The Great Outdoors: Learning Through The Duke of Edinburgh Award Program with Michael Kent
In our first episode, Dr. Alan Knobloch discussed the important role of schools in helping students develop crucial skills for their future by offering real-life challenges and experiences. This included fostering students’ self-awareness, building up their social and emotional resilience and enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
In this episode, we explore skills that young people can acquire outside the traditional classroom and school campus, particularly in the great outdoors.
Our guest, Michael Kent, a Geography and Environmental Science teacher at the International School of Hamburg, introduces the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program he opened up in Hamburg. Michael discusses how these experiences in nature and broader society contribute to enriching essential life skills and reinforce what students learn in school.
Tune in for a breath of fresh air.
Creators and Guests
Host
Sarah Reich
Sarah Reich, your host, serves as the Director of Community Relations at the International School of Hamburg. With a career in European government relations and public affairs, Sarah has worked within EU institutions, the consular corps, and leading international companies. Her academic and professional interests have always centred on governance and citizenship, making the mission of the International School of Hamburg—to prepare students as tomorrow’s global citizens—a perfect fit. In 2022, upon joining the International School of Hamburg, Sarah launched the Kids Gone Global podcast. This initiative aims to provide a platform for sharing the insights of experts and students in the dynamic field of international education. Through the podcast, she engages parents and the broader community in discussions about modern educational approaches and how international schools are addressing contemporary challenges in learning and growing up in a global environment.
Guest
Michael Kent
Michael Kent is a Geography and Environmental Science teacher with over a decade of experience in both UK and international schools. Originally from the South of England, he has held a range of roles throughout his career, including Head of Geography, Approaches to Learning Coordinator, and most recently IB Career-related Programme Coordinator at the International School of Hamburg. Since August 2024, he has been serving as the IBDP Coordinator and Assistant Principal at Hanoi International School. Michael has been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award since 2011, working as both a supervisor and program coordinator in two schools. He introduced the Award program at ISH in 2021, beginning with the Bronze level, and is supporting the school’s first cohort of Silver Award participants. He is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and values the role that outdoor education plays in developing confidence, resilience, and independence in young people.
