IBSC Ideas Lab

Professional Conversations for Middle Leaders in Boys’ Schools

Starting April 21, 2026

IBSC Ideas Lab invites middle leaders in member schools to connect virtually using the free online tool 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 IBSC 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?

New and established middle leaders in IBSC member schools who lead a distinct domain of school life while still working with boys

Format

IBSC Ideas Lab attendees participate in three scheduled one-hour calls using Zoom. Luke Rawle, head of teacher development, Toowoomba Grammar School (Australia), facilitates each session.

Conversation Topics

Conversation 1

From Vision to Action
Tuesday, April 21, 5:00 PM EDT, 9:00 PM GMT, 11:00 PM SAST
Wednesday, April 22, 1:00 AM GST, 2:30 AM IST, 5:00 AM AWST, 7:00 AM AEST, 9:00 AM NZST
Check the event time in your time zone.
60 minutes

How do we transform a school’s broad strategic mission into the daily reality of a boy's life, both in and out of the classroom? As a middle leader, you serve as the vital bridge between the big picture and the practical execution of a school’s values. Join a candid conversation with your peers to explore how to effectively translate overarching goals into tangible, impactful initiatives—whether you are leading a curriculum department or a pastoral team.

Collaboratively discuss how to ensure pedagogical approaches, character education, and well-being initiatives are optimally designed to engage boys, address their unique challenges, and leverage their natural strengths. Share your experiences in balancing academic care with high standards of excellence and learn from fellow leaders about making your school’s vision a lived reality for the holistic development of every boy in your care.

Conversation 2

The Coaching Culture
Tuesday, April 28, 5:00 PM EDT, 9:00 PM GMT, 11:00 PM SAST
Wednesday, April 29, 1:00 AM GST, 2:30 AM IST, 5:00 AM AWST, 7:00 AM AEST, 9:00 AM NZST
Check the event time in your time zone.
60 minutes

How can we foster a departmental culture where both staff and students thrive under a commitment to excellence? Leading a team of educators requires a delicate balance of mentorship and clear accountability.

Engage in a dynamic conversation about the most effective strategies for coaching and providing feedback to colleagues in a way that inspires professional growth. Collaboratively learn how to maintain high standards of teaching and pastoral care specifically tailored for boys, ensuring our teams feel supported, challenged, and deeply invested in the collective success of the department.

Conversation 3

Navigating the Middle
Wednesday, May 6, 5:00 PM EDT, 9:00 PM GMT, 11:00 PM SAST
Thursday, May 7, 1:00 AM GST, 2:30 AM IST, 5:00 AM AWST, 7:00 AM AEST, 9:00 AM NZST
Check the event time in your time zone.
60 minutes

How do middle leaders successfully navigate the complex web of school hierarchy while simultaneously driving the future of education? Positioned between senior leadership and the classroom, middle leaders must master the art of "managing up, down, and across."

Join this session to explore the key communication and leadership skills needed to champion innovation—from integrating AI to launching interdisciplinary projects—within your sphere of influence. Discuss how to build cohesive experiences for boys by collaborating across departments and staying adaptable in an ever-changing educational landscape. Share your success stories and hurdles as we brainstorm how to prepare our boys—and our teams—for the future.

Registration

IBSC member rate: US $180

Refund Policy

If you are unable to attend, you must cancel your registration in writing by emailing IBSC@theibsc.org by April 7, 2026. IBSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received via email by this date. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this date. 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 April 14, 2026. 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

Luke Rawle

Luke Rawle serves as head of teacher development at Toowoomba Grammar School (Australia). In striving for best practice in teaching boys, his strategic role aims to cultivate a culture of improvement through pedagogical innovation and professional learning. He also serves as a history teacher and is actively involved in the school’s co-curricular and pastoral programs.

Rawle first got involved with IBSC when he presented the workshop Discovering the Power of Expectations at the 2017 IBSC Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. He continued his association by participating in the IBSC Action Research Program as part of the 2019-20 cohort investigating the theme Developing Agency: Boy Voice and Choice. Rawle’s research transposed the traditional classroom dynamic in his Year 11 Modern History class, placing boys in the center of the learning experience through their role as tutors to younger students. His report found that peer-tutoring had a positive effect on increasing the boys’ self-efficacy in the skills of historical source analysis. Rawle believes the action research cycle has transformed his own practice, providing the catalyst for greater self-reflection on his pedagogy.

He feels truly excited about his role on the IBSC Action Research team, which provides him the opportunity to further develop personal and professional connections with those who are passionate about boys’ education throughout the world.