interests and similarities, despite the grade gap. She also acknowledged the positive impact of the Buddy Program on her own development of social-emotional learning skills. To learn more about the Grade 4 and 8 Buddy program, be sure to tune in to this episode.
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Club Reps Share experience of APAC Robotics Tournament
02/29/2024
Club Reps Share experience of APAC Robotics Tournament
In this week's Podcast, we have invited representatives of WAB's Vex Robotics Club, who have participated in the APAC Robotics Tournament held in Shanghai. Grade 9 student Zander, and Grade 11 student Simo, along with their coaches Holly Cheng, and Phil Smith joined the discussion. They shared their competition experience, key takeaways, favorite moments, and future plans. The APAC Robotics Tournament featured 42 teams this year, and WAB achieved 11th place. According to Holly, the club coach, the students dedicated around four months to building a robot capable of participating in the competition, which involved shooting balls into the opponents' goals. Simo emphasized that the APAC Robotics Tournament represented a significant leap forward for the entire team. The event brought together a diverse group of schools and participants, resulting in a wide variety of robot designs and strategies. He mentioned being impressed by the "really unique robot designs" and found the "process of testing and improving" their robot very beneficial in the end. Zander shared that during the contest, WAB collaborated with different schools, including International School Beijing (ISB), Nanjing International School, and Shanghai American School Puxi. He described the experience as highly competitive and challenging, noting that he took careful note of other schools' strategies to enhance WAB's competitiveness in the field. Phil offered a teacher's perspective, highlighting that participating in such an event "ticked all the boxes for the student approaches learning", as the process required research, critical thinking, self-management, and numerous other transferable skills. If you're interested in hearing more exciting insights into student activities at WAB, don't miss out on this episode.
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G2 Students Express Themselves and Advocate for Change
02/22/2024
G2 Students Express Themselves and Advocate for Change
In this episode of the WAB Podcast, we're joined by Grade 2 teacher Nisha Qureshi, who shared insights into the previous Unit of Inquiry (UOI) titled "How We Express Ourselves and How Voice Can Inspire Change." Nisha explained that the objective of this unit was to help young learners establish tangible connections within the WAB community. She stated, "We decided to come up with the idea that voice can inspire change." By exploring the purpose of communication and how people advocate for change, Grade 2 students identified topics and areas where they wanted to advocate, linking themselves with the community through persuasive letter writing. As part of the unit, students also recorded themselves reading letters, which were transformed into QR codes for the WAB community to listen to. Their ideas for change ranged from requesting larger lockers and planting more trees to suggesting the construction of an additional playground. Nyra, a Grade 2 student, proposed a "no shoes" policy on the classroom carpet, while her peer, Seohyung, recommended the introduction of non-English after-school activities, allowing students who are non-native English speakers to enjoy activities in their home language. Nisha emphasized that when students are engaged in meaningful learning experiences that align with their interests and give them agency, it becomes a form of personalized learning. Additionally, the collaborative nature of this unit allowed students to connect with fellow learners, making their learning experience more meaningful as well. To learn more about the Grade 2 UOI on "How We Express Ourselves", be sure to tune in to this episode.
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Grade 5 Shark Tank Experience
02/08/2024
Grade 5 Shark Tank Experience
In this week's WAB podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Grade 5 students Isabella and Victoria, along with Steve Kay, Grade 5 teacher and learning leader at WAB. They shared their learning, experience, and takeaways from the recent Shark Tank voyage. The unit started with students learning the scientific principles of heat, and conducting heat-related experiments before they designed solutions to real-life problems and pitched these products to real clients (the "sharks"). Steve emphasized that students spent about three weeks learning insulation, and different types of heat transfer, including convection, radiation, and conduction. They then got into the practical cycle and had the opportunity to design and develop solutions for their clients. All the clients involved in the program were members of the WAB community. For example, Isabella and Victoria chose to design a solution for Grade 3 teacher Nina's dog. Isabella explained that they utilized various wrapping materials, such as Gore-Tex and Velcro, to create a dog coat and leg warmers that would keep Nina's pet warm during the winter. Additionally, Nina requested that her dog be visible at night, so the group of three incorporated LED lights into their final product. Isabella mentioned her "teamwork got a lot better" through the program, while Victoria highlighted that she gained a deeper understanding of heat transfer and learned effective strategies for consensus-building within a group. She noted that their preferred method was to "divide and conquer." "This is a transdisciplinary unit", mentioned Steve. He pointed out that the Shark Tank program integrates multiple subjects, including science, math, writing, and design. "Four strands of our curriculum combine, and we focus on leveraging all of those to build power in students' understanding," Steve concluded. If you're interested in the exciting story behind the Shark Tank program, be sure to tune in to this episode!
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WAB TV 200th Episode
01/18/2024
WAB TV 200th Episode
In this week's episode, we have invited three special guests- Grade 5 students Alice and Chase, along with Douglas Taylor, Elementary School Design teacher and the driving force behind WAB TV. They shared their passion for TV production, favorite moments, advice for future participants, and exciting details about the upcoming 200th episode. From the establishment to its development, Douglas provides an overview of the WAB TV program, which is an After-School Activity specially designed for Grade 4 and 5 students at WAB's Elementary School. He highlighted that WAB TV is a "risk-free way of practicing presenting," where students can acquire various transferable skills through participation, such as time management and leadership. During the episode, Grade 5 student Alice discusses the production planning process, emphasizing how it has broadened her mindset and improved her collaboration with peers. "I've also become more confident when I'm talking on screen and I'm looking forward to learning more in WAB TV," she shared. Chase, a new participant in WAB TV from Grade 5, shared his personal growth through the program. He candidly admitted that he was initially shy but has now become more confident and active with TV presenting. Both Alice and Chase encourage future participants of WAB TV to embrace confidence, highlighting the supportive and comfortable environment within the program. If you're interested in the exciting story behind WAB TV, be sure to tune in to this episode!
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WABX Productions Behind-the-Scenes Journey
12/15/2023
WABX Productions Behind-the-Scenes Journey
In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of hosting three special guests: Grade 8 student Lachlan and Grade 9 student Audrey, along with Isaac Pena, Middle School Design and Math teacher, also the driving force behind WABX Productions. They discussed their passions for media production, the development of the WABX Productions program, and their key takeaways. Isaac shared the background story of establishing WABX Productions, a program originally designed for sports broadcasting and gradually developed into other functions including filming and editing. "We found out that we are so much better at producing things than actually filming things. So that's how it started," explained Isaac. He explained the whole team was very "template-dependent" at the beginning. However, as they explored different software and developed their skills, students were able to express their ideas by creating original audio, graphics, and visual effects. WABX Productions has successfully produced videos for various events, including the Mario Kart Cup in February 2023, the Identity Film Festival, the APAC Choir, and many other school activities. Audrey, a Grade 9 student and student leader of WABX Productions, shared her unique experience in the program. She expressed her excitement in sharing the work she did at WABX Productions with her friends. Grade 8 student Lachlan mentioned that his most enjoyable moment was witnessing the efforts of the whole team coming together for the Identity Film Festival, which took weeks of hard work. When it comes to production, "it's about being resilient," emphasized Isaac. Allowing students to research and learn how to produce things is beneficial. Meanwhile, facing tight deadlines and being proactive in problem-solving closely mirrors the real-life work experience outside school. Just as Lachlan described, many other school activities are kind of softened for students, but WABX Productions is the opposite, and it teaches students how the real world works. If you're interested in the exciting story behind WABX Productions, be sure to tune in to this episode!
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Exploring the Importance of CIS Deep Dive Pathway 2 through its Evaluation Visit
12/08/2023
Exploring the Importance of CIS Deep Dive Pathway 2 through its Evaluation Visit
During the Council of International Schools (CIS) Deep Dive Pathway Two evaluation visit at WAB, Stephen Taylor, the Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, took on the role of host in this week's episode. He engaged in a conversation with two special guests from the recent CIS visit: Mary Powell, the School Support and Evaluation Officer for the Council of International Schools, and Kate Benson, the Primary School Principal and PYP Coordinator at Vilnius International School. Together, they explored the significance of Deep Dive Pathway 2 and how its evaluation process assists schools in reflecting on their daily practices and strategic goals. Stephen expressed how much he has enjoyed being able to share the meaningful work that WAB has been doing with CIS and other peers. During the visit the community at WAB engaged in numerous morning workshops with CIS, our students, and our parents, allowing for reflection on the school's work. Kate, one of the CIS evaluators, shared her perspective on the process. She believed that having peers as constructive supporters was valuable as they provided a mirror for self-reflection and pushed thinking. She also likened the CIS visit at WAB to professional development, as it allowed Vilnius International School to review its strategic roadmap for the future. She commended WAB for involving students, alumni, parents, and the board in the strategic planning process, highlighting the high degree of inclusion. WAB is "finding an innovative way to get everybody's voices heard," said Kate. Mary, emphasized CIS's goal of facilitating a community-based evaluation visit, enabling schools to consider their practices and identify areas for improvement through a standards-based reflection process. "We want the accreditation process to add value to our schools," she said. WAB is among the first few schools to participate in the Deep Dive Pathway 2 process. Mary pointed out that "Some of the things that have stood out to me in terms of WAB’s approach to Pathway 2 have been the amount of community engagement that you've had." The CIS pathway offers various deep-dive options for schools, including learning and teaching, well-being, and global citizenship. WAB chose to focus on the latter. Mary mentioned she also had some wonderful conversations with students at WAB about their engagement in the projects, and how they have been empowered to take leadership roles in the school in a range of initiatives and programs, some of which are directly related to the Pathway 2 projects. To learn more about the relationship between WAB's Strategy 2022+ and the accreditation process, and how it aligns with CIS pathway options, don't miss out on this episode!
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WAB’s Olympic Dream Series Explained
11/30/2023
WAB’s Olympic Dream Series Explained
In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of hosting two Grade 5 students Aria and Leon, alongside Niall Watt, the driving force behind the Olympic Dream Series (ODS) and the ISAC Sports program in WAB's Elementary School (ES). Together, they discussed the joys and challenges of participating in the Olympic Dream Series, reflecting on its impact and sharing valuable advice. During the episode, Niall provided a background and overview of the Olympic Dream Series, emphasizing the remarkable participation rate of over 90% among WAB ES students. He also highlighted how ODS offers young athletes a gradual introduction to competition, starting as early as Grade 2 and progressively intensifying until Grade 5. As the journey unfolds, students are presented with a diverse array of engaging sports activities, allowing them to explore and develop their skills. As an ODS participant for two years, Grade 5 student Aria expressed her joy in forging lasting friendships with fellow athletes while giving her all in various sports. Echoing similar sentiments, Leon, also a grade five student, emphasized the significance of friendship, recounting the fulfillment he derived from celebrating victories with his friends and finding comfort in their support during moments of defeat. Reflecting on his personal growth through ODS, Leon said, “It has impacted my social skills. And in a way that I don't think any other program that I've been to has done." Thank you again to our Grade 5 students for sharing their experiences and to Niall for his dedication to the ODS. Find out more about this unique program by tuning in to this episode.
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Science Learning in the WAB Middle School
11/23/2023
Science Learning in the WAB Middle School
In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Middle School science teachers, Marisabel Soliman and Thomas Howard, who were joined by two students, Anna and Jona. They engaged in a discussion about their recent learning experiences and the integration of students and teachers in mixed-age group science classes this school year. Thomas provided an overview of Unit 1, which comprised six distinct lessons forming the foundation of the learning process. Marisabel highlighted the abundance of hands-on experiences offered to students, allowing them to truly engage with the subject matter. "They had the opportunity to get their hands dirty," she added. The two teachers also shed light on the teaching model employed in mixed-age group classes, which aims to provide students with greater flexibility and motivation in their learning journey. “It's not a traditional model of teaching where” and “It's a very active zone”, said Marisabel. Instead of only lecture-based, students are spread out in the learning areas with more learning options, “we're moving”, added her. Anna, a Grade 7 student, emphasized how her motivation to learn increased when she had the chance to attend classes with Grade 8 students, while also forming new friendships. “We got to focus, we got to get this done. So, then we're on the same page as them, ” said her. In the mixed-age group class, Grade 8 student Jona had the opportunity to assist a student from a lower grade level, an experience that left him feeling fulfilled and more confident in his learning. Meanwhile, he also emphasized how the two grade levels can facilitate each other’s learning, “Some topics we know better because we had that last year a bit. But some topics we weren't so familiar with because we didn't do that in depth. But the seventh graders did. So they can teach us.” If you want to find out more about how Middle School students are adapting to the mixed-age group class at WAB, be sure to listen to this episode.
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Students Strategies for Thriving in Competitions
11/16/2023
Students Strategies for Thriving in Competitions
In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of students who shared their competition experiences with us. Joining us were Middle School students Ava, Harry, Jeff, and Jonathan, along with High School students Isabela and Masaaki. They have discussed various competitive activities, including math, writing, and coding, offering valuable insights into their preparation strategies, lessons learned, and advice for peers seeking to enhance their participation in these events. Jeff, an eighth-grade student, highlighted the support he received from his teachers at WAB, which inspired him to participate in a prestigious writing competition in the UK. Grade 7 student Ava, who recently returned from Yale after participating in the World Scholars' Cup, shared her experience of conquering the challenges of individual research and task breakdown as effective problem-solving techniques. High School student Masaaki recounted his experience in a group maths competition known as ARML, where he discovered the benefits of collaborative problem-solving. He encouraged students to step out of their comfort zone and explore competitions beyond their familiar subjects. Masaaki found participating in a coding competition for the first time both challenging and enriching. When discussing preparation for different contests, Grade 9 student Jonathan, and Grade 11 student Isabel both emphasized the importance of understanding the unique formats and requirements of each competition. Isabel added that some contests test existing knowledge, presenting a multitude of questions to be completed within a limited timeframe, while others provide more time for problem-solving and knowledge development. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Middle and High School students for their insightful and engaging discussion. For more inspiring learning stories at WAB, don't miss out on this episode.
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WAB's Commitment to Learning with NEASC and the IB
11/08/2023
WAB's Commitment to Learning with NEASC and the IB
In this week's episode, WAB's Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, Stephen Taylor, has taken over as host and engaged in a conversation with two special guests from the recent accreditation visit: Darlene Fisher, an International Accreditation Leader for NEASC, and Angela Meikle, Head of International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. Together, they explore the development of the Collaborative Learning Protocol and its role in maintaining a strong focus on learning within schools. Darlene explains that the creation of the CLP by both NEASC and IB is aimed at establishing a unified process for schools, eliminating the need for multiple reports for different organizations. By aligning efforts for reevaluation and reaccreditation, NEASC and IB sought to streamline the accreditation process. The CLP also served as a tool to facilitate deep conversations within schools about learning, its quality, and methods for improvement and transformation. Angela adds that the CLP was designed during a transitional period when the IB introduced new foundational program standards and practices in 2020, with schools adapting to the new evaluation model in 2021. The CLP was developed to effectively direct schools' attention towards learning, providing clarity during this transition phase. Stephen sheds light on WAB's decision to embrace this process, driven by the philosophical alignment between the IB and NEASC, as well as their shared commitment to future directions. "We don't want to be a school that just sits back and keeps on doing things the way we always do them, but to always keep growing. And this evolution of authorization and accreditation pathways is something that does force that growth mindset," said Stephen. If you're interested in discovering how WAB collaborates with world-leading accreditation groups to enhance our learning and innovation, tune in to this episode for more insights.
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Insights from WABX Participants from friendship to leadership
11/02/2023
Insights from WABX Participants from friendship to leadership
In this week's episode of the WAB Podcast, Grade 12 student Mia takes over as the host, diving into the impactful experiences of students participating in WABX, WAB’s co-curricular athletics and activities program. Joining her are three fellow Grade 12 students, Alice, Annabel, and Oscar, who talk about what they are involved in, how it has impacted them, and the skills they have developed. WABX offers an extensive range of 300 to 400 different activities for students to choose from, providing a diverse array of options. Additionally, students at WAB actively participate in the Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC) events. This conference involves 12 schools from the Asia-Pacific region, hosting friendly competitions and engaging activities for international school students. During the podcast, Oscar emphasizes the valuable friendships he formed throughout his WABX journey. Alice discusses how her involvement in the choir enhanced her time management skills. Annabel shares her insights on mentoring younger students and taking leadership roles. The group also reflects on the challenges posed during COVID and provides insights on balancing academic commitments with co-curricular activities. For a deeper understanding of these personal stories and experiences, tune in to our latest episode of the WAB Podcast. Discover how WABX has shaped the lives of our students and provided them with invaluable skills and learning opportunities.
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Students Make a Difference through Creativity, Action and Service
10/27/2023
Students Make a Difference through Creativity, Action and Service
In this week's episode of the WAB Podcast, we are joined by Angelia Crouch, WAB's Global Citizenship Coordinator, who explains what Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) is and how WAB students fulfill their CAS goals. We also hear from Grade 11 students, Jeremy, Lily, and Lucienne, who share their club activities and the valuable learning they've gained from participating. During our conversation, Angelia breaks down the elements of CAS: creativity, action, and service, emphasizing the significance of the service component at WAB, in which "students connect with community partners, develop projects, engage in SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and global issues." Lily takes us through her experience participating in the Model Climate Change Conference of Parties (MCCCOP) this year. She conducted research, represented Australia, the assigned country for her and her partner during the conference, and won the Most Sustainable Project prize. Jeremy, from the Profarmer club, highlights the communication and organization skills he has developed as a co-leader. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication with school faculty and farmers outside the WAB community. Lucienne, a member of the Club Zer0, shares her passion for conservation and sustainability, which motivated her to join the club. She believes that Zer0 has the potential to make a meaningful impact in this area. Join us for an engaging conversation in this episode as we dive into the IB CAS program and explore how students at WAB navigate and experience it.
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How WAB's Innovative Spaces Ignite Student Learning
10/19/2023
How WAB's Innovative Spaces Ignite Student Learning
In this week's WAB Podcast, we dive into the significance of learning spaces in students' learning and how they can ignite inspiration as a "third teacher." Stephen Taylor, WAB's Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, has taken over as host, engaging in a conversation with two guests: Erica Borsa, an architect and founder of Studio Vapore, and Leanne Kingston, a Middle School Visual Arts teacher at WAB. With several years of collaboration with WAB, Erica Borsa's designs have played a crucial role in numerous recent renovation projects. As students transitioned into new spaces after the summer break, Erica highlighted the delight and surprise she experienced when students discovered new functions within the environment. Reflecting on the influence of spaces in students' learning, she said, "Spaces are meant to inspire people." Leanne, as a teacher at WAB, shared her firsthand experiences with the newly renovated spaces, emphasizing the added flexibility they bring to her classroom. She also expressed her impression of these spaces, stating, "You can really see that there's a real intention in how the spaces are made, and that comes across really strongly." If you're interested in finding out more about WAB's learning spaces and their impact on student learning, this episode is not to be missed.
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Explore how Personalized Learning Empowers Students at WAB
10/12/2023
Explore how Personalized Learning Empowers Students at WAB
WAB's latest podcast episode delves into the exciting realm of personalized learning, offering insights into how we tailor learning for our students. Taken over and hosted by Kevin Crouch, WAB’s Head of EdTech, IT, and Libraries, this discussion features Phil Jury from Education Perfect and Ben Newman, WAB's Head of High School Math and Middle School Math Teacher. Phil Jury shares insights into the evolution of personalized learning, tracing its history and highlighting the role of modern technology. He defines personalized learning as the process of tailoring educational approaches to address individual needs. Ben Newman, sheds light on how WAB uses tools like Education Perfect to empower both students and teachers at WAB to effectively personalize challenging learning. By recognizing the diverse backgrounds, interests, and abilities of our students, these tools support teachers in providing relevant and engaging educational experiences. If you're interested in finding out more about how personalized learning can be used to ensure each student achieves their learning goals, then this podcast episode is a must-listen.
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Student Takeover: Meet the New High School Principal
09/27/2023
Student Takeover: Meet the New High School Principal
In this week's episode of the WAB Podcast, High School Student Council President Jeremy and Vice President Hannah took the reins as hosts to interview Dr. Jaime Pustis, our new High School principal. During the conversation, Jaime reflected on her educational journey across Peru, Poland, Latvia, Cameroon and Guatemala, which influenced her values as an educator and leader, as well as her human-centered philosophy. "I believe that classrooms should be a place where students walk into and can be themselves, and they are safe to take risks, learn, grow, and even fail," expressed Jaime. "As I took on a leadership role, I carried these sentiments with me. My desire is to serve others, and now, instead of it just being in the scope of a classroom, it extends to the community, such as here at the WAB High School," she added. Jaime also shared her impressions before and after joining WAB, highlighting WAB's warm and welcoming nature. "Our school is a connected community," she emphasized. To learn more about our new High School Principal, don't miss this student-led edition of the WAB Podcast. Tune in for an engaging and friendly conversation between Jaime and her students.
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WAB's New School Year update with Senior Leadership
09/21/2023
WAB's New School Year update with Senior Leadership
During the first month of the 2023/24 school year, the WAB campus has become a hub of exciting activities, setting the stage for a dynamic start to the school year. From the lively Community Picnic and WABX to the MAX Festival, the AI Parent Workshop, and the International Peace Day activities, the enthusiasm and joy among students and staff are palpable. In the first episode of WAB's Season 4 podcast, WAB's Head of School Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic, and Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor, reflect on the positive spirit and energy of the first month of school. They discussed the exciting summer renovations, emphasized the community's inclusiveness and diversity, and highlighted WAB's ongoing commitment to sustainability. They also shared information on our upcoming reaccreditations and the planned celebrations for our 30th anniversary. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series featuring Rosalind Wiseman and be sure to stay tuned for the next podcast episode, where high school students will take over to interview their new Principal.
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Wrapping Up the School Year: Reflections and Anticipations with Senior Leadership
06/08/2023
Wrapping Up the School Year: Reflections and Anticipations with Senior Leadership
The 2023-2024 school year was impactful and inspiring in many ways. We learned about resilience and keeping a positive, growth mindset despite challenges. We learned to appreciate and value community and being together more than ever. We celebrated the return of our events and traditions by coming out in full force. It was truly a year to remember. In the last episode of Season 3 of the WAB Podcast, we are joined by WAB’s Head of School Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic and the Director of Innovation in Learning and Teaching Stephen Taylor. Together, they talk about some of WAB’s greatest achievements this year and what they hope the future holds for the school. From enhancing diversity and inclusion to making progress in terms of their sustainability goals to successfully dealing with the influx of technological advancements, WAB is doing an incredible job of navigating the challenges of the current era and the future is looking bright! Don't miss out on this insightful conversation, and make sure to continue following our podcast as we’ll be back with Season 4 in the upcoming school year!
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Infinite Choices at Grade 9 Infinity Week
06/01/2023
Infinite Choices at Grade 9 Infinity Week
Since 2016, Grade 9 students at WAB have been taking part in ‘Infinity Week’, which as the name suggests is a week where students can explore an infinite number of interests and passions. The aim is to give students the option to try something completely new, get a taste for self-directed learning ahead of the , and encourage making a positive impact in the community. This year, for the first time, students have the option between off-campus projects focusing on six different themes and on-campus projects based on any topic of interest. Off-campus options include working with the hearing-impaired community and learning sign language, volunteering at an animal shelter & creating awareness-raising campaigns, learning about sustainability by visiting a zero-waste school and volunteering at a local thrift store, working with children at a Leukemia ward school, and learning about urban farming and biodiversity. Angelia Crouch, WAB’s Global Citizenship Coordinator is particularly excited about the off-campus offerings this year. In the latest episode of the WAB Podcast, she explains: “I was really excited by the types of things that kids chose to spend their time doing. It says a lot about our students at WAB that giving 14-year-olds a whole week to do something, and seeing that just about every single one of them are meaningful. And we did want them to think about not just ‘me’ but ‘we’ in their planning and in how they were going to collaborate with their peers.” Those students choosing to stay on campus are also delving into a fascinating and diverse range of topics, covering everything from music and filmmaking, to storytelling to disease research and more. They get to work on projects individually or in groups and take complete ownership of their learning. Also joining this week’s podcast are High School Vice Principal Brent Abrahams, who started Infinity Week seven years ago, and Holly Rogers, the Grade Level Learning Leader for Grade 9. The conversation explores how infinity week came about, the learning outcomes it aims to achieve and the exciting projects students will be working on. Tune in to our podcast for an in-depth exploration of Infinity Week and the upcoming community event featuring presentations by Grade 9 students. Keep an eye on WAB Weekly for details about the event.
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Inclusion and Belonging Through WAB’s Student Support Services
05/25/2023
Inclusion and Belonging Through WAB’s Student Support Services
WAB has always prioritized inclusivity as part of its core values. The Student Support Services team at WAB plays an important role in creating a sense of safety and belonging for students. WAB’s student support services encompass a wide range of areas, including language acquisition support, learning support, social-emotional well-being support, psychological support, and therapeutic support. Through a collaborative effort involving learning support, English as an Additional Language and Enriched Inclusion staff, counselors, and external therapists, students receive comprehensive assistance tailored to their specific needs. In this week’s WAB Podcast, we sit down with WAB’s Whole School Educational Psychologist Christin Topper, who in the next school year will also take on the role of Head of Student Support Services. During the conversation, Christin emphasizes the support services team's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students. As she states, "We don't deliver programs. We put the students at the center, and every student is different. And once we know their strengths, their interests, their passions, their areas of growth, then we develop support around that child."
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Spotlight on Creativity: WAB’s Identity Film Festival
05/18/2023
Spotlight on Creativity: WAB’s Identity Film Festival
The world of visual arts is evolving, and media and film have emerged as powerful mediums of creative expression. The Identity Film Festival, an annual event at WAB that takes place on May 19 this year, showcases the artistic talents and storytelling abilities of WAB’s young visionaries. In our latest WAB podcast episode, Patrik Izing, WAB’s Film Teacher, and Dylan Z., a Grade 11 student and filmmaker, share their thoughts on the festival and discuss the broader impacts of WAB’s film program. The main goal of the Identity Film Festival is to provide students with a platform to showcase their filmmaking skills and creativity. By nurturing better storytellers, it aims to foster an environment where students can share their unique perspectives and create impactful narratives. Dylan, who submitted three films to the festival, believes creative freedom and collaboration is crucial, and this is an aspect that WAB does very well. Students studying film at WAB are given complete agency to explore their own voice and style while collaborating with a team. The film department supports students by providing equipment, guidance, and a supportive environment to bring their visions to life. The Identity Film Festival and WAB’s film program cultivate a community of passionate storytellers. The filmmaking opportunities and resources at WAB provide a stepping stone for aspiring filmmakers to pursue higher education and careers in the film industry.
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Grade 5 PYPX – Students’ Skills and Learning on Exhibition
05/11/2023
Grade 5 PYPX – Students’ Skills and Learning on Exhibition
Our grade five students have embarked on the most incredible skills and learning process, the PYPX exhibition, and today we are joined by three grade five students, Becca, Hamish, and Ellie as well as their teacher, Steven to tell us all about their Primary Years Programme exhibition. Tuning in, you will get an overview of what the exhibition is, the comprehensive process and who is involved, the different topics, the skills and five approaches to learning our teachers want students to walk away with, and the challenges they faced. We even discuss the assessment process, how feedback from other schools assisted in the learning process, and so much more! Finally, our guests share some words of wisdom for next year’s grade five PYPX students. So to hear all about PYPX and be reminded of the importance of letting go of perfection, tune in now!
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Student Takeover: Sustainability at WAB
05/04/2023
Student Takeover: Sustainability at WAB
This week on the podcast, two high school students have taken over as hosts; Grade 9 student Chris and Grade 10 student Jeremy. Both are part of WAB’s sustainability steering committee and are passionate advocates of environmental sustainability. During this episode, they sit down with guest Anthony Dixon, the CEO of Metanoia, to discuss WAB’s sustainability journey, Metanoia’s partnership with WAB, and how students are getting involved. Mr. Dixon firmly believes that involving students and educating them on sustainability will greatly impact the world. With schools working towards being more sustainable, with zero carbon and zero waste, significant change will be seen. For all this and more, don’t miss out on this episode so tune in now!
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