The International School of Debrecen was well represented at the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference held in Budapest in October 2024. The theme of the conference, Inspiring learners, realizing potential, celebrated students at the center of the IB mission to create a better and more peaceful world through education. The conference further emphasized, “strong pedagogical leadership and a curriculum to enliven youth inquiry and action equip us as an ecosystem of educators to maximize the potential of every young person we encounter.”
Grade 7 scholarship student, Flóra Bakonszegi opened the conference with a beautiful solo performance of Tavaszi Szél for a crowd of over 1,600 educators from around the world. She later joined the ISD Band to perform a set for the same group of educators during the opening reception. Conference attendees enjoyed music from different time periods and continents through the incredible talents of the ISD Band represented by Finn Altizer (USA), Madu Tou (Ivory Coast/Hungary), Hyena Kim (Korea), Qingyi Zhang (China), Mirko Southwick (Hungary/USA), Katya Kachmar (Canada/Poland), Ben Lucas (UK), Mariana Matviishyna (Ukraine), Aras Erdem (Turkey), and Seojun Lee (Korea). Flóra and the Band were led by Mr. Jesús Mora, MYP Music teacher.
Throughout the conference, attendees enjoyed artwork produced by Grade 6 and 7 students in Mr. Anthony Flanagan’s Visual Art classes. The artwork was created during a unit titled “The AI Feedback Loop.” This unit challenged students to use AI tools such as ChatGPT to create artwork. Students were then tasked with turning AI artwork into physical artwork. The results of this project were showcased throughout the conference.
In addition to student participation, ISD was represented by faculty members. Ms. Rosalind Fawcett, ES Assistant Principal and PYP Coordinator, Mr. Whitney Altizer, MS/HS Counselor, and Ms. Molly Mosier, MS/HS Principal and MYP Coordinator presented the topic of “Implementing Agency Through a Student Transition Program,” focusing on the crucial transition from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and sharing effective strategies. Molly Mosier also presented on the topic of “Implementing Agency Through the Interdisciplinary Unit” focusing on the importance of student involvement in co-creating learning engagements and assessments in the MYP. ISD was also represented by Grade 3 Homeroom teacher, Ms. Oksana Matviishyna, and Grade 12 student Panna Pásztor as volunteers.
The IB Global conference came to a close with Grade 12 scholarship student, and member of the inaugural graduating class, István Kiss delivering the Community Voice speech. His speech highlighted his journey at ISD and through the IB. István’s reflection was personal and heartfelt and truly demonstrated the transformation that ISD has undergone in just six short years and how it has prepared him for the future.
“Now I know that inspiration often comes from the most unexpected sources. What was once a field of trees was transformed into a hub of innovation, learning and inspiration. The International School of Debrecen was born, creating a new space where students could grow into potential changemakers. The exposure to diverse cultures, perspectives, and ideas fundamentally changed me. Although I can’t pinpoint the exact moment, there came a day when I realized I was no longer the same person. I had started to see the world—and my place in it—differently. I wasn’t just a student; I had become part of a global community, shaped by the influence and dedication of my IB teachers, who inspired me to think beyond myself and my immediate surroundings.”
The ISD community is overwhelmed with pride in our students and faculty members who represented our learning community on a global stage. We make it our mission to not only inspire learners through empowerment, but also by ensuring students are able to realize their potential through innovation and positive action.
