IB Unplugged

Beyond the Grade: Rethinking Assessment for Human Flourishing w/ Conrad Hughes

What if our assessments focused on growth instead of ranking? In this episode, Dr. Conrad Hughes, Director General of the International School of Geneva and Senior Fellow at UNESCO's International Bureau of Education, challenges the traditional purpose of assessment. From the limits of high-stakes exams to designing systems that truly support learning and wellbeing, this conversation offers a bold and timely vision for how we can better serve students in the IB and beyond.

Teaching IBDP Psychology: The Power of Concepts for Deeper Learning w/ Rachael Thornton

What does it mean to teach psychology conceptually—and why does it matter? In this episode, Rachel Thornton, a passionate psychology teacher, unpacks the updates to the course and how they support more meaningful, connected learning. From a reduced content load to a clearer structure and stronger real-world application, this is a must-listen for every IB Psychology educator.

Designing the Future: Inside Curriculum Development at the IBO w/ Fidelis Nthenge

What does it take to shape a truly future-ready curriculum? In this episode, Fidelis Nthenge, Director of Curriculum Development at the IBO, shares how the IB approaches curriculum design to empower student agency, promote lifelong learning, and respond to an ever-changing world. A must-listen for educators curious about what’s next in international education.

The Double Diploma Playbook: What It Takes to Balance Two Curricula w/ Richard Jones-Nerzic

Can one school deliver two diplomas—and do both well?In this episode, IB educator Richard Jones-Nerzic shares how Ecole Moser in Switzerland integrates the IB Diploma and the Swiss Maturité into a single, demanding program. He reflects on the cultural, curricular, and pedagogical balancing act required—and what other schools can learn from it.

The Deep Learning Seminar: Agency, Inquiry, and Authentic Reflection w/ Matt Kuykendall

What if building student competencies—not just covering content—was the heart of your course?In this episode, educator Matt Kuykendall shares how his Deep Learning Seminar reimagines reflection, agency, and metacognition as the core of learning, offering strategies any IB educator can bring into their own classroom.

Creating Healthier Classrooms: Wellbeing as a Whole-School Practice w/ Junita Boy

How can schools foster wellbeing for both students and teachers in the IBDP?Educator Junita Boy shares practical strategies for building healthier school cultures, promoting emotional resilience, and centering mental health in your daily teaching practice.

Designing for Autonomy: A Model of Blended Learning w/ Damien Vassallo

What does true blended learning look like when you break away from traditional classrooms? Damien Vassallo shares how inquiry, autonomy, and digital tools can transform IB learning into a more flexible, student-driven experience across the DP and beyond.

The Power of Enquiry Upon Results: Turning IB Data into Dialogue w/ Jen Olmsted

What if IB results could spark real conversations that drive growth across your school? International school leader Jen Olmsted breaks down the Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) process and how it can be a powerful tool for team learning, school improvement, and professional growth. Whether you're a teacher or a principal, this episode will shift how you see your school’s data.

Policy, Practice, and the Promise of AI in Education w/ Clara Hawking

Clara Hawking shares how educators can confidently navigate policies, tools, and best practices for safe and effective AI integration. From data privacy to classroom application, it’s a must-listen for any school shaping its digital future.

Mastering Approaches to Learning w/ Lance King

How do we actually teach students to learn? ATL creator Lance King shares practical strategies to build student agency, resilience, and self-directed learning—transforming ATL from a framework into everyday classroom impact.