CPD Digest
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2025
PUBLISHER - FOBISIA EDITOR - Swati S. Bedi
Editor’s Note
As we bring this academic year to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for the remarkable energy, collaboration, and innovation that has shaped our professional learning landscape across FOBISIA.
From the inspiring CPD Leaders Conference to the dynamic JAWS and webinars, each gathering has provided a meaningful space for connection, dialogue, and shared purpose. Our ever-popular JAWs continued to thrive this year, with schools across the region opening their doors to host rich, practitioner-led learning experiences. Thank you to every host, facilitator, and participant who contributed to their success.
One of the most exciting developments this year has been the launch of the FOBISIA Fellowship Programme- a new initiative that celebrates leadership, inquiry, and peer learning across our member schools. The inaugural cohort has set a strong foundation for future Fellows, and we look forward to seeing how this network continues to grow and influence professional learning across the region.
As we reflect on the year, what stands out most is the shared commitment within our community to continually evolve, support one another, and place learning at the heart of everything we do. Whether through workshops, mentoring, new initiatives, or simply connecting with colleagues across borders, our CPD community has demonstrated the power of collective growth.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Wishing you a restful break and an energising start to the year ahead.
Warm regards, Swati
Upcoming CPD Events
FOBISIA Fellowship Webinars
Todd Thornback
Bangkok Patana School
Grant Dickens
The British School New Delhi
Kristof Starost
Charter International School
Khalifah Bennett
Prince of Wales Island Interna tional School
Warda Muse
Jerudong International School Brunei
Vicky Walker
Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi
Lynsey Gogin
Dulwich College Seoul
Mike Alborough
The International School @ ParkCity
Using comparative judgement to enhance learning Watch here
S.P.A.C.E Out Watch here
How can we better assess Global Citizenship? Watch here
Fostering a Home for Hearts in Transition Watch here
Building a Sustainable STEAM Programme - Blueprint for Schools Watch here
Harnessing the assets that multi-lingual learners bring to our classrooms Watch here
DEI-The Beginning of a Journey at Dulwich College Seoul Watch here
The Power of Belonging: Cultivating Community in International Schools Watch here
FOBISIA 2025-26
CPD & CONFERENCE CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER 2025
AQ
11/09 - 13/09 Conference Drama Conference & AGM
18/09 - 20/09 Conference Music Teachers’ Conference & AGM
Refer to Member Support page on www.fobisia.org for calendar updates. Dates for in-person events do not include travel days (with the exception of the FOBISIA Games). FOBISIA events may be subject to change.
22/09 eJAWS Designing and Delivering a Contextualised and Effective PSHE Curriculum (Whole School) eJAWS
25/09 - 27/09 Conference PE & Sport Conference & AGM
OCTOBER 2025
AQ
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
British International School Ho Chi Minh City
The British School Manila
Marlborough College Malaysia
03/10 - 04/10 JAWS Dance JAWS: Elevating Dance Education Bangkok Patana School
10/10 - 11/10 Workshop DT Workshop: Health & Safety Refresher - DATA accredited
The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur
10/10 - 11/10 JAWS Primary Mandarin JAWS Kellett School Hong Kong
29/10 eJAWSConference DEIJ eJAWS - Conference: Building Belonging in FOBISIA Schools: Practical Solutions for Achieving Equity and Celebrating Diversity
31/10 - 01/11 Invitational JAWSConference
Better Adult to Adult Communication: A Key Driver to Create a Healthy School Culture with Jennifer Abrams Invitational JAWS-Conference
NOVEMBER 2025
AQ
07/11 JAWS Visual Arts Curriculum JAWS: Curatorial Thinking, Context, and 3D Art-Making Practice
07/11 - 08/11 Conference FOBISIA Teaching Community Conference
14/11 JAWS
Primary Maths JAWS: Developing Reasoning & Problemsolving Skills to Create Outstanding Mathematicians
22/11 - 23/11 Conference FOBISIA Leadership Conference
28/11 - 29/11 JAWS EY JAWS: Inclusive Practice in the Early Years
28/11 JAWS Safeguarding JAWS: Safeguarding Together: Believe, Belong, Become
28/11 - 29/11 JAWS Science JAWS
The British School Manila
Northbridge International School Cambodia
The British School Manila
British Vietnamese International School Hanoi
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong
Shangri-la Kuala Lumpur
King's College International School Bangkok
XCL International School, Penang
British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City
Reflecting on an Inspiring FOBISIA JAWS: Girls in
PE and Sport
Anna Sheppard, Director of Sport King’s College International School Bangkok
King’s College International School Bangkok had the privilege of hosting an impactful FOBISIA JAWS (Job-Alike Workshop) focused on Girls in PE and Sport. Bringing together passionate colleagues from schools across Thailand and Malaysia, the day was a vibrant blend of reflection, discussion, and strategic planning – all centred on how we can collectively move the needle for girls' experiences in physical education and sport.
From the outset, the energy in the room made it clear: this wasn't just a professional development session – it was a call to action. Colleagues explored a wide range of themes including inclusive curricula design, intentional strategy-building, psychological safety in PE environments, the importance of language and representation, and the impact of kit design and accessibility.
The conversations were honest, nuanced, and brave. Delegates shared challenges, reflected on progress, and most importantly, left with renewed purpose and practical tools to champion inclusion back in their own schools. The power of the FOBISIA network was felt throughout – a community not just of educators, but of change-makers ready to work together to ensure girls thrive in all areas of school sport.
One of the most powerful threads of the day was the emphasis on psychological safety – the foundation upon which participation, enjoyment, and performance rest. From the way we group students to how we respond to body image concerns, every detail matters when creating spaces where girls feel seen, heard, and supported.
We were incredibly fortunate to learn from a number of expert presenters who generously shared research, resources, and real-life case studies. Sincere thanks go to presenters from the following schools:
y Alex Foster, Amanda O’Halloran, Anna Sheppard, Anthony Braithwaite, Ben Fakira, Chris Branch, Matthew Randall, King’s College International School Bangkok
y Francesca Woodland, Bangkok Prep International School Bangkok
y Simone Murgatroyd, Shrewsbury Riverside
y Laura Graceffa, St Andrew’s 107
y Sammy Ebzao, Traill International School
Their insights and leadership will ripple far beyond the workshop walls, sparking new initiatives across the region.
As the event concluded, a shared commitment emerged: we must keep this conversation going. Whether through collaborative projects, shared resources, or future JAWS events, the message was clear – we are stronger together.
Thank you to all who attended for your openness, passion, and determination. Change is happening – and thanks to this incredible community, it’s happening faster and more collaboratively than ever.
‘I just wanted to say a big thank you for leading and organising yesterday's 'Girls in PE and Sport' event. It was such a valuable and thought-provoking day, and I really appreciated the range of insights and practical ideas shared. I have come away from the event feeling empowered and inspired to make a change to ensure the girls at my school feel safe, strong and confident in PE, as well as wider school life’.
‘Thank you so much for hosting such an insightful and well-organized CPD session yesterday. The school environment was beautiful—great layout, welcoming vibe, and fantastic facilities’
Trust, Resilience, and Collective Growth: Reflections from the FOBISIA CPD Leaders’ Conference 2025
Shamini Kamalasen, Assistant Head of Secondary (Teaching & Learning)
Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar
One day in 2024, Sarah Chesworth, our Head of Secondary, brought the conference proposal to me with a theme in mind, “The Fine Line Between Consistency and Creating Robots.” That conversation was the spark. Everything else evolved from there. As a new leader, the idea of planning a conference that would host over 70 respected CPD leaders from across the region felt daunting. But I held on to the advice of Jason Perkins, who had hosted the conference at British International School, Phuket: “Start early, Shamini.” I also leaned on the step-by-step guidance provided by Swati Sinha Bedi (FOBISIA CPD and Safeguarding Executive) and Julia Armstrong, Chair of the FOBISIA CPD Committee, which became invaluable throughout the process.
Hosting the FOBISIA CPD Leaders’ Conference 2025 at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) became more than just an event, it was a journey of resilience, collaborative spirit, and personal growth. One of the most fulfilling aspects of this process was involving our student leaders as part of the planning team. Trusting them was one of the best decisions we made & reaffirmed our belief in student agency as a vital part of any educational ecosystem. Their professionalism, creativity, and insight elevated the experience for everyone involved, proving that student voice isn’t just powerful, it’s essential.
We were especially delighted to welcome Tom Sherrington, who has been collaborating with us for the past three years as our trusted ‘critical friend’. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping KTJ’s teaching and
learning direction, and it was a privilege to have his continued insight as part of this conference as a keynote speaker. Tom set the tone with a compelling keynote on collective action and teacher autonomy, challenging us to move beyond educational trends and instead embed deeply rooted core practices. We explored how instructional consistency should serve as a platform for creativity, not a constraint.
Equally powerful was CJ Rauch’s keynote, which highlighted the journey from routine expertise to adaptive expertise, a reminder that effective teaching requires deep understanding of our craft and our learners. Kathryn Hemming’s keynote brought a human touch, reminding us of the emotional climate we set in our teams, and the power of staying “above the line”, curious, open, and committed to learning.
Across both days, passionate leaders delivered expertly facilitated workshops that brought big ideas like coaching cultures and teacher development to life. Each session reflected deep research and thoughtful planning. Presenters shared their CPD journeys, offering honest insights into what worked, what didn’t, and the impact seen in their schools. These real-world stories inspired practical reflection and showed what’s possible when professional learning is driven by purpose and authenticity.
As we look ahead, my biggest takeaway is this: resilience is built not in isolation, but in trusting the people around us; colleagues, students, and community, to shape the journey with us. Hosting this conference has been a proud milestone for KTJ, and we look forward to opening our doors again in the future.
Unlocking Potential: Insights from the TA eJAWS Conference
Christine Boswell British International School Hanoi
On the 2nd of October British International School Hanoi put together an incredibly enriching day for FOBISIA teaching assistants across primary and secondary education. Our specific focus on neurodiversity and inclusive classroom practices has never been more relevant as we strive to create supportive learning environments for all students across our international communities.
The main theme of the eJAWS conference centred around understanding neurodiversity and the diverse needs of our students. We explored the various types of neurodivergent learners we encounter in our classrooms, including those with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and dyslexia etc. This understanding is crucial for teaching assistants, who play a vital role in supporting these students.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in practical workshops and engaged on the padlet, where we emphasised strategies for fostering inclusivity. We discussed the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiation as frameworks to tailor our teaching approaches and support, ensuring that all students have access to their learning. In our international school settings, we also addressed the unique challenges faced by English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. We examined effective strategies for supporting these students and shared our experiences.
One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity for teaching assistants to collaborate and share their experiences with colleagues from different schools. This networking allowed for the exchange of ideas, discussion of challenges, and to celebrate successes in our respective roles. It was inspiring to witness the commitment and passion that each participant brought to the table.
While it was a long day filled with intensive discussions and activities, the feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed how the conference deepened their understanding of neurodivergent classrooms and provided them with practical tools to better support their students.
As we look ahead, I encourage all teaching assistants to continue exploring the principles of neurodiversity and inclusivity in their practice. The insights gained from TA eJAWS will undoubtedly help us unlock the potential of every student we work with, fostering an environment where all learners can thrive.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making this conference a success. Together, we can continue to enhance our skills and positively impact the educational experiences of our students.
Middle Leadership JAWS Conference
Daniel Brown, Assistant Head of College John Ridley, Director of Learning Dulwich College (Singapore) Tanglin Trust School
Tanglin Trust School and Dulwich College (Singapore) co-hosted the Middle Leadership JAWS Conference on 28th February and Saturday 1st March 2025. We welcomed 110 participants from 35 different schools in 11 different countries to our schools. The two days were mainly focused on workshops led by FOBISIA members on subjects like the benefits of coaching in leadership, effective delegation, navigating challenging conversations, and using systems thinking tools in leadership. Additionally, there were ‘case study’ sessions where presenters shared particular projects that they have led in their schools – from ‘sustainability’ to ‘the curiosity approach’.
We also benefitted from hearing three excellent keynote speakers - Michael Iannini (author of books on middle leadership in schools) who spoke about realising the potential of middle leadership; Chris Jansen from Leadership Lab whose talk was titled "Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast", and Andrew Mowat from Eduspark on Using AI as a Middle Leader. There really was something for everyone, with a good balance of presenters from secondary, primary, curriculum and pastoral roles. Some attendees were presenting at a JAWS for the first time – thank you for stepping out of your comfort zones! Lunchtime tours of the schools proved very popular, and the joint hosting gave participants the chance to see two different campuses.
The biggest benefits, as ever with FOBISIA JAWS events, were the many connections and discussions that happened including at the social event in Timbre Plus on Friday evening. A massive thank you once again to all of the participants; it was wonderful to see such a high level of enthusiasm and engagement across the two days.
Empowering Economic Educators: Bangkok Prep Hosts Inspiring FOBISIA JAWS Conference
Akshika Bansal, Economics Teacher Bangkok Prep International School
On 23rd May 2025, Bangkok Prep International School had the honour of hosting the highly anticipated FOBISIA Economics JAWS Conference, bringing together a vibrant community of Economics educators from across Southeast Asia. A total of 19 teachers from international schools in Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Thailand convened for a day filled with professional dialogue, pedagogical innovation, and collaborative learning.
The conference offered an inspiring platform for sharing ideas, best practices, and classroom strategies, all centred around enhancing teaching and learning in Economics. The agenda was dynamic and diverse, with breakout sessions led by teachers from a range of international schools, each bringing their unique perspective and experience to the fore. Topics covered included Oracy and Wellbeing of Students, Retrieval and Spaced Practice, Activating Hard Thinking in Economics, and Building Metacognition in Economics Students. These sessions encouraged participants to explore fresh ways to engage learners, foster deeper thinking, and build resilient, independent Economics students.
UPCOMING CPD EVENTS
A major highlight of the day was the live webinar delivered by renowned education author and speaker Kate Jones. Her session, titled “Actionable Feedback Strategies to Support Teacher Workload and Pupil Progress” offered both insight and inspiration. Ms. Jones unpacked the essential components of effective feedback and demonstrated how strategic adjustments can support both learner progress and teacher wellbeing. Attendees were especially engaged by her practical examples of verbal feedback, peer and self-assessment methods, and the integration of technology to reduce workload while maintaining high-impact feedback practices. Her presentation was not only informative but also highly empowering for teachers looking to refine their assessment strategies.
What made the conference truly special was the atmosphere of collaboration and generosity that permeated the day. Teachers not only absorbed new strategies but also actively contributed, sharing resources, classroom experiences, and top tips for effective teaching. The rich exchange of ideas among passionate educators created a powerful sense of community and mutual support, reflecting the true spirit of the JAWS (Job-Alike Workshop) ethos.
Throughout the event, participants commented on the value of being able to step back from the daily demands of teaching to reflect, learn, and connect with peers who understand the unique challenges and joys of teaching Economics. The sessions sparked professional curiosity and encouraged educators to return to their classrooms with renewed enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and practical tools.
Hosting the FOBISIA Economics JAWS Conference was a proud moment for Bangkok Prep. The school not only facilitated a day of professional excellence but also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering teacher development and educational innovation. By uniting educators from across the region and empowering them with ideas that can shape meaningful student outcomes, the conference demonstrated the profound impact of collaboration in international education.
As the final discussions wrapped up and connections were solidified, it was clear that this gathering had been more than a conference—it was a celebration of learning, leadership, and the shared purpose of nurturing the next generation of economic thinkers.
This JAWS event aims to bring together dance educators from across the region to network, collaborate, and exchange ideas Where dance provision varies from school to school, this event seeks to provide a platform for navigating the development and structure of school dance programs, exploring curriculum evolution, expanding extracurricular offerings, and sharing best practices in dance delivery.
Venue: Bangkok Patana School
Cost: ฿3000 (includes lunch and light refreshments)
Contact: Sarah Dullaghan (sadu@patana ac th)
Participants are asked not to book flights and accommodation until the JAWS has been confirmed as going ahead
Using Mentoring and Coaching to Enhance Teacher Progress in an International Setting
12th May 2025, 1.00pm - 2.30pm (KST)
This 90-minute eJaws session will explore effective mentoring structures, key research on successful coaching, and practical systems to support both earlycareer and experienced teachers in your context.
Please join to discuss how different mentoring and coaching strategies can deliver the best PD to staff.
Location: North London Collegiate School Jeju
Registration Deadline: Monday 5 May th
Cost of the Event: Free
Sign Up Link: https://forms.gle/46fVU1oYFtApXDUS9
For any questions, please contact James Lillywhite, jlillywhite@nlcsjeju.kr
Join the FOBISIA Community....
Email : info@fobisia.org
Landline : +66 2744 4070
Address:
39/4 Todsamon Clubhouse Building, Mezzannine Floor, Soi Lasalle 39/1, Sukhumvit 105, Bang Na Bangkok 10260