Season Two, Episode Five | How to Keep Calm and Carry On, When Nothing is Certain

What does it mean to lead a school when uncertainty is part of everyday life?

In this episode of BSME Talks, we’re joined by Rob Ford, Principal at the The British International School, Ukraine, speaking to us from Ukraine on a day when the country had once again faced a barrage of missile threats.

Against that backdrop, Rob reflects on what it means to create stability and continuity for a school community when circumstances outside the classroom are anything but stable.

We talk about supporting the wellbeing of students and staff, leading through prolonged uncertainty and protecting the sense of normality that school can provide. At The British International School, Ukraine, learning can sometimes take place in bunkers, but Rob explains why the instability surrounding students cannot be allowed to become the overwhelming conversation every time they step into a classroom. When it’s time for Maths or History, they still need the opportunity to learn, develop and simply be students.

Rob also reflects on his wider career in international education and why he has repeatedly chosen to work in parts of the world experiencing instability, sharing some of the lessons those experiences have taught him about leadership and community.

Later in the conversation, we turn to recruitment. Rob talks openly about the kind of teachers they look for, the realities of recruiting to a school in Ukraine and why honesty with prospective staff is so important when asking someone to consider a role in an uncertain environment.

It’s a fascinating conversation about leadership in circumstances few school leaders will ever experience, but with lessons around uncertainty, wellbeing, recruitment and continuity that will resonate with international schools everywhere.

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