IBSC Ideas Lab
Professional Conversations for Directors of Professional Development in Boys' Schools in South Africa, Australasia, the United Kingdom, and Europe
Starting February 20, 2025
IBSC Ideas Lab invites directors of professional development from member schools in Australasia, Southern Africa, the United Kingdom, and Europe to connect virtually using Zoom. Limited to 14 participants plus the facilitator, this IBSC Ideas Lab includes three one-hour sessions for participants to discuss relevant topics.
Designed as an interactive exchange among colleagues, IBSC Ideas Lab engages dedicated educators who learn and grow together. Before each session, participants engage with relevant resources to provide a foundation for discussions. Together we surface fresh ideas and build mutual support structures and enduring professional friendships.
Available exclusively to IBSC member schools, first-time participants who can commit to joining all three sessions get preference in registration to support the success of each small group. No more than two participants from one school may register for an Ideas Lab.
In the spirit of open dialogue and collaboration, IBSC Ideas Labs are not recorded, allowing participants the freedom to express themselves openly and share their experiences candidly.
Who Should Attend?
Directors and leaders of professional development from member schools in South Africa, Australasia, the United Kingdom, and Europe
Format
IBSC Ideas Lab attendees participate in three scheduled one-hour calls using Zoom. Katy McLachlan, head of professional development at St. Stithians Boys’ College (South Africa), facilitates each session.
Conversation Topics
Conversation 1
Sustaining Teacher Growth and Leadership in a Boys' School Context
Thursday, February 20, 7:00 AM GMT, 9:00 AM SAST, 6:00 PM AEDT, 8:00 PM NZST
Check the event time in your time zone.
60 minutes
How can professional development (PD) leaders create a system where teachers feel supported, valued, and continually motivated to improve their practice with boys? Get equipped with the knowledge and strategies to cultivate a supportive and motivating environment for teachers in boys' schools. Explore how to foster a culture of continuous improvement through targeted professional development, distributed leadership opportunities, action research, and celebrating successes in teaching boys. Gain valuable insights into empowering teachers and creating a thriving learning environment where boys excel.
Conversation 2
Navigating Current Challenges and Trends in Boys' Education
Thursday, February 27, 7:00 AM GMT, 9:00 AM SAST, 6:00 PM AEDT, 8:00 PM NZST
Check the event time in your time zone.
60 minutes
What are the hot topics impacting boys and boys’ schools today? How can leaders of professional development best prepare our teachers to address these hot topics effectively? Join this collaborative conversation and get equipped with the knowledge and strategies to empower teachers in boys' schools. Explore hot topics such as fostering positive masculinity, navigating the complexities of the digital world, and promoting well-being and inclusivity in boys' education. Gain valuable insights into how to support teachers in creating a thriving learning environment where every boy can reach his full potential.
Conversation 3
Developing Teacher Expertise in Boy-Specific Pedagogy
Thursday, March 13, 7:00 AM GMT, 9:00 AM SAST, 6:00 PM AEDT, 8:00 PM NZST
Check the event time in your time zone.
60 minutes
How can we as PD leaders equip teachers with the pedagogical approaches and strategies most effective for boys? Delve into the practical application of research on boys' learning, moving beyond generalized notions to explore specific, evidence-based strategies for classroom management, instruction, and assessment. Examine how to effectively differentiate instruction for boys, considering diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and individual needs. Discuss how to foster a culture of inquiry among teachers and encourage them to become researchers in their own classrooms, trying new approaches and evaluating their impact on boys' learning. Explore structures that promote mentoring and peer observation, enabling teachers to learn from each other's successes in boy-specific pedagogy.
Registration
IBSC member rate: US $170
Refund Policy
BSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received by February 6, 2025. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this time. Schools seeking to register an alternate to replace a participant unable to attend should contact IBSC@theibsc.org.
Please note: Watch your email for login information for this IBSC Ideas Lab by February 13, 2025. If you registered later than this date, watch for login information within 24 hours.
Participation certificates: Participants present for all three conversations will receive a certificate of participation within two weeks of the final session.
Facilitator
Katy McLachlan
Katy McLachlan is a mathematics teacher and head of professional development at St. Stithians Boys’ College (South Africa) in Johannesburg. She is passionate about lifelong learning, education research, and reflective innovation in schools. The recipient of the 2020 IBSC Action Research Award, McLachlan holds a master’s of education in mathematics education (University of the Witwatersrand) and has presented at conferences in South Africa and internationally. Beyond the classroom, she is an avid cricket fan, lover of detective novels, and novice canoeist.