Shows
MYP DecodedWhy the MYP?In this short episode, conversations with students and teachers both new to the MYP as well as 'experts', reveal an authentic appreciation for this wonderful program.
Sometimes it's worth pausing and reflecting on how well we do things, even though we never stop improving.
Enjoy!2023-10-0816 minMYP DecodedEpisode 12: Moving from the PYP to the MYP - a new adventure awaits!With Grade 5 students closing the chapter of their PYP journey, a new and exciting time of their lives awaits. This episode is a highly recommended listen for parents of PYP students (and perhaps listen with your child) - not necessarily G5 only, as it paints quite a comprehensive picture (with advice, challenges, surprises, highlights) for these young people who will be embarking on their new adventure very shortly.
Some of the main parts, for quick access:
2:17 Arts
6:52 Science and PHE
9:53 Advice for Grade 5 students (from G6 students)
15:17 Individuals & Societies2023-06-1731 minMYP DecodedEpisode 11: Mathematics Anxiety - what do we know, and what can we do? (Part 2 of 2)Articles referred to in this episode: (Same as in Ep 10)
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ulterior-motives/202104/is-math-anxiety-real
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/finding-the-next-einstein/201511/why-some-math-anxiety-might-actually-be-good-thing
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/MTT_Mathematics_Anxiety.pdf
In the last part of the episode, reference was made to Prof Jo Boaler at Stanford University, and this course: https://www.edx.org/course/how-to-learn-math-for-students-2
Her main website is YouCubed.org
Of course, some kids do have clinical learning disabilities that...2023-05-0317 minMYP DecodedEpisode 10: Mathematics Anxiety - what do we know, and what can we do? (Part 1 of 2)"Many people think of mathematics as one of the most logical, most impersonal branches of knowledge, yet it inspires more emotion than any other school subject" - the opening to this episode, read by Kaitlyn Byrne (a maths teacher here at Raha International School), sums the situation up rather well, if that is possible.
This episode has been on the horizon for quite some time. Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the progress made in Mathematics across the Primary and Secondary grades, the conversations about maths gaps, maths progress, and of course...2023-04-3026 minMYP DecodedEpisode 9: What does International Mindedness look like in an IB School? (Part 2 of 2)After the fun and flavours of our incredibly popular and successful International Day, it was time to turn to the curriculum to dig a little deeper with our International Mindedness conversation.
Thank you to all the teachers who participated in mini interviews, mostly given little to no time to come up with something sensible to say! You all passed with flying colours :)
Once again, reference was made to a research project by faculty from the University of Bath: https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/publications/the-international-mindedness-journey-school-practices-for-develop
2023-02-2028 minMYP DecodedEpisode 8: What does International Mindedness look like in an IB School? (Part 1 of 2)Our International Day was experienced in all its glory again, for the first time in three years. This prompted some conversations about what it means to be internationally minded - in general, as well as in our local context.
This episode included mini interviews with more than a dozen students, parents and teachers, the aim of which was to paint a picture of what an internationally minded community could potentially look like if all the right ingredients come together.
A massive thank you to Yuliia Korkishko for providing a soundbyte which ended up being just pe...2023-02-0723 minMYP DecodedEpisode 7: Spotlighting a VERY important subjectA deep dive into the world of Physical and Health Education in the IB. In my chat with two experienced MYP PHE teachers, we explore, amongst other things...
- The importance of learning about and learning through physical activity.
- How are students assessed, and what type of thinking and action is required in order to score top grades?
- What are some of the creative ways in which scheduling and adverse climate concerns are addressed?
- The benefits of regular physical exercise to teenagers - sometimes obvious, but not always!2022-12-0534 minMYP DecodedEpisode 6: Service Learning - experiences and inspiration from MYP graduatesService as Action is a valuable component of the MYP. However, sometimes it can seem daunting, especially to new students, or to those who struggle to settle on an idea!
In this episode, we hear the ideas of three Grade 11 students as they reflect on the successes and challenges during their Service as Action initiatives when they were in the Middle Years Programme. Also joining me was our Service as Action Coordinator of the past 7 years, Mr Steven Buchanan, with some valuable insights and suggestions.
For additional clarification on how Service as Action works, watch t...2022-09-2921 min
MYP DecodedEpisode 5: F1 in Schools - what makes this STEM initiative such a worldwide phenomenon?This conversation with Team: Operation Raptor explores aspects of the hugely successful F1 in Schools program, including:
- The process of car development and competing successfully as a team
- Essential skills developed throughout the process
- Incorporating Service as Action
- Development as an IB learner
Also: why Digital Design and Product Design are the coolest subjects!
Visit f1inschools.com to discover a lot more2022-06-2719 minMYP DecodedEpisode 4. Chatting with the experts: students' perspectives of the MYP journeyIn today’s episode I had the pleasure of chatting with some amazing young people (from Grade 10) to get their take on what the MYP has meant to them. Many take-aways for current and future MYP students, and Grade 5s who are almost ready to start their MYP journey!
Topics discussed:
- Comparisons between MYP and non-MYP experiences
- Analysing student survey data, looking at Global Contexts, ATL skills, Assessment
- Reflection on the Personal Project
- Experiences in the PYP and transitioning into the MYP
- Se...2022-05-1052 minMYP DecodedEpisode 3: Metacognition and the MYP - Part 2 of 2.In Episode 3 (recorded on 17th of June), which is the second half of a two-parter, I'm again joined by Aoife Abushaqra. Aoife is a leading MYP and DP English teacher and our school’s Theory of Knowledge (ToK) Coordinator. We’ll be continuing our discussion about metacognition and self-regulated learners. Among the topics addressed are epistemological links, standardised testing, different national approaches, a few misconceptions about metacognition, a brief look at some IB guiding documentation, and finally some examples to explain how and why the MYP and metacognition work so well together.
The two articles referred to during this episode are...2021-07-1318 minMYP DecodedEpisode 2: Metacognition and the MYP: what's it all about, and why is it important?Welcome to MYP Decoded! I’m Vaughan Kitson, the MYP Coordinator and Deputy Head at Raha International School in Abu Dhabi.
Contact me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vaughan-kitson
Or email: vkitson@ris.ae
In Episode 2, which is the first half of a two-parter, I’m joined by Aoife Abushaqra. Aoife is a leading MYP and DP English teacher and our school’s Theory of Knowledge (ToK) Coordinator. Together we’ll be aiming to articulate in plain English what metacognition is, why it is essential, and with any luck it should become apparent...2021-06-2223 min
MYP DecodedEpisode 1: Developing shrewd young researchers, equipped to navigate a world of information overloadWelcome to MYP Decoded! I’m Vaughan Kitson, the MYP Coordinator and Deputy Head at Raha International School in Abu Dhabi.
Contact me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vaughan-kitson
Or email: vkitson@ris.ae
In this first episode I’m joined by Teejay Button, a librarian extraordinaire! We discuss why research skills are so essential these days and how the International Baccalaureate’s skills framework provides teachers with a platform to develop the requisite skills in our Middle Years Programme students.
Reference is made (multiple times!) to the Raha International School...2021-04-2826 min
VGN Podcast For TeachingChapter readings 1-3 of i-ssassins by Christopher EdgeListen to these chapters - Luke Kitson hacked his way to becoming an ELITE cyber-spy. But is this 14 year old boy ready to save the world?2021-01-2725 min
Entre CómicsEntre Cómics 192- Secret Empire #7. Nick Spencer, Andrea Sorrentino, Rod Reis, Joshua Cassara y Rachelle Rosenberg. (Marvel).
- Faith and the Future Force #1. Jody Houser y Stephen Segovia, Barry Kitson. (Valiant).
- Crosswind #2. Gail Simone y Cat Staggs. (Image).
- Barrier #5 (final de serie). Brian K. Vaughan, Marcos Martín y Muntsa Vicente. (Panel Syndicate).2017-07-291h 04