AGIS Conference 2026 Potsdam: Full Schedule

Working Together To Support Learning

9:00am CEST

AGIS Mathematics Working Group – Annual Preconference (Secondary)

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:45pm CEST

Session 1- Introductions, Inquiry Slam and Round Table Discussion
In this first session we look at a variety of activities that serve to promote problem solving, critical thinking, application of math in the real world, technology integration and global perspective. These tasks can be used in multiple areas of the mathematics program in secondary, can be incorporated into curricular frameworks such as IB, IGCSE. The activity will be followed by a round table discussion to address topics specific to our working graoup including, but not limited to best practice, differentiation, ATL’s, specific program items, resource sharing, the new EE protocols and ways to promote collaboration among the Working Group Members.

Brain Breaks – Adam Sahib ISS Stuttgart

Session 2 – Promoting Inquiry in the Mathematics Classroom
In this session we will look at activities that invite students to explore mathematical content in multiple perspectives and apply to real world contexts. This is relevant to teachers of MYP, IGCSE and equivalent, as well as IBDP programs.

Session 3 – Technology Integration and/or Mathematics Competitions
In this session participants have the choice of engaging with real world tasks solved through the use of dynamic software (GeoGebra/Desmos, GDC, Sheets) or with math competition problems that link multiple areas of math content. These tasks can be used with students in the secondary to promote problem solving, resilience and inquiry.

Speakers

Bryan Landmann

Head of Mathematics Secondary - ToK Teacher, Franconian International School

Math Department Head and EAL Coordinator

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:45pm CEST
0.219 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

Full-Day Workshop

Audience Secondary / Diploma learners aged 17-18
Subject Mathematics
global Y

9:45am CEST

Maxed Out Minds: Managing Working Memory for Powerful Learning

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST

0.219

Understanding and Supporting Working Memory in Learning
Working memory is the brain’s mental workspace—the system that temporarily holds and manipulates information during thinking, problem‑solving, and learning. This workshop explores how working memory functions, why it is limited, and how cognitive overload can disrupt students’ ability to process new information and move it into long‑term memory. When working memory becomes overwhelmed, learners struggle to follow directions, complete multistep tasks, or retain new concepts, making instructional design and pacing essential to student success.
Participants will examine the relationship between attention and working memory, including how distractions, stress, and competing stimuli reduce the brain’s capacity to hold information. The session highlights how attention acts as the “gatekeeper” for learning—if attention is lost, working memory cannot engage, and long‑term storage cannot occur.
The workshop provides practical, classroom‑ready strategies to support working memory during lessons. These include chunking information, using visual anchors, modelling thinking steps, reducing unnecessary cognitive load, incorporating retrieval practice, and embedding purposeful brain breaks to reset attention. Educators will learn how to design instruction that aligns with how the brain learns best, ensuring students can process, store, and retrieve information more effectively. Participants leave with tools to create learning environments where working memory thrives and long‑term learning sticks.

Speakers

Deb Lancashire

MYP Teacher / Author, International School of Stuttgart

Deb Lancashire has been a passionate educator for 41 years and a two time teacher of the year. Her experiences include Kindergarten-third grade behaviour disabilities, Learning Support for grades 6-8, Grade 4 classroom teacher, and Grade 6-8 classroom teacher all subject areas... Read More →

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST
0.219 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Whole school for educators
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

11:15am CEST

Creative Inquiry in Action: Library and Art Collaboration

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

0.219

Our Art Teacher and Librarian partnership will showcase how transdisciplinary collaboration strengthens learning in the PYP. Students are introduced to artists and visual movements in the library, exploring texts, biographies, and critical perspectives. That learning is then translated into creative action in the art studio—experimenting with style, technique, and visual storytelling. We will share practical co-planning structures, aligned skill development, and authentic student examples that demonstrate how integrating information literacy with artistic practice deepens inquiry, strengthens agency, and elevates student voice.

Speakers

Sabryna Saputo

Elementary School Art Teacher, Frankfurt International School

Sabryna Saputo is an experienced and passionate art educator with more than 15 years of global experience in independent and international schools. Having worked across diverse cultural contexts, she brings a deep appreciation for the perspectives and strengths students contribute... Read More →

Lara Ingham

Elementary School Librarian, Frankfurt International School

Lara Ingham is an experienced and passionate librarian with more than two decades of leadership in independent and international schools. Lara is deeply committed to fostering literacy, empowering educators through transdisciplinary collaboration, and inspiring students to discover... Read More →

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

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Elementary/Primary Learners aged 6-11
Subject The Arts; Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology); Language Learning; Humanities

1:15pm CEST

Data in Action: Decisions That Impact Student Growth Through Personalized Learning

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

0.219

This session explores practical strategies for using data to inform instructional decisions and support personalized learning in elementary literacy and mathematics classrooms. Participants will examine how assessment data can guide flexible student groupings, targeted instruction, and the organization of learning spaces and resources to better support student growth.

Drawing on our experience as multi-age teachers, we will share how ongoing assessment, reflective observation, and responsive planning can help teachers address individual learning needs while maintaining curricular and grade-level expectations.

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own classroom contexts and begin planning ways to apply these strategies in their teaching. Whether working in single-grade or multi-age environments, educators will leave with adaptable approaches for using data to strengthen engagement, personalize learning, and support sustained student success.

Speakers

Molly Schuster

G1/2 Homeroom Teacher, Frankfurt International School

Homeroom teachers at FISW for the past 15 years (combined grades PrePrimary-Grade 4).

Annika Hauswald

G1/2 Homeroom Teacher, Frankfurt International School

To be added later.

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

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Elementary/Primary Learners aged 6-11
Subject Transdisciplinary (teaching pedagogy & Methodology)

2:30pm CEST

Integrating German in the Elementary Classroom: Teaching the Host Country Language

Saturday September 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CEST

0.219

This session will provide an overview of the Integrated German Program at Frankfurt International School. Participants will learn how the program was developed, the goals behind its design, and the successes and challenges encountered along the way.

In addition, the presentation will explore how German is taught within the broader Elementary School program at FIS, including the structure of the regular German language program and current areas of development. Attendees will gain insight into how an international school can meaningfully integrate the host country language into the elementary experience while balancing the needs of a diverse student population.

Speakers

Martina Wohlers

Teacher, Frankfurt International School

Integrated German in the Elementary school and teaching host country language in the ES.

Saturday September 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CEST
0.219 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Elementary/Primary Learners aged 6-11
Subject Language Learning

4:00pm CEST

Relationships at the center: Building classroom and whole school culture through relational and restorative practices

Saturday September 19, 2026 4:00pm - 6:15pm CEST

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This workshop equips educators with practical strategies to implement relational and restorative practices. Grounded in the FIS’ journey of becoming a school committed to restorative practices, the workshop explores means for placing relationships at the centre of learning, which ultimately strengthens wellbeing, empathy, accountability, and positive school culture.

Participants will explore how restorative practices support communities at both classroom and whole-school levels, and gain insights for developing an action plan. Classroom content focuses on practical relational strategies, managing behaviour while maintaining high expectations, and responding to harm in ways that repair and restore. Whole-school content includes building a relational culture, amplifying student voice, strengthening accountability, and supporting systemic change.

Facilitated through relational strategies for building group dynamics, such as circle practices, and various routines for guided dialogue, the day is a deep dive into restorative practices in action. You will leave with practical tools and approaches to support your journey within your own school context.

Session Outcome(s)
Participants will walk away with tangible tools for putting relationships at the heart of teaching and learning, which ultimately strengthens wellbeing, empathy, accountability, and a positive school culture.

Speakers