AGIS Conference 2026 Potsdam

Working Together To Support Learning

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11:15am CEST

The Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Whole School Home Language Program

Saturday September 19, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CEST

How do you move from valuing multilingualism in theory to running a thriving program in practice? Using BBIS as a living case study, this workshop will focus on the logistics of building a sustainable Home Language (HL) framework from PYP through DP.
We will move beyond the "why" and dive straight into the "how": navigating scheduling hurdles, managing external tutors, and securing leadership buy-in. Whether you are starting from scratch or refining an existing model, you will gain a practical blueprint for shifting your school from a monolingual mindset to a multilingual powerhouse where the student’s linguistic identity is a resource for academic success and belonging.

Speakers

Yulia Akhmetova

Primary Home Language & German Coordinator, Berlin Brandenburg International School

As a speaker of four languages myself, I am passionate about language learning and committed to supporting others on their journey to becoming confident, multilingual world citizens. In my role as coordinator of a home languages program, I have taken on middle leadership responsibilities... Read More →

Kirsten Lund Bruning

Secondary Home Language Coordinator (incl. Self-taught), Berlin Brandenburg International School

Secondary Home Language Coordinator (incl. Self-taught), Secondary German

Saturday September 19, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CEST
0.246 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

1:15pm CEST

From Framework to Classroom: A Collaborative Session for Literacy Leaders and PYP Decision-Makers

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST

0.217

When the IB released the updated PYP Language guidelines, we didn’t just create a new document. We set out to build a new culture.
Join our Language Coordinator and PYP Coordinator as they reveal the real story behind a year-long journey to design a living, breathing language continuum. Created for PYP coordinators and decision-makers, literacy leaders, and lower school pedagogical leaders, this session goes beyond theory to show what it actually takes to lead meaningful change. Get an inside look at our “navigation map,” from global inspiration to high-energy, and occasionally high-friction, collaboration that pushed our thinking forward. No glossing over the hard parts. We will share our “productive failures,” including timing missteps, jargon traps, and the lessons that made our work stronger, sharper, and more sustainable. Walk away with practical insights, honest reflections, and strategies you can use to bridge policy and practice in your own context.

Speakers

Caroline Fröhlich

Lower School Language Coordinator/ LS EAL Teacher, Thuringia International School

I am from California, married to a German and the mother of two bilingual girls. I came to Germany after teaching in public schools in California and I never imagined I would still be here. I have taught everything from Kindergarten to grade 5. Currently I am teaching English as an... Read More →

Nirali Parikh

PYP Coordinator/ LS Teacher, Thuringia International School

Saturday September 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CEST
0.217 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Early Years learners aged 3-6; Elementary/Primary Learners aged 6-11
Subject Language Learning; Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

4:00pm CEST

Building a Strong Spelling Foundation: Some Practical Tools for Teaching English Orthography

Saturday September 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CEST

0.215

This workshop explores how understanding English orthography can enrich spelling instruction within an inquiry-based classroom. Using unit-of-inquiry vocabulary, word lists and/or picture books, teachers will learn how to guide students to investigate why words are spelled the way they are—connecting sound, meaning, and history through inquiry. The session includes hands-on activities and practical strategies that integrate morphology, etymology, and phonology into everyday literacy learning. These principles can complement any existing spelling scheme or word list, supporting teachers to make spelling meaningful, engaging, and deeply connected to students’ ongoing inquiries.

Speakers

Gill Kǒniger

Elementary Teacher and Team Leader., Frankfurt International School

Gill Königer is an elementary educator at Frankfurt International School with nearly 30 years of experience teaching in elementary settings worldwide. She specializes in multi-age learning, personalized learning and word inquiry, with a particular focus on supporting literacy de... Read More →