IBSC Ideas Lab

Professional Conversations for Middle Leaders in Boys’ Schools

Starting May 6, 2025

IBSC ideas lab

 

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
Developing a Strong Team Culture
Tuesday, May 6, 5:00 PM EDT, 10:00 PM BST, 11:00 PM SAST
Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 AM AEST, 9:00 AM NZST
Check the 
event time in your time zone.
60 minutes

Share your experiences and learn from fellow middle leaders as we explore practical strategies for aligning your team's purpose with the strategic priorities of your school. Collaborate with colleagues to discuss how to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and best practice within your team, creating a shared vision and a supportive environment where each member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work.

Conversation 2
Mastering Communication as a Middle Leader
Tuesday, May 13, 5:00 PM EDT, 10:00 PM BST, 11:00 PM SAST
Wednesday, May 14, 7:00 AM AEST, 9:00 AM NZST
Check the 
event time in your time zone.
60 minutes

Engage in a dynamic conversation about the critical role of communication in effective middle leadership. Share your challenges and successes as we delve into strategies for ensuring clear, actionable, and constructive communication and feedback with students, parents, and colleagues. Collaboratively learn how to lead with clarity and purpose, navigate change management through transparent communication, and master the art of managing challenging conversations with confidence and empathy.

Conversation 3
Being Strategic and Achieving Balance
Tuesday, May 20, 5:00 PM EDT, 10:00 PM BST, 11:00 PM SAST
Wednesday, May 21, 7:00 AM AEST, 9:00 AM NZST
Check the 
event time in your time zone.
60 minutes

Join a candid conversation with your peers about the multifaceted nature of middle leadership and the challenges of balancing educational leadership with administrative and classroom responsibilities. Use this platform to share experiences and learn practical strategies for creating the time and space necessary for strategic thinking and action. Collaboratively explore techniques for effective time management, prioritization, and achieving a healthy work-life balance, enabling you to thrive as a middle leader while maintaining personal well-being.

Registration

IBSC member rate: US $170

Refund Policy

IBSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received by April 22, 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 Ideas Lab by April 29, 2025. If you registered for this IBSC Ideas Lab after 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 RawleLuke 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.