The Learning Curve

In this episode of The Learning Curve, hosts Catalina Gardescu and Darren Neethling sit down with Janice Humpleby, the compassionate and insightful Primary School Principal at Copenhagen International School. Bringing a wealth of international experience, having lived in eight different countries and shaped by diverse educational environments, Janice delves into her role and its challenges and triumphs. From her initial draw to the school’s mission of fostering a just and sustainable world to her critical involvement in the school’s ongoing accreditation processes, Janice's leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in understanding and nurturing the unique journeys of all students. With a focus on the concepts of 'belonging, agency, and time' as future designs for education, she shares how these elements are integrated into the school’s strategy to empower young learners. Tune in to hear Janice articulate her vision for education that champions not only academic excellence but also profound personal growth and community building​

In this episode of The Learning Curve, hosts Catalina Gardescu and Darren Neethling are joined by Millie, an eleventh grader at Copenhagen International School who is passionate about sustainability. Millie discusses her leadership in the school's New Energy Club and her involvement in environmental initiatives that focus on renewable energy and sustainable practices. Listen as she shares insights on student-led projects aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting a greener future. This episode highlights the powerful role of student activism in driving sustainable change within the school community.

In this episode of The Learning Curve, hosts Catalina Gardescu and Darren Neethling are joined by Darryl Roberts, CIS Director of Student Support, and Delia Browne, parent at CIS and Board Chair of SENIA Denmark. Together, they delve into the importance of supporting diverse learning needs within the school community. Darryl discusses the holistic approach to student support at Copenhagen International School, emphasizing the integration of academic, social, and emotional elements to aid students' access to education. Delia shares her journey and challenges as a parent of a child who learns differently, highlighting the crucial role of community support and the newly established SENIA Denmark chapter. This episode provides valuable insights into creating inclusive educational environments that benefit all students. Tune in to learn how CIS is partnering with organizations like SENIA to enhance educational practices and support systems.

In this special episode of The Learning Curve, Darren Neethling and Catalina Gardescu sit down with Ridhima, a Grade 12 student whose passion for science and public speaking is making waves across Europe. From winning debate competitions in England to representing Denmark at prestigious international science fairs, Ridhima shares her inspiring journey of blending oratory skills with cutting-edge biomedical research. Discover how Ridhima’s groundbreaking project challenges the traditional BMI model, advocating for more inclusive health assessments with the help of AI. She also talks about her vision for the future of biomedical engineering, the importance of giving young voices a platform, and the challenges of balancing academic life with a drive for innovation. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom beyond her years, a genuine desire to make a difference, and some insightful tips on navigating life as a young scientist. Tune in to explore the path of a young innovator who's redefining what it means to "learn" and "grow."

In this episode of The Learning Curve, hosts Catalina Gardescu and Darren Neethling are joined by Shirin and Karleen, passionate student leaders from Copenhagen International School. They delve into their involvement with the Racial Social Justice Union (RSJU) and share their experiences in promoting social justice and inclusion. Shirin and Karleen discuss how they were drawn to RSJU, their motivations for joining, and the impactful discussions they lead on pressing social issues. From exploring global justice to handling sensitive topics among peers, they exemplify how young advocates can influence change and foster a more inclusive community. Join us to hear how these young leaders use their platform to spark dialogue and action towards a just and sustainable world.

In this episode of The Learning Curve, hosts Catalina Gardescu and Darren Neethling sit down with Sharon Cunningham, the PTA Transitions Lead at Copenhagen International School. Sharon, with her extensive background in human resources and her family's international transitions, discusses the critical importance of providing robust support for new students and their families. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and opportunities that come with settling into a new educational and cultural environment. Listen in to learn about the pivotal role transitions play in ensuring a smooth and supportive integration into the school community, and how CIS works to foster an inclusive atmosphere for all its families.

In this episode of The Learning Curve, hosts Catalina Gardescu and Darren Neethling tune into the educational frequencies with Simon Watkin, a Grade 5 teacher at Copenhagen International School who blends the art of teaching with the precision of a DJ. From accounting to mastering the decks of pedagogy, Simon discusses his unique journey into teaching, introducing "The TechSperts", a student-led initiative amplifying tech knowledge across the school. He also shares insights into his upcoming book, illustrating his approach to teaching that resonates with neurodiverse students. This session explores how Simon's DJ-inspired methods create a dynamic learning environment where every lesson is a hit track, proving the power of mixing passion with education. You can find more of Simon's DJ-inpired teaching materials at https://www.teachoatcake.com/

In this enlightening episode of The Learning Curve, we're thrilled to welcome Katie Ham, the dynamic Deputy Principal of Copenhagen International School's Secondary School. From her beginnings as a Spanish teacher to her global journey through the educational landscapes of China, Australia, Singapore, and Denmark, Katie's story is one of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of educational excellence. Explore with us as Katie delves into the lessons learnt from diverse classrooms around the world, her philosophy on fostering inclusive and vibrant school communities, and her next ambitious chapter in Cambodia. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about shaping the future of education with courage, creativity, and a deep sense of global responsibility.

In this episode of The Learning Curve, hosts Catalina Gardescu and Darren Neethling delve into the world of International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes with the insightful guidance of Rachel Hindborg, PYP Coordinator, and Laura Ream, MYP Coordinator. Rachel, hailing from Scotland with a rich background in international education, shares her journey through various global teaching posts to her pivotal role in shaping young minds in the primary years. Meanwhile, Laura, originally from Manchester, UK, reflects on her transition from the demanding environment of London schools to embracing the holistic IB approach in Denmark. Together, they discuss the intricacies and the impact of the IB programmes, emphasising the development of student autonomy and the integration of global perspectives into everyday learning. This episode offers a deep dive into the philosophies that drive IB education and the personal journeys of those who implement it, providing a roadmap for nurturing informed, thoughtful, and engaged learners.

This episode of The Learning Curve welcomes Freya and Ema, dynamic leaders of the Racial Social Justice Union (RSJU) at Copenhagen International School. Originating from the urgent need for dialogue following George Floyd's murder, RSJU offers a crucial platform for students to engage with racial and social justice matters. Freya, hailing from Scotland, and Ema, from the Czech Republic, discuss their experiences of growth, activism, and the significance of student-led initiatives in cultivating a culture of understanding and inclusivity at CIS. They detail the union's impactful activities, their personal development, and the importance of empowering young voices in challenging discussions. Tune in to discover how RSJU is shaping the school's community and preparing students to be thoughtful, active global citizens.