In the new podcast series "Kids Gone Global" we embark on a journey to understand how the International School of Hamburg, Germany’s pioneering institution in international education, shapes its students into global citizens.
By delving into these topics, be prepared to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of international education experts and how they prepare students to thrive in a globalized world.
Join Sarah Reich, Director of Community Relations at the International School of Hamburg, as she leads us on this journey. Through discussions with students and experts in education, we learn about the school's approach to helping students hone their skills to be ready for the future workplace and confident to engage actively in an increasingly interconnected world.
There is a reading list available for this series on our website. Please visit - https://info.ishamburg.org/podcast
Why AI Needs Philosophers — And Why Our Children Might Too
For years, we've been telling young people that the future belongs to those who can code. But here's an interesting twist: some of the world's leading artificial intelligence companies are increasingly turning to philosophers to help tackle questions of reasoning, truth, ethics and human judgement.
So, if philosophy is becoming increasingly relevant in the age of AI, are we teaching our children to think philosophically?
In this episode of Kids Gone Global, host Sarah Reich is joined by Sean Kane, an experienced educator who has taught Theory of Knowledge (TOK) at the International School of Hamburg since 2012.
At the heart of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, TOK challenges students to explore one deceptively simple question: How do we know what we know?
But this conversation goes well beyond the classroom.
Drawing on decades of teaching experience, Sean shares how he encourages students to question assumptions, challenge evidence and think independently. From the surprising connection between Taylor Swift and car accidents to the influence of culture on what we consider knowledge, he offers a fascinating glimpse into how critical thinking is developed.
He also challenges the familiar narrative that today's teenagers are losing their curiosity to smartphones and social media. And when asked how parents can prepare their children for an AI-driven future, his advice is refreshingly simple: read, stay curious and learn to question the world around you.
Together, Sarah and Sean explore what it means to educate independent thinkers in a world where information is abundant, but good judgement remains essential.
Whether you're a parent, teacher or simply curious about the future of education, this episode offers a thought-provoking reminder that some of the most valuable skills for tomorrow are profoundly human.
Kids Gone Global is a podcast from the International School of Hamburg, exploring how education prepares young people to navigate an interconnected and rapidly changing world.
19 Mar 2026
Can a Non-Selective School Deliver the IB? How ISH Supports Every Learner
Can a Non-Selective School Deliver the IB? How the International School of Hamburg Supports Every Learner
What if academic rigor didn’t depend on who a school admits—but on how well it supports every student once they arrive?
In this episode of Kids Gone Global, Sarah Reich speaks with Catherine McNaughton, Head of Student Support Services at the International School of Hamburg, about how a non-selective IB World School helps a wide range of learners succeed. They explore early intervention, executive functioning, student wellbeing, and why strong support systems, not selective admissions, may be the key to maintaining academic rigor in today’s schools.
19 Feb 2026
It’s Time to Talk About the Boys: Helping Teenage Boys Find Purpose and Belonging
In this episode of Kids Gone Global, host Sarah Reich discusses the ongoing challenges of modern masculinity with five educators from the International School of Hamburg. Panelists include Assistant Principal Andre Berry, teacher Josh Arnold, German teacher and sports coach Nils Hahnheiser, career counselor and life skills teacher André-Karl Belair, and scout leader and parent Seth Gannon.
They explore how boys often disengage academically and emotionally, and the crucial role schools can play in providing structure, mentorship, and belonging. Highlighting the need for boys to feel needed, connected, and accountable, the discussion emphasizes the importance of real-life interactions and leadership development in and around school life to help boys grow into balanced and compassionate young men.
23 Jan 2026
Beyond the Stage: What Theatre Teaches Us
In this episode of Kids Gone Global, we delve into the world of theater with two students, Nayeli and Vilasani, who share their experiences in the ISH 2026 theater production of 'Alice.' They reflect on what drew them back to the stage, the intense yet rewarding rehearsal process, and the surprising challenges they've faced while embodying their characters. The discussion highlights the unique atmosphere of school plays, the importance of teamwork, and how theater has helped them discover new strengths and talents. Nayeli and Vilasani also offer insights and advice for students considering auditioning in the future. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of the arts in fostering creativity, commitment, and confidence.
ALICE runs from February 10 to 12, 2026.
For more information about the production, visit: https://info.ishamburg.org/alice (https://info.ishamburg.org/alice)
17 Dec 2025
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.
10 Dec 2025
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/podcast (https://info.ishamburg.org/podcast)
Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode of Season 2.
23 Apr 2025
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.
22 Nov 2024
Paths in Education: Exploring the IB Career-Related Programme
James Knight, a CP alum from the International School of Hamburg, shares his personal journey through the IB Career-Related Programme, highlighting its unique blend of academic and career skills that foster global success.
24 Sept 2024
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.
20 Aug 2024
How Does an International School Prepare You for University?
In this episode Ana Mara Leppink, a Dutch German national who graduated in 2023 and is now a student at Harvard University, and Navin Proff, a German student set to begin his studies at Yale University share with us how they navigated the international school and beyond . They discuss their diverse experiences with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at ISH, detailing how it prepared them for university and shaped their personal development.
Ana and Navin highlight the rigorous academic challenges and the broad curricula of the IB, including the extended essay and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) components, which they believe equipped them well for higher education. Beyond academics, they also share how engaging in extracurricular activities like sports teams, student council, and various clubs contributed to their growth, leadership skills, and sense of community. The alumni emphasize the significant support they received from the school's faculty, particularly in terms of college applications, and reflect on the lasting impact of ISH's culturally diverse environment on their perspectives and personal growth. They conclude with advice for current and prospective students and parents on making the most of their time at ISH, reinforcing the value of taking on challenges, seeking support, and immersing oneself in the vibrant school community.
8 Jul 2024
Why the Arts Matter in Education with Adrian More
In this episode, we delve into the critical role of arts in education with Adrian More, an award-winning pianist, composer, stage director and Head of Arts department at the International School of Hamburg. Adrian shares insights from his journey and student success stories, highlighting the transformative impacts of arts on mental resilience and self-belief, as well as discipline and critical thinking.
He addresses challenges in integrating arts into the education system and presents compelling data supporting the positive influence of a robust arts program on students' overall performance. Adrian also explores the potential and opportunities presented by AI in the creative landscape and provides valuable advice for educators and parents to nurture creativity and artistic expression in students. This discussion underscores the arts' unique capacity to foster individuality and build essential social skills for modern citizens.
29 Feb 2024
Data Driven Teaching and Learning in Early Education with Tracy Rabbits
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.
1 Feb 2024
The Power of Play-based Learning with Dr Suzan Weishof
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.
4 Dec 2023
The Great Outdoors: Learning Through The Duke of Edinburgh Award Program with Michael Kent
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.
23 Nov 2023
Teaching Digital Citizenship to Children: An Interview with Laura Jakubowski
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.
24 Sept 2023
What Skills Do Students Need to Thrive in a Global Environment? - Dr. Alan Knobloch, Head of ISH
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.
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Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
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