Leading the Learning with the IB conference reflections

We were delighted that so many delegates representing over 50 schools were able to join us in March for our AGM and Spring Conference.  Once again, we were fortunate to be joined by a number of representatives from the IB, and we are grateful for the ongoing support from IB World Schools for helping to plan and deliver sessions that provide delegates with up-to-date information and content.  It is also encouraging that the pre-recorded sessions are being viewed so frequently, allowing us to cover many more topics than we would ever have managed in a face-to-face setting.

Highlights of the day included a fascinatingly open and informative discussion with Jenny Gillett around the Extended Essay.  Jenny provided us with an excellent outline of the place of the Extended Essay in the DP Review, and was also able to address the questions which have arisen with this component of the Diploma.  We are delighted that Jenny has agreed to speak in person at our Planning for the Future of IB conference at Aston University in November and to continue her engagement with IBSCA through focus groups on the core. 

Similarly, we are grateful that Philip Evans was able to join us from the US to share some insights on growing the IBDP, alongside Anna Fielding from St Edward's, Oxford.  Again, the topic prompted much discussion and we will be revisiting this in future Conferences and Seminars.  Finally, Emma Mitchell from Whitgift led us in a follow-up session to the 'Introduction to coaching' session she ran so successfully at the 2021 Autumn Conference.  The resources on offer to those who attended this and the opportunity to 'practice' on each other was highly rewarding and gave all the delegates a further insight into the value that coaching strategies can have in our schools. 

Richard Markham

CEO, IB Schools and Colleges Association