THE FOBISIAN April 2025, Term 2 Issue 47

FOBISIA BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2025

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 24/25

CO N TE N TS UPDATES 4

From Our Chair

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From Our CEO

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Board Members and Headquarters

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FOBISIA Members

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A Conversation with… Mike Walton

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FOBISIA - Making Connections

STUDENT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 12

Primary Poetry Competition 2024

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Earth Canvas: Young Artists for a Greener Tomorrow

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Actions Speak... Senior Drama Festival

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Secondary Maths Competition 2025

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Minecraft Showdown

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Battle of the Bands 2025

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U15 FOBISIA Games 2024

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Table Tennis 2025

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Chess Competitions

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Rugby: Invitational & Representative Team Trials

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Rugby: FOBISIA Rep Team at Cathay Youth 7's

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FOBISIA Swimming: A Decade of Growth and Excellence

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Swimming 2025

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Twisted Tales: Junior Drama Festival

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U13 FOBISIA Games 2025

FOBISIA FELLOWSHIP

LET'S CONNECT

FOBISIA CONNECT LIKE US ON

LINKEDIN

LIKE US ON

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How Can We Make Our Campus as Biodiverse and Sustainable as Rainforest?

INSTAGRAM

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Assessing Global Citizenship: Making the Most of an International Day

FACEBOOK

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Leveraging Linguistic Differences: The Importance of Building Inclusive Classroom Communities Can Comparative Judgement Improve Learning?

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR 59

A Bend in the Road

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FOBISIA Connect

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FOBISIA Webinars

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Our Member Schools

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Our Affiliate Members

LIKE US ON

VISIT US ON

YOUTUBE

VISIT OUR

WEBSITE

FOLLOW US ON

X (TWITTER)

Vector images from freepik.com ABOUT THE FOBISIAN A termly eMagazine for sharing events and news among the membership. Three issues are published each academic year.

If you would like to contribute, email: design@fobisia.org.

EDITOR'S NOTE Dear Readers, Welcome to the 47th issue of The FOBISIAN Magazine!

FOBISIA's TERMLY MAGAZINE PUBLISHER FOBISIA EDITOR Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell

The eagle eyes amongst you may have noticed there wasn't an edition last term. We have changed up the publication schedule to better fit with our school's calendars so this is a bumper edition!

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE

In this issue, we're looking back in time and bringing you an engaging conversation with Mike Walton, Former Chair of FOBISIA as well as insights on how FOBISIA is making meaningful connections across our community and beyond.

John Gwyn Jones MBE, Shana Kongmun, Janine Minchin, Dawn Jones, Swati Sinha Bedi FOBISIA HQ

We showcase a variety of student event highlights, from the FOBISIA Primary Poetry Competition to the dynamic FOBISIA Battle of the Bands and both the U13 and U15 FOBISIA Games, all demonstrating the incredible talent and creativity of our students.

Additionally, our FOBISIA Fellowship articles feature thought-provoking discussions on topics like enhancing biodiversity on campus and promoting inclusive classroom environments. We are also pleased to share a reflective piece from our guest contributor, Sarah Raffray, Executive Principal of King’s College Bangkok: "A Bend in the Road."

We hope you find this issue engaging and that it captures the vibrant spirit of our community!

Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell

Vanita Uppal OBE The British School New Delhi

Aditee Biswas The British School New Delhi Alun Morris Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside David Gareth Spencer Nexus International School Malaysia Gareth Pearson The British School Manila Helen Mathews Wellington College International School Bangkok Jo Pullen Haileybury Almaty Joe Wyatt, Jon Dancyger, and Matt Hammonds Garden International School Jon O’Neill British School Jakarta Dr. Kristof Starost Charter International School Mark Kelly Dulwich College Seoul Mike Walton Former Chair of FOBISIA Oliver Parkinson Amnuay Silpa School Richard Molloy Rugby School Thailand Sarah Raffray King’s College Bangkok Steve Miller The International School @ ParkCity Todd Skevington Marlborough College Malaysia Todd Thornback Bangkok Patana School

FOBISIA now accepts payments via credit card (subject to 3.5% processing fee*)

*email accounts@fobisia.org for a payment link

THE FOBISIAN: APRIL 2025, TERM2, ISSUE 47

Vicki Gill Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus Vicky Walker Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi Warda Muse Jerudong International School

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FROM

OUR CHAIR Vanita Uppal OBE FOBISIA Chair Director The British School New Delhi

Welcome from Chair This term has been a testament to the talent, dedication, and spirit of collaboration within the FOBISIA community. The U13 and U15 FOBISIA Friendly Games provided an incredible platform for young athletes to develop their skills, forge friendships, and embrace the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Meanwhile, the FOBISIA Representative Rugby and Football teams continued to make us proud, with the rugby team’s trip to Hong Kong being a standout moment. Competing against strong opposition and experiencing the world-renowned Hong Kong 7s was an unforgettable opportunity for our players.

Beyond the sporting arena, FOBISIA has made significant strides in professional learning. The launch of the FOBISIA Fellowship at the Leadership Conference in Kuala Lumpur is a landmark initiative designed to recognise and support outstanding educators across our network. These Fellows will play a key role in shaping best practices and fostering collaboration, with a series of webinars in Term 3 to further professional engagement and growth.

I recently welcomed the Board and our Heads to the FOBISIA Heads' Business Meeting, where we discussed key strategic developments which will continue to strengthen our community. Equally important is that the meeting was hosted by Tanglin Trust School, Singapore as it celebrates a remarkable milestone, its centenary year! Please join me in congratulating the entire TTS family on this momentous occasion.

I want to thank our students, educators, and school leaders for their dedication and enthusiasm.

FOBISIA thrives because of the passion and commitment of our community, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of these initiatives. Wishing everyone a successful and inspiring Term 3!

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FROM

OUR CEO

John Gwyn Jones MBE FOBISIA CEO

Forward from the CEO Dear FOBISIA Community, As we start what is the final term for most of our schools of the 2024-2025 Academic Year, it provides me with an excellent opportunity to reflect on what has not only been achieved, but to also celebrate the success of the events and activities that have attracted so much participation over the second term of this academic year.

When you consider Term 2 is often the shortest term of the academic year, the number of staff and student activities remains very high, showcasing the dedication, collaboration, and excellence that define our Federation.

This term has seen our community come together across various platforms, strengthening the bonds that make FOBISIA such a unique and supportive network.

Our schools continue to showcase remarkable resilience and innovation, not only in the delivery of high-quality education but also in fostering well-being and inclusivity among staff and students alike. The success of recent FOBISIA events, from student competitions to professional development opportunities, is a testament to the vibrant spirit that thrives within our community.

I applaud the new initiatives we've funded and developed this year - the sporting FOBISIA representative teams in rugby, football, and basketball, the well being coaching programme for Heads, the Virtual Recruitment Fair we partnered with Eteach, and our ongoing FOBISIA Fellows programme. This reflects how well FOBISIA gives back to our community.

THE FOBISIAN: APRIL 2025, TERM2, ISSUE 47

Looking ahead, I am delighted to share that the commitment to enhancing opportunities for both students and educators remains unwavering. The responses to hosting our 2025-26 programme have been overwhelming and it has been a challenge to allocate, as so many of our schools are keen to showcase their environment with our community.

I have been fortunate this term to have been invited to visit several of our Member Schools, as well as attend a number of our popular FOBISIA events. In doing so, I have met so many enthusiastic and passionate staff, students, and parents.

We have so many people to thank, ranging from the members of the FOBISIA Board to our dynamic school leaders, as well as our dedicated school staff along with the wonderful and talented students who proudly represent their schools in our events. My colleagues at FOBISIA HQ deserve every praise and recognition for their amazing commitment in supporting their committees and communities. We are in a good place and, as we are about to launch our new strategic plan, please enjoy the contents of this publication in reflecting back over this second term, whilst we plan ahead for what will soon be the end of yet another school year.

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Vanita Uppal OBE

Chair

BOARD MEMBERS

Director The British School New Delhi

Nick Sheehan

Duncan Stonehouse

Caroline Drumm

Vice Chair & Strategic Plan

Treasurer & HQ Support

Secretary & Communications

Principal

Head of School

Principal Jerudong International School Brunei

Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School

The British School Kathmandu

Dinah Hawtree

Steve Shaw

David Ingram

Student Events PE & Sport

Student Events Academic & Performing Arts

Membership

Principal

Principal

Head of College

Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang

The ABC International School

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi

Amos Turner-Wardell

Craig Considine

Sian May

Safeguarding

CPD

Heads Support

Principal

CEO

Head of School

Regents International School Pattaya

Tanglin Trust School

The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur

HEAD QUARTERS

SINGAPORE SOCIETY 95 Portsdown Road, 139299, SINGAPORE

John Gwyn Jones MBE

Shana Kongmun

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Operations Manager

ceo@fobisia.org

THAILAND Headquarters 39/4 Todsamon Clubhouse Building, Mezzanine Floor Soi LaSalle 39/1, Sukhumvit 105, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 THAILAND

eom@fobisia.org

Swati Sinha Bedi

Janine Minchin

Dawn Jones

CPD & Safeguarding Executive

Student Events Executive

Marketing & Communications Executive

cpd-safeguarding@fobisia.org

student-events@fobisia.org

marketing@fobisia.org

Jitsaman (Pheung) Chan

Salinee (Tai) Chooputtaphong

Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell

Accounts Executive

Administration Executive

Design & Communications Executive

accounts@fobisia.org

info@fobisia.org

design@fobisia.org

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AFFILIATE MEMBERS We understand the importance of providing our School Members with support to enhance their educational journey. That's why we highly value our Affiliate Members, who play a vital role in offering valuable products and services to meet the unique needs of our Schools.

Our Affiliate Members encompass a diverse array of organisations and businesses that cater to the educational sector. From curriculum providers and technology companies to school furniture suppliers and professional development trainers, these membersbring a wealth of expertise and offerings to our network.

As a Member School, if you are looking for specific products or services, we encourage you to explore the offerings of our Affiliate Members. Reach out to them and mention you are a FOBISIA Member School and many offer discounts or special deals.

See all of our Affiliate Members on the website here

FRIENDS OF FOBISIA Our Friends of FOBISIA Membership is open for a limited number of British international schools located outside of Asia, in order to strengthen our connections beyond the region.

See all of our Friends of FOBISIA Members on the website here

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Individual Members are a growing group of people who were previous Heads of School in a FOBISIA School. Their membership helps us to maintain an active network of experienced leaders and we can benefit from the knowledge and experience that they bring. We acknowledge those Individual Members who were also former Chairs of the FOBISIA Board or Founding Members as Honorary Individual Members.

See all of our Individual Members on the website here THE FOBISIAN: APRIL 2025, TERM2, ISSUE 47

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A CONVERSATION WITH...

MIKE WALTON Former Chair of FOBISIA | 2011-2013

Q:

LOOKING BACK AT YOUR TIME AS CHAIR OF FOBISIA, WHAT WERE SOME OF THE KEY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES THE ORGANISATION FACED?

After joining the board of FOBISSEA (as it was then called) in 2007, one of the challenges facing the Federation was if and how it wanted to grow. Although the SSEA in the original name specified South and South-East Asia, we already had a couple of geographical outliers and had more applications for membership from outside our designated region. New British schools in China, unable to join, set up their own organisation called EAABIS, the EA referring to East Asia. There was a desire to group together, which linked with our decision to allow a widening of our geographical spread. Thus, we proposed the new name FOBISIA, allowing us to welcome British schools in a wider region of Asia.

I recall being surprised that our constitution had rules that limited growth, such as a maximum of 2 schools joining each year. There was also a rule that schools in corporate groups could only have one vote. Once the Federation had agreed on the benefits of growth, we were able to adapt policies accordingly, enabling many more applications, with equality in representation.

With growth in membership and the range of activities, another challenge was how to manage the administrative work load. When I was Deputy Chair, we had one part-time administrator in KL, thus most administrative tasks had to be managed within member schools. On becoming Chair I was able to appoint our first full-time administrator, a CPD Coordinator in Bangkok, which facilitated many developments such as the Jobs Alike Workshops (JAWs).

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Q:

FOBISIA HAS GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE YOUR TENURE. WHAT ARE THE MOST STRIKING CHANGES YOU’VE SEEN, AND HOW DO YOU THINK THEY HAVE SHAPED THE ORGANISATION TODAY?

The Federation has tripled in size since I joined in 2005, but it's focus on improving opportunities and outcomes for students has clearly remained the same. In earlier days, whilst the FOBISIA Games were very popular, there were fewer non-sport activities for students to participate in. The most recent issue of The FOBISIAN reports on a much broader range of events, including art, drama and music, with design and photography competitions, as well as Maths and code-breaking. Similarly, the CPD Digest shows that for staff there are far more opportunities for professional development. When I first joined the Executive Board most CPD was delivered in one place, before we decided to decentralise and encourage all schools to host, which led to a great expansion in the location and variety of professional development.

In earlier days, conferences focussed on Heads of School. Recognising that FOBISIA membership should directly benefit all staff, we looked to extend conference opportunities to senior and middle leaders, then to teachers and support staff. More recently, I can see that the development of online opportunities has further enabled participation and decentralisation. including FOBISIA Connect.

It is heartening to see how the provision of so many student and staff opportunities have expanded today, Another big change is the organisational structure, which now includes a CEO. I can see how this position gives more continuity in relationship building with external organisations than we had when the key representative was a Chair who rotated every two years.

I always believed that members would benefit from the connectivity, voice and influence that comes through strong partnerships, thus continuity is important. The current structure of an expanded Executive group working with members of the administrative team at HQ looks like it has great capacity to drive the goals of the Federation. The HQ team clearly provide a comprehensive service to Member Schools.

Q:

YOU PLAYED A ROLE IN INTRODUCING AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP. WHAT WAS THE VISION BEHIND THAT DECISION, AND HOW DO YOU FEEL IT HAS BENEFITED THE FOBISIA COMMUNITY?

When I first joined FOBISIA, we benefitted from the opportunity to engage with representatives of relevant businesses at the Head's Conference, although attendance could appear to be rather ad hoc. We discussed the idea of creating a new class of membership for those businesses who wanted to support our schools, one that would more formally recognise these colleagues and the partnerships they offered. It gave opportunity to implement a process of quality assurance for our members and facilitated building connections beyond the Conference that year. Judging from the long list of Affiliate Members today I assume these connections continue to be beneficial for all concerned.

Q:

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES FOBISIA UNIQUE COMPARED TO OTHER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NETWORKS?

Q:

FINALLY, REFLECTING ON YOUR TIME WITH FOBISIA, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I'm proud of having worked with so many committed and I have known many great international school networks, all with their own identities and purpose. Clearly FOBISIA's character is set in part by its Britishness in an Asian context.

Whilst membership has grown, growing was never the goal.

Positive student outcomes have always been the goal.

I see the Federation as a people-centred organisation where a sense of community and belonging is key, which in turn has facilitated mutual respect and support for schools in the region. It is note-worthy that with that support has come a degree of challenge. There are professional standards, with the expectation that all members give as well as take, for example in the rules on participation and attendance. Members recognise their responsibility to share and contribute, which adds to the sense of unity and purpose.

THE FOBISIAN: APRIL 2025, TERM2, ISSUE 47

inspiring individuals within the Federation and am grateful for the collegiality and support I experienced during my years as a member. I am also proud that my own children had an opportunity to connect with students in so many other schools and countries, some of their favourite school memories are from FOBISIA events.

A CONVERSATION WITH...

MIKE WALTON

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FOBISIA - MAKING CONNECTIONS FOBISIA CEO John Gwyn Jones MBE, along with the HQ team and Heads' Membership Visit Group, have been actively engaging in the region and beyond to represent FOBISIA and foster stronger connections.

CEO John Gwyn Jones MBE joined the BSME team at their Annual School Leaders Conference.

John Gywn Jones MBE, CEO of FOBISIA, met with Rosie Grieves, the Deputy Director of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office whilst in the UK.

Mark Leppard MBE, Chair of BSME met with John at the BSME Annual School Leaders Conference.

Principal of Jerudong International School and Vice Chair of FOBISIA Nicholas Sheehan joined John to meet with Rt. Hon. Mark Garnier OBE MP at the Houses of Parliament.

John met with The Rt Hon. the Lord Vaizey of Didcot, Ed Vaizey while in London.

(L-R) Gavin Clark, Head of Preparatory, CEO John Gwyn Jones MBE, and Nick Davies, Head of College at Brighton College (Singapore).

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John Gwyn Jones MBE and Swati Sinha Bedi, CPD & Safeguarding Executive, participated in the FOBISIA CPD Leadership & AGM 2025 hosted by Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, Malaysia.

The leadership team at Amnuay Silpa School hosted John at their school.

Students at The English School of Mongolia met with John and joined a lively debate and student panel discussion.

Visiting Harrow International School Qianhai Shenzhen as part of their membership application, John and HISP Head Master Daniel Berry were joined by Paul Tough, Principal of Kellett School (L) and David Ingram, Head of College Dulwich Shanghai Puxi (R).

THE FOBISIAN: APRIL 2025, TERM2, ISSUE 47

Mike Walton, former FOBISIA Chair paid a visit to FOBISIA HQ and met up with John and the team.

Our Affiliate Member, Findel visited FOBISIA HQ.

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FOBISIA PRIMARY POETRY COMPETITION 2024 Mark Kelly Primary School Teacher Dulwich College Seoul

Last year, Dulwich College Seoul was delighted to host the FOBISIA Primary Poetry Competition, themed around World Oceans Day. We received over 200 entires and were swept away by the quality of poems received. It was a very difficult task narrowing down the number of entries to just one winner and one runner up for each age category.

The quality of the poems received was nothing short of incredible. Every student who entered, or took part in the competition within school, should be very proud. This competition was an amazing showcase of the quality of poetry being taught by schools across the FOBISIA network.

The winners eventually selected were as follows: For the Years 3 and 4 age category, the winner was Alaaina from North London Collegiate School in Singapore. Her incredibly moving poem called “The Courageous Ones”, was dedicated to the children who are forced to migrate from war zones by boat in often very dangerous conditions.

The runner up for the Year 3-4 category was Yuvaan from Kellet School (KLB Prep) for his extremely thought provoking and original poem entitled SOS: Save Our Seas, which was written from the perspective of the Ocean.

The winner for the Year 5-6 age category was Advay from Tanglin School in Singapore, whose poem “Revenge of the Seas” was an extremely entertaining poem describing the revenge taken by a shark, a turtle and an octopus on the humans that pollute the Ocean.

The runner up for the Year 5-6 age category was Alice from Bangkok Patana School, with her poem entitled “Hello Human”, and written from the perspective of the Ocean to the humans pleading with them to change their ways.

Toby Gregory, environmental change-maker and intrepid endurance athlete committed to protecting our oceans was one of the judges for this event and will be in touch with the winners to claim their prize.

If you wish to follow the progress of Toby as he rows across the Arctic, please follow him here - Explore the Arctic Challenge - Science and Technology Innovation.

Congratulations to all of you who took part in your own competitions in your school as well as those of whose poems made it through to the final round of the competition. Whether students won, or not, what is most important is that through the poems they all demonstrated an appreciation of the fragility of the seas and our duty to protect it for the future generations.

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Years 3-4

Years 3-4

(North London Collegiate School, Singapore)

(Kellett School, Hong Kong)

Winner: Alaaina

The courageous ones

Runner up: Yuvaan

SOS: Save our Seas

A child sets sail on an ocean so vast, Where sorrow's shadow is overcast.

In lands where war has left its mark, Hope and fear ignite a spark.

Waves of faith and fortitude rise, Crashing 'against the stormy skies.

The sea's loud roar, a mighty host, Carries dreams from coast to coast.

Into the dark, they boldly tread, With confidence where others dread.

Despite the wind's fierce, icy kiss, They face the night, and nothing miss.

Each wave that breaks tells a tale, Of courage that will never fail.

Through hardship, loss, they find a way, Staying strong come what may.

For in their hearts, a light does shine, A vision clear, purely divine.

Guiding through the longest night, Leading to the morning bright.

This poem is dedicated to the children who are migrating from war zones.My relatives, the fruit, the ones who bear me with marks and give me stories to tell, with humour.

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Years 5-6:

Years 5-6:

(Tanglin Trust School, Singapore)

(Bangkok Patana School)

Winner: Adhvay

Revenge of the Seas In the ocean’s depths, under waves that never sleep, a meeting was called by the creatures of the deep.

A shark, a turtle, an octopus, and an eel, all gathered around, with a plan to reveal.

They grumbled and groaned about humans and their mess, pollution and warming causing them distress.

“We must teach them a lesson!” the shark proclaimed, “Make them clean up their act, or be forever shamed.”

The turtle nodded with a wise old grin, “We’ll play a little game that we’re sure to win,” The octopus chimed in with a sneaky delight, “We’ll give a scare in the dead of the night.”

They snuck onto shore, under cover of dark, and began their mischief with a playful spark.

They clogged up toilets, and unplugged sinks, leaving humans puzzled with their plumbing tinks.

They rearranged sandcastles with a mischievous twist, leaving humans scratching their heads, in the mist.

And when the sun rose, on the ocean’s blue, the creatures of the deep, watched from their view.

Humans had cleaned up their mess, with a newfound core.

Realising the ocean’s creatures had given them a scare.

So, if you ever hear a strange tale of the sea, Remember this story of wit and glee.

Runner up: Alice

Hello Human Hello human, My name is Ocean and I've something to say I’m dirty with oil that I can’t wash away.

My fish, once full of life, are being eaten My proud dolphins, captured and beaten.

Since time began, my seas were blue That's no longer the case, and it's all down to you.

Some people say “The ocean is mending” But look around, they’re just pretending!

Seas of plastics and beaching whales Sewage inflows and broken sails.

Dead white corals and black oil slicks Overfishing and resource conflicts.

But that's not how its supposed to be Take a deep breath and dive into me, See tropical fish, swimming wild and free Seagrass swaying, feeding manatee In chilly waters penguins thrive, With seals and krill, I keep them alive.

So, human, Abandon your factions, your tribes and your splits, Your endless squabbles and battles and rifts, Instead give your hearts to something of worth, To saving the oceans on our planet Earth.

So that all marine life can forever live free, All splendid creations at home in the sea.

For the creatures of the ocean, they may seem meek, but when it comes to revenge, they’re quite unique.

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EARTH CANVAS: YOUNG ARTISTS FOR A GREENER TOMORROW Jo Pullen Head of Art & Design Haileybury Almaty

WATCH VIDEO

In the autumn and winter of 2024, Haileybury Almaty had the immense privilege of hosting the prestigious FOBISIA Art and Design Competition, themed "Earth Canvas: Young Artists for a Greener Tomorrow." This event was far more than just an art competition; it became a platform for young artists across Asia to express their concerns about climate change, explore the impact of human behaviour on the planet, and share their visions for a sustainable future.

The competition attracted over 600 entries from talented students across Asia, showcasing the creativity and passion of a generation deeply concerned about environmental issues. Each piece offered a unique perspective on sustainability, innovation, and the urgent need for change. From paintings to sculptures, digital art to textiles, these young artists used their talents to communicate powerful messages about preserving our planet.

Hosting this event was both an honour and a significant undertaking for Haileybury Almaty. As a member of FOBISIA — now a group of over 100 British international schools across Asia — we felt a profound sense of connection with our fellow institutions. The competition brought together students' perspectives and creativity, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose across the FOBISIA network. This experience not only strengthened our bonds with other schools but also reinforced our collective commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering collaboration among students. While organising such a large-scale event required considerable effort, it was incredibly rewarding to see students, teachers, and judges from diverse backgrounds come together in pursuit of a common goal.

The theme of this year’s competition—centred on environmental sustainability—could not have been more relevant. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and it is this young generation that will bear its consequences. Many participants expressed growing eco-anxiety through their art, channelling their emotions into powerful visual narratives that called for action and accountability. The competition gave these students a voice—a chance to communicate their concerns directly to the adults in charge and inspire meaningful conversations about our collective future.

The judging process reflected the depth and quality of the submissions.

A panel comprising students, teachers, art captains, and environmental representatives deliberated over each piece, considering its message, thematic clarity, and visual impact.

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The winning entries spanned various age groups and artistic styles—from "Split World," created by a 4-year-old artist at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, to "Painting Fish," an evocative piece by a 16-year-old participant from the British Vietnamese International School in Ho Chi Minh City. Each artwork captured a unique vision of hope and responsibility for a greener tomorrow.

As educators, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for change. By hosting this competition, we aimed not only to celebrate artistic talent but also to empower young people to take ownership of the issues that will shape their future. Art has always had the power to inspire action, challenge norms, and ignite meaningful dialogue—and this event was no exception. It demonstrated how creativity can serve as a bridge between generations, enabling young voices to be heard in discussions about environmental stewardship.

Being part of FOBISIA has always been about more than just competitions; it’s about fostering connections between schools across Asia and creating opportunities for students to collaborate on shared interests. This event exemplified that spirit of community and collaboration. It was heartening to see how students from different countries came together through their art to address a global challenge that transcends borders.

We hope that initiatives like this will continue to inspire young people to think critically about climate change and advocate for sustainable solutions. The passion and creativity displayed by these young artists remind us that there is hope for a better future—one where innovation and sustainability coexist harmoniously. Let us listen to their voices and take action before it’s too late.

Reflecting on this experience fills us with pride, not only in the incredible talent displayed but also in the role Haileybury Almaty played in amplifying these voices. Hosting the FOBISIA Art and Design Competition allowed us to contribute meaningfully to an important conversation while strengthening our ties with the broader FOBISIA community. It was truly an honour to be part of such an impactful initiative — one that showcased the power of education, creativity, and collaboration in addressing one of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Let us all take inspiration from these young artists as we work towards building a greener tomorrow — together.

EYFS Winner: Milo (4 y.o.)

KS1 Winner: Paulo (5 y.o.)

Split World

Green Planet

Split world of sustainable choices over non sustainable choices.

The artwork beautifully captures the essence of a greener tomorrow, with vibrant colors symbolise a healthy planet. Paulo has incorporated lush trees, blue skies, farming and mountains which reflect a deep connection to nature. Reusable energies such as eco wave power, solar, and wind mill depicted along with water harvesting and eco friendly transport system point towards environmental awareness for a greener future.

(Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok City Campus)

(St. Christopher’s International School, Penang)

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KS2 Winner: Eva Ooi Zhi (7 y.o.) (elc International School)

KS3 Winner: Shumei (13 y.o.)

(The British School of Guangzhou)

Sailing Towards a Better Future In my A3 collage painting, I created an Earth that looks like a big boat, carrying nature, people, and modern development all together.

It's up to us to decide how we can sustain and protect it from the effects of advanced technology. I used poster paint, oil pastels, pencils, and markers, and I used paper to form the maps and continents, which made the artwork 2D. People are smart enough to create systems that help keep the environment clean and safe.

The Earth is like a boat, and we all need to take care of it so it can keep moving forward. The decision is ours to take, and with the right ideas, I believe we can make the world a better place.

KS4 Winner: Taekyung (Amy, 15 y.o.)

(British International School Shanghai, Puxi Campus)

The Future I Dream Of The student has painted a wonderful future that takes cognizance of technology and future architecture coexisting harmoniously with nature.

KS5 Winner: My Anh (Zennie, 16 y.o.)

(British Vietnamese International School, Ho Chi Minh City)

Painting Fish

Light Up THE FOBISIAN: APRIL 2025, TERM2, ISSUE 47

I painted this piece as a call to arms. If we as humans are so significant in our power, could we not use it to rebuild and restore instead of to destroy? The irony of myself painting within a painting showcases the power of agency and the act of painting and thus creation contrasting the destruction we have brought to the planet so far, encouraging independent action from people to help protect the planet.

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Actions Speak…

FOBISIA SENIOR DRAMA FESTIVAL Aditee Biswas Drama Teacher The British School New Delhi

From 5-7 December 2024, The British School, New Delhi hosted our first FOBISIA Senior Drama Festival, Actions Speak…

Held in the capital of India, New Delhi, our festival welcomed students and teachers from St. Andrews International School, Bangkok, Thailand The Canadian International School, Bangalore, India The British School, Kathmandu, Nepal A group of over 80 students, including participants from The British School, New Delhi, spent time together learning new skills, exploring new theatre forms, making new friends, and having loads of fun creating, devising and performing.

Over a span of three days, the students witnessed a multimedia puppet theatre performance, participated in workshops conducted by our Drama and Dance teachers, who themselves are seasoned practitioners of these art forms, and collaborated to create 4 very impactful theatre pieces that were showcased to mark the culmination of the festival.

The festival opened with a series of presentations that included a welcome dance titled Dance of Unity performed by Puppetshala Performing Arts Trust. Led by internationally acclaimed puppeteer Mohammad Shameem, this performance was created using giant puppets which brought in the local culture and traditions of performing arts practiced in our region. This was followed by a dance performance by our Jazz Club students, choreographed

by Mr. Sanjay Rana. The year 11 Drama students presented a physical theatre piece, guided

by Mr. Jaspreet Walia, titled “With or Versus”, which showed a brief journey of how nature gives birth to man and how this creation goes on to consume everything it touches only to eventually lose its very essence.

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What followed this were two exhilarating days of learning and exploration. The students were divided into companies that consisted of a mix of students from all participating schools. Each company had the opportunity to attend the workshops being offered on a carousel and was allotted a teacher mentor and company time to create their own performances.

The workshops were as follows: 1. Laban Technique led by Ms. Harshita Guha & Ms. Akanksha Kumari 2. Shadow puppetry led by Mr. Manish Haldar 3. Space led by Mr. Sanjay Rana 4. Viewpoints by Mr. Jaspreet Walia The result of these workshops were 4 wonderful performance pieces that took inspiration from pictures/images that changed the world emotionally, politically and or intellectually.

The stimuli being: 1. Man on the moon 2. Hiroshima Shadow and Raising The Flag on Iwo Jima 3. Leap into Freedom The evenings found the students engaged in viewing theatre and having a wonderful time at the gala dinner. On the evening of the opening day of the festival, the students saw Mahabharata, a multimedia puppet theatre play, directed by Ms. Anurupra Roy and presented by New Delhi based company, KatKatha Puppet Arts Trust. The following evening we hosted a gala dinner, where a pop-up market, henna/mehendi application sessions, music, dinner, and dancing helped the students let their hair down and bond beyond the classrooms in a social, informal setting.

Actions Speak…, thus gave us an opportunity to not just discover our ability to convey our ideas through physicality and movement, but it also helped us relearn the power of expressions and human connections that develop through pure emotions.

As the curtains to our festival came to a close, we realised that Drama isn’t just about the time spent on stage; it is about the new bonds formed, new bridges built —between schools, individuals, cultures, and ideas. This event reminded us that our actions truly do speak louder than our words and that we will not only be remembered for who we are but also for what we did. Actions Speak…, helped us experience the power of silence and how it can move hearts, challenge minds, and can spark change.

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FOBISIA SECONDARY MATHS COMPETITION 2025 Jon Dancyger Key Stage 3 Maths Leader Garden International School

After a hiatus in 2024, the FOBISIA Secondary Maths Competition has returned! This year’s edition, hosted by Garden International School Kuala Lumpur in January, featured 176 students from 26 schools across 16 Asian cities.

Competing over two busy days of brain-busting puzzles and problems, students put their maths skills to the test to see who would emerge victorious.

Kicking things off on Thursday evening, students broke the ice playing human bingo, and got to know all the nooks and crannies of the school campus by doing a scavenger hunt. After a well-earned dinner and a good night’s sleep, the competitive elements began on Friday morning and stretched into Saturday afternoon. Students initially completed the individual round, after which there were a variety of team rounds, ranging from codebreaking and logic problems to mathematical history, a crossnumber, independent research, and the ever-popular maths relay. There was also a fun and demanding maths carousel, with 10 different activity stations set-up, each one tackled on rotation.

But it wasn’t all fun and maths; there was also the serious business of a trip to SuperPark Malaysia, the indoor playground, where students had a great deal of fun climbing, jumping, bopping, and more. Perhaps the highlight was seeing the ginormous stack of pizza boxes arriving to feed the masses!

To cap things off, Saturday evening saw the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony. Students were treated to a true taste of Malaysian cuisine whilst listening to traditional gamelan music. Congratulations go to all of the students who took part, they did so with great enthusiasm and mathematical proficiency.

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Special congratulations go to the award winners, in particular Seth from Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, who won the Individual Round with a perfect score, and Shane, Shon Ming, Yii Chern, and Kate from HELP International School who were the members of the overall winning team.

A final group photo capped off the event, before some teary goodbyes to new found friends. Hopefully students will reunite next year for the FOBISIA Secondary Maths Competition 2026!

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FOBISIA MINECRAFT SHOWDOWN Steve Miller Year 6 Teacher & EdTech & Innovation Lead The International School @ ParkCity

On 29 November 2024, The International School @ ParkCity proudly hosted the Minecraft Showdown—a virtual competition that brought together over 800 students from 29 schools across Asia. The event provided an engaging platform for students to showcase their creativity, problemsolving skills, and teamwork in the world’s best-selling video game.

The competition featured three exciting events: the Architecture Challenge, the Creative Challenge, and the Redstone Challenge.

Each task was designed to push the boundaries of imagination and technical skill while fostering a spirit of collaboration. Participants joined the live event via Zoom, where each challenge was introduced.

The Architecture Challenge invited students to recreate iconic world landmarks with remarkable attention to detail and creativity. From the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty, the results demonstrated not only the students’ building skills but also their ability to bring history alive in the digital age.

The Creative Challenge inspired participants to construct hidden worlds camouflaged within their surroundings. This task required innovative thinking, as students designed intricate environments that surprised judges with their ingenuity.

Finally, the Redstone Challenge focused on Minecraft’s mechanical and technical aspects. Students harnessed the power of Redstone to build innovative machines, showcasing their engineering skills. From automated farms to firework machines, the creations highlighted the limitless possibilities of combining logic, design, and innovation.

A dedicated team of student judges from ISP played a pivotal role in evaluating the entries. Together, they assessed entries based on creativity, functionality, and adherence to the given themes.

Throughout the day, participants displayed remarkable creativity, perseverance, and teamwork. The competition was a celebration of the boundless possibilities of technology as a medium for learning and expression. Beyond the impressive builds and clever designs, the event highlighted essential future-ready skills such as collaboration, communication, and innovation.

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Well done to all participants for their hard work and dedication throughout the event, and a huge congratulations to the winners and runners up!

Architecture Challenge 1st place - Suho (St. Joseph's Institution International School) 2nd place - Yuria, Alva, Doeun & Abigail (The International School @ ParkCity) 3rd place - Clara & Natasha (Taipei European School)

Creative Challenge 1st place - Oscar (North London Collegiate School (Singapore)) 2nd place - Max, Devon, Freddie & Duke (Kellett School Hong Kong) 3rd place - Ashton & Aiden (St. Joseph's Institution International School)

Redstone Challenge 1st place - Cayden (Sri KDU International School (Kota Damansara)) 2nd place - Charlie (Singapore International School of Bangkok (Pracha Uthit Campus)) 3rd place - Dohyun & Rei (Dover Court International School)

You can view the winners video here to see some of the amazing entries.

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FOBISIA BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2025 WHAT. A. WEEKEND! David Gareth Spencer Head of Music Nexus International School Malaysia

Nexus International School Malaysia was absolutely thrilled to be chosen by FOBISIA to host this year’s Battle of the Bands 2025 — and what a show it turned out to be! Having loved every moment of previous competitions, we couldn’t wait to welcome schools from all across Asia for what became our biggest, boldest, and most electrifying event yet!

This year, we turned up the volume with a festival - style experience — featuring 8 powerful keynote sessions, 32 hands-on workshops, and 42 phenomenal band performances spread across three unforgettable days of music, learning, and connection.

Day 1 kicked things off in style with a Welcome Meal at the event hotel. The energy was high as bands met for the first time, friendships sparked instantly, and the vibe for the weekend was well and truly set.

Day 2 exploded into action with a thunderous Chinese Drum performance followed by a high-octane DJ and light show that had everyone buzzing! Bands got to soundcheck while attending inspiring keynotes and workshops covering everything from vocals and instruments to beatboxing, DJ-ing, the music business, and gigready performance skills.

Then came Day 3 — the moment we’d all been waiting for. 42 bands hit the stage with next-level energy, passion, and professionalism, delivering jaw-dropping performances backed by a dazzling light and pyrotechnics show. The audience was blown away. The judges were speechless. The live stream viewers? Absolutely hooked.

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And what a judging panel we had!

Noel Sullivan – winner of UK TV show Popstars, who went on to have 2 UK number 1 hit songs with the band ‘Hear’say’, performing in Arenas all over the world. Having taken the lead role in several West End musicals such as ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Grease’, ‘Fame’, ‘Flashdance’, ‘Rock of Ages’ and more.

His judging comments, Keynote addresses and workshops delivered were a real treat.

James Bennette – West End and TV choreographer James Bennette delighted us with his high action movement workshops and his passionate judging. His insights from his work on Britain’s Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing, and as one of the main dancers in Elton John film ‘Rocketman’ were invaluable.

Brandon Friesen – Grammy nominated, multi-Juno award winning music producer, songwriter, television producer, and manager who has worked extensively with Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and toured extensively as guitarist for Billy Ray Cyrus, added a fascinating angle to the judging panel with thought provoking insight during the live final.

Roo Pigott – Grammy award nominated Producer, Music and Tech entrepreneur Roo Pigott who famously kick started the career of Ed Sheeran and the Arctic Monkeys delivered insightful comments and his workshops and Keynote sessions were a real treat, adding invaluable industry insight.

Isaac Miranda – artist manager, distributor, and promoter Isaac Miranda who famously worked with Artic Monkeys, Backstreet Boys, and Jason Mraz brought unique industry know-how to the event with interesting keynote sessions and superb advice for our bands.

EVERY BAND GAVE IT THEIR ALL — BUT IN THE END, TWO STOOD OUT: Electric Ladyland - Key Stage 4 Winners

Singapore International School of Bangkok (Pracha Uthit Campus)

Aquamarine - Key Stage 3 Winners

Harrow International School Bangkok We’re so proud of every single performer, workshop leader, and team member who made this year’s Battle of the Bands an epic celebration of music, creativity, and pure talent.

THE BAR HAS BEEN RAISED. THE BEAT GOES ON. AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO DO IT ALL AGAIN!

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U15 FOBISIA GAMES

FROM HIGH EXPECTATIONS TO UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS ON AND OFF THE FIELD Matt Hammonds U15 Games Trip Leader Garden International School

Garden International School’s U15 FOBISIA Games team set-off in the early morning with hopes, anticipation and dreams of a successful tour on the horizon. After a day of travelling, we finally arrived safely at Pattana Sports Resort, which would be our base for 5 days. The excitement in the evening was building amongst the students and they were ready for the challenges ahead.

The first day of competition started with track and field athletics. Students enjoyed the traditional flag walkthrough which officially opened the Games before switching mindsets to game mode.

The high standards from the other schools was evident but GISKL stepped up to the challenge and stayed competitive in many events. There were many individual and team successes and the athletics team managed to secure 21 medals out of a possible 48 events which was a great return.

In the afternoon session, athletes took to the pool. Expectations were high given our talented selection of strong swimmers in the school.

After the first few events it was clear to see that we were going to be in for a great competition with many schools having competitive swimmers in action. It was also great to see so many parents there to support throughout the competitions! This really does make a difference to the teams and students respond positively to the cheering so we would like to acknowledge their contributions to the atmosphere.

After a very busy Day 1, Day 2 saw all students competing in basketball. GISKL started the day with high expectations and spirits, given the strong performances from Day 1 on the track and in the pool. Once again, we knew that we were in for a challenge with the strong competition amongst the other teams. The beauty about the FOBISIA Games is the multi-sport component and it is great to see many of the students competing across many disciplines and not just specialising in one sport.

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The boys had a strong start to the morning sessions, winning all of their group games and placing firmly at the top of the group. Unfortunately the semi finals derailed the momentum, and with tired legs on show, they eventually lost a very close game to The British International School, Kuala Lumpur (BSKL) in overtime. The GISKL boys finished in 4th position overall, narrowly missing out on the trophy and medal positions. The girls also had a tough morning on the court and were drawn amongst previous winners and strong basketball teams in the group stages. They showed spirit and grit in their performances but were overcome by some talented players.

Our final day of competition saw us challenge for places on the football field. With disappointment still lingering from the previous day's basketball results, the teams were eager to make a strong start, and they certainly did! The first round of games saw our boys open with victory over Sri KDU (Kota Damansara) with our girls also beating the same opponents. With spirits lifted, both sides went into the next game with expectations high and again they delivered, with the both teams playing some lovely football to secure the wins over Regents International School Pattaya boys with the girls also winning against British International School Ho Chi Minh City. With both teams now securing their places in the semi finals, GISKL finished the group games with a loss to Dover Court Singapore boys and a draw with Taipei European School.

With 3 games now played, there were again some tired legs but the players from all teams were continuing to battle through. In a drama filled semi-final the GISKL boys team managed to edge out The British School Manila on penalties to secure medal places and a journey through to the final. The girls very narrowly lost the semi final match to a strong Dover Court Singapore side but still went through to the 3rd-4th place play-off. The final matches of the tournament were both for medal places and the boys went first, taking on the basketball winners, British International School Ho Chi Minh City.

The game was very tight and both teams played some lovely football but GISKL were unable to find the breakthrough for the goal before the opposition scored in the second half. GISKL ended up losing narrowly by a 1 goal margin to finish in runners-up position overall.

The girls were up next and they needed to overcome British International School Manila. They started strong and the first half finished 0-0. In a tight game they managed to score and go 1-0 up shortly after the interval. However, the opposition bounced back strongly and scored 2 very good goals to secure the victory and put GISKL just outside the medal positions in 4th place overall.

On behalf of all coaches, I can not put into words how proud we are of all of the players over the 3 days of the tournament. They fought hard, supported each other and had some amazing moments in victory and shared tears in defeats. Sport is a learning process and these experiences and reflections will stay with them for life.

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The final night always brings the grand finale gala dinner which is always a highlight to reflect on the efforts in all competitions with the games highlights video and planned entertainment. We also got to find out the results from the athletics and swimming competitions. The GISKL students were delighted to hear that they came 3rd place overall in the athletics track and field competition. In the swimming competition, GISKL were fantastic, taking the champions trophy by over 53 points. These results were a great return and are a testament to the dedication of the team and coaches. The students returned back to Kuala Lumpur very happy with some great memories and 3 trophies for their efforts.

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"

I felt this year really was something special, in terms of the organisation, the level of competition, the luck with the weather and no delays. Really one that the students and staff will remember forever!"

Coach Matt, POWIIS

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"

They have worked so hard, it’s really great to see it pay off on the courts, on the field and in the pool."

Green Group Coach

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"

It was an amazing experience competing against people from other countries!"

Blue Group Student

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"

The highlight has to be the sportsmanship and the friends I’ve made."

Student, RIS

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"

Love the facilities, everything from the dining area, the basecamp and the sports facilities."

Coach Adrienne, BISHN

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FOBISIA CONNECT FOBISIA Connect is a valuable resource for FOBISIA Member School Staff allowing you to connect with others in a similar role within the community. Use this platform as a go-to place to share insights, experiences, and support with others. See the latest FOBISIA events as well as news and updates!

www.fobisia.org/cpd/fobisia-connect

FOBISIA WEBINARS

www.fobisia.org/cpd/webinars

FOBISIA offers a range of engaging webinars to its Members; recordings of past webinars are available on the FOBISIA website. Looking ahead we have an exciting lineup of webinars planned, covering diverse subjects and addressing emerging trends in education.

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FOBISIA TABLE TENNIS 2025 Helen Mathews Director of Sport Wellington College International School Bangkok

The inaugural FOBISIA Table Tennis Tournament was hosted

by Wellington College Bangkok on 7–8 March 2025. Sixtyseven players, representing ten schools, participated in a combination of singles and doubles matches over two days. St Christopher’s International School, Penang, came the furthest distance with their twelve students travelling from Malaysia.

The hosts, Wellington College, had the most students competing with seventeen, and Singapore International School Bangkok also had twelve competitors across the age categories of under 11, 13, and 15.

The tournament was supported by the Table Tennis Association of Thailand (TTAT), which provided the match officials, referees, and tables for the event. The Vice-President of TTAT, Udom Suksudprasert, was the VIP guest and presented the trophies at the Gala Awards Dinner. In his speech to the competitors, Udom commended Wellington College for its work on promoting the game of table tennis at international schools across Thailand.

The tournament was divided between group matches on Friday 7 March, and then split into two competitions on Saturday 8 March, with group winners competing in the FOBISIA Cup and other players participating in the Duke’s Cup. This meant that all students, wherever experienced players or rookies, had the opportunity to play over both days and compete for trophies.

The Under 11 tournament was dominated by the Wellington College Dukes Academy, with Gabriel beating his younger sibling Raphael in the U11 final, before the brothers teamed up to win the U11 doubles, beating another Wellington pair in the final, Kraam and ‘Sky’ Yicheng.

It was the academy from Singapore International School Bangkok that were the most successful in the Under 13 and Under 15 tournaments, with their star player, ‘Fei Fei’ winning the singles in both events.

Dr Peter Church, Tournament Director and Head of Table Tennis at Wellington College, commented, “We are proud to have delivered a successful FOBISIA tournament, which offered so many students the chance to participate in a competitive and friendly event.”

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FOBISIA CHESS This academic year, has seen two FOBISIA Chess competitions take place: Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside hosted the inaugural in-person FOBISIA Chess competition in term 1; whilst the highly regarded online Chess event hosted by British School Jakarta returned in term 2 for the third consecutive year, with a record number of participants! Both events will be back by popular demand next year.

FOBISIA CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 Alun Morris Associate Director of Sport & Activities Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside

On Friday 6th and Saturday 7th of December 2024, Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside hosted the FOBISIA 2024 Chess Championship with 166 players from 27 different schools and four countries: Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Malaysia.

A total of 686 games were played, with 637 victories and 49 draws.

On day two, 23 players had the special opportunity to face Thailand's no.1 ranked chess player and International Master, Prin Laohawirapap. Luke from Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside, who also won first place in the U9 Individual Winners category, managed to beat Prin which was a simply incredible feat.

Congratulations to all the individual and team winners: U7 Individual Winners: 1st – Viraj (Aster International School) 2nd – Oliver (Garden International School) 3rd – Ozone (Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside) U9 Individual Winners: 1st – Luke (Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside) 2nd – Evie (Bangkok Patana School) 3rd – Claire (Sukcharoenphon School) U11 Individual Winners: 1st – Itamar (St Andrews International School Bangkok) 2nd – Dingcheng (Bangkok Patana School) 3rd – Bheerada (Denla British School) U13 Individual Winners: 1st – Lucas (Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong) 2nd – Tod (Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside) 3rd – Jieren (Garden International School, Kuala Lumpur) U15 Individual Winners: 1st – Teddy (Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong) 2nd – Aarav (Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside) 3rd – Zhou Ming Ho (elc International School) U18 Individual Winners: 1st – Brunel (Garden International School Rayong) 2nd – Ethan (Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside) 3rd – Tique (Singapore International School of Bangkok) Team Winners: U7: Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside U9: Bangkok Patana School U11: St Andrews International School Bangkok U13: Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside U15: Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong U18: Rugby School Thailand Overall School Winners: 1st – Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside 2nd – St Andrews International School Bangkok 3rd – Bangkok Patana School On behalf of Shrewsbury Riverside, we would like to thank all participants and sincerely hope it was a memorable experience.

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FOBISIA ONLINE CHESS TOURNAMENT 2025 Jon O’Neill Tournament Organiser British School Jakarta

The 3rd FOBISIA Online Team Chess Tournament was held on Saturday 8th March 2025. The event saw a record 282 students taking part from 23 schools. The tournament's ceremonial opening move was made by Mr Dan Harbridge, Secondary Headteacher of the British School of Jakarta, whose school was hosting the tournament for the third successive year. Due to the unprecedented number of teams taking part this year, organiser Jon O'Neill announced in the Captain's Meeting that an extra event, the Challengers Section, would be incorporated into the main event, whereby the top three reserve teams from schools that entered multiple teams could compete for this title in addition to the main event.

The tournament itself once again culminated in a nail-bitingly close finish, with the leading teams swapping positions right into the final few minutes. International Master and Chief Arbiter of the tournament, Andras Toth remarked upon the high quality of chess displayed and the impeccable Fairplay that the students showed, stating that every competitor brought credit to their team-mates and their school.

The full results can be seen here Championship Final Standings 1st British School Jakarta 2nd Haileybury Almaty 3rd Amnuay Silpa Challengers Final Standings 1st Garden International School II 2nd HELP International IV 3rd HELP International II

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FOBISIA RUGBY INVITATIONAL & REPRESENTATIVE TEAM TRIALS Todd Skevington Director of Sports Marlborough College Malaysia

FOBISIA Rugby 7s Tournament and Trials: A Memorable Weekend of Rugby Action On the weekend of 7-8th December 2024, Marlborough College Malaysia had the privilege of hosting the highly anticipated FOBISIA Rugby 7s Tournament, an event that brought together top talent from FOBISIA schools and local schools alike. The Tournament, held on Saturday, featured a competitive and exciting day of rugby across five age groups: U11, U13, U14, U16, and U18. The following day, the focus shifted to friendly matches for the U14 and U16 teams and trials for the U18 players, culminating in the selection of the FOBISIA representative team for the Hong Kong Global Schools competition.

U11 and U13 Highlights The day kicked off with the U11 competition, where GDS RC emerged as the victors, narrowly defeating Killerbees RC 3-2 in a tense final. The U13 tournament was equally thrilling, with Jellybean RC taking the overall win, while Dulwich put in a strong performance to claim second place.

U14 and U16 Showdowns The U14 competition saw Vikings edge out Dulwich for the title, with a thrilling contest that showcased the skill and determination of both teams. In the third and fourth place playoff, Tanglin secured a dramatic win over Marlborough College with a late try. The U14 Plate was claimed

by Bangkok Prep, who demonstrated great teamwork throughout the day.

In the U16 competition, the final was a nail-biting affair, with Wildcats narrowly defeating Dulwich 7-5 in what was one of the most closely contested matches of the day. The U16 Plate was awarded to Helactors RC, who had a strong showing in the tournament.

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FOBISIA RUGBY

U18 Final and Trials

Looking Ahead

The U18 final was a highly anticipated clash between Marlborough College and Nexus Singapore. Nexus took their chances brilliantly, defending stoutly to secure a well-deserved victory. Their disciplined approach and tactical play ultimately proved too much for Marlborough College, who gave a valiant effort throughout the match.

The FOBISIA Rugby 7s tournament and trials were a

The second day of the tournament saw the U14 and U16 competitions reignited with friendly matches, providing more opportunities for players to showcase their skills. The focus then shifted to the U18 trials, where players were assessed based on their performances from the previous day. The best players were selected into four teams, with players being moved up or down depending on their ability.

fantastic two days of rugby action, showcasing the talent and sportsmanship of players across all age groups. It was an event that not only celebrated the sport but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

As we look forward to the 2025 event, we anticipate an even larger and more competitive tournament, with more schools participating and even greater rugby played. For now, congratulations to all the teams and players who made this year's event such a memorable success, and best of luck to the FOBISIA select team as they prepare for their next challenge in Hong Kong.

At the end of the day, a FOBISIA select team of 12 players was chosen. This team, which includes players from Marlborough College, Nexus International School Singapore , Dulwich College (Singapore), The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok Prep, will represent FOBISIA in the prestigious Hong Kong Global Schools competition, leading up to the Hong Kong Sevens in March.

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FOBISIA REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY TEAM AT CATHAY YOUTH 7S INVITATIONAL, 27TH & 28TH MARCH Gareth Pearson Vice Chair and Sports Strategy of FOBISIA PE & Sports Executive Committee and Director of Sport, The British School Manila

An incredible milestone for FOBISIA Rugby!

For the first time, a FOBISIA representative rugby team took to the field at the Cathay Youth 7s Rugby in Hong Kong. This prestigious event brought together 12 students from Marlborough College, Dulwich College Singapore, Bangkok Prep, Nexus International School Singapore, and The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur.

Meeting as a team for the first time in Hong Kong, the boys quickly bonded during their initial training session hosted at Kellett School.

Under the expert guidance of coaches Michael McFarlane (Bangkok Prep) and Gareth Pearson (British School Manila), the players were put through a high-performance preparation programme, including a structured gym session, technical run-throughs, and whiteboard tactical plays. That team spirit and professionalism carried them through two days of fast-paced, high-intensity competition against top regional opposition.

Group Stage Success A dominant performance saw the FOBISIA team top their group, securing impressive wins against Weihai Youth Rugby Team, King George V School, and Renaissance College. The team’s attacking flair and commitment in defence earned them a well-deserved place in the semi-finals.

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FOBISIA RUGBY

A Hard-Fought Semi-Final

Building Something Special

Up against a well-drilled Kellett School side, the team showed incredible resilience and determination.

Despite an early exchange of tries, the boys battled bravely but narrowly missed out with a 7–19 loss in a thrilling contest.

This tournament marked a significant step forward for FOBISIA representative rugby. The players, parents, and coaches all had an unforgettable experience on and off the field, with new friendships formed and memories made.

Finishing in Style

There are exciting plans already in motion to grow FOBISIA Rugby in the years ahead, with the aim of increasing opportunities for both boys and girls to represent FOBISIA on the regional and international stage.

In the Plate Final match, played at the incredible Kai Tak Sports Park stadium, the boys emerged from the tunnel and delivered their finest performance of the tournament. The FOBISIA team ran in six superb tries against the China National Academy to secure third place overall. Their teamwork, fitness, and flair came together at just the right time.

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A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this incredible experience possible – including all participating schools, our dedicated coaching team, and our generous hosts at Kellett School. We can’t wait to build on this success next year!

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FOBISIA SWIMMING: A DECADE OF GROWTH AND EXCELLENCE Vicki Gill FOBISIA PE & Sport Executive Committee CPD Rep & Swimming Lead and Director of Sport, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus

Since its inception in 2015, FOBISIA Swimming has become the largest standalone event within the FOBISIA calendar, and for many Member Schools, it is the highlight of their swimming year. The event provides student athlete swimmers the opportunity to experience an international level swim meet, even if their school does not have its own pool!

The first FOBISIA Swimming Championship was held in 2015, with over 500 swimmers participating. It quickly established itself as one of the top swimming events in the region, attracting a growing number of schools each year and becoming a permanent feature in the FOBISIA sporting calendar.

However, like many global sporting events, FOBISIA Swimming faced an unprecedented challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. With travel restrictions and school closures disrupting traditional competitions, FOBISIA Swimming adapted by introducing an innovative online format. Swimmers participated in time-trial events at their respective schools, submitting results virtually. This creative solution allowed the competition to continue, keeping athletes engaged and motivated despite the difficult circumstances.

As travel restrictions eased, FOBISIA Swimming returned to in-person competitions, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to excellence. The return of in-person events in 2021, hosted by Bangkok Patana

School, showcased the resilience of our swimmers. Year on year, FOBISIA Swimming has continued to expand. In 2024, the event was hosted by TEEMS Global at the Thanyapura Sports and Health Resort in Thailand, a world-class facility renowned for its Olympicstandard swimming pool and highperformance training amenities.

Thanyapura’s reputation as a premier sports training destination made it an ideal host venue, and the event again proved to be incredibly popular.

As participation numbers continued to increase, the need for a more structured competition format became apparent. Following the 2024 event feedback from Member Schools, the competition was split into two divisions.

This change allows for a more inclusive competition structure, ensuring that schools of varying swimming strengths can compete at an appropriate level. Division 1 comprises schools that finished in the top 10 rankings in 2024 or have strong swimming programmes, while Division 2 allows developing teams to gain valuable experience among schools with similar competitive backgrounds.

This structured approach not only enhances competitiveness but also encourages broader participation, ensuring that more young athletes can benefit from the experience while maintaining the core values of inclusivity and development that underpin FOBISIA’s philosophy.

In 2025, Division 1 was hosted

by Rugby School Thailand, while Amnuay Silpa School, in partnership with TEEMS Global, hosted Division 2 at Thanyapura.

Both events, held on the same weekend, attracted over 300 swimmers each, who competed in heats and finals over 2.5 days of fast and furious swimming.

With a decade of growth behind it and an exciting future ahead, FOBISIA Swimming stands as a testament to the dedication of schools, coaches, and swimmers across the FOBISIA network of Member Schools. As it moves forward, FOBISIA Swimming will undoubtedly continue to be a cornerstone of international school sports, inspiring generations of swimmers to push their limits and achieve greatness.

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FOBISIA SWIMMING 2025 DIVISION 1 HOSTS RUGBY SCHOOL THAILAND Richard Molloy Director of Sport Rugby School Thailand

WATCH VIDEO

Hosting the first Division 1 swimming event at Rugby School Thailand was a real highlight of the year for us. The standard of swimming across the region was truly showcased, a true celebration of the work that goes into aquatics across the FOBISIA family. We saw outstanding races across all age groups including multiple races where South East Asia Champions went head to head, swimming incredibly fast times which would rank highly in Britain! An exciting showcase which will only grow and develop in the coming years.

DIVISION 2 HOSTS AMNUAY SILPA SCHOOL & TEEMS GLOBAL Oliver Parkinson Director of Sport Amnuay Silpa School

WATCH VIDEO

Amnuay Silpa School and Teems Global were delighted to host the FOBISIA Division 2 Swimming at Thanyapura Phuket. With 21 teams participating, the schools, coaches, swimmers, and supporters together made this a really special occasion: their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and dedication truly contributed to a fantastic weekend of competition.

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Twisted Tales

FOBISIA JUNIOR DRAMA FESTIVAL Joe Wyatt Head of Whole School Drama Garden International School

The FOBISIA Drama Junior Festival: Twisted Tales was a great success, bringing together 200 students from 14 schools for a fun and creative drama experience. The festival gave young performers the chance to build their skills, explore storytelling, and work with top drama practitioners.

Box House Theatre led the workshops, bringing energy and expertise to the event.

Their sessions encouraged students to think creatively, develop strong characters, and use physical theatre techniques. A key challenge required students to perform on a stage the size of two gym mats, with all eight members of their group on it at all times. This pushed them to be precise with movement, work as a team, and think outside the box.

One of the best parts of the festival was seeing students from different schools collaborate. The ‘Twisted Tales’ theme inspired fresh, exciting takes on classic stories, leading to playful and inventive performances. The final showcase was a highlight, showing just how much the students had grown in confidence and skill throughout the day.

Beyond performance, the festival helped students develop teamwork, overcome stage fright, and discover new interests in theatre. Teachers and practitioners praised their enthusiasm and willingness to take creative risks.

Overall, the FOBISIA Drama Junior Festival: Twisted Tales was a huge success. The mix of expert guidance from Box House Theatre, the energy of 200 young performers, and the collaboration between 14 schools made it a fantastic event. It reinforced the power of drama to unite, inspire, and challenge students, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.

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"

This was an incredible event from start to finish.

I am grateful that I was able to learn from and connect with so many colleagues. Students really had the space and immersive environment to explore and improve consistently throughout the week /weekend."

Chela Siame Sri KDU International School (Kota Damansara)

"

Thanks for an excellent festival. The students loved it, have made friends and were very proud of the work created. Can't wait for the next one."

Anne-Marie Francis The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur

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"

The festival was extremely well organised. Our students took so much from the workshops and will be using this as part of a student led lunch time CCA." Bethany Clarke Dover Court International School

"

Joe, his team and Box House were all fantastic.

They were passionate, encouraging and really inspired our students."

Jack Piggott Discovery Bay International School

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"

It's amazing! In the old days we would go to different cities and that was great but this is a different level, the facilities are amazing,the kids have great opportunities to make friends with each other, it's just gotten better and better... After 20 years I still enjoy it...!"

Coach Taso, ISPU

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"

It's great to see the students out there trying their best and getting lots of medals."

Coach Clare, ISB

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"

It doesn't matter if we win or lose, it just matters that we try 100%" Krystal, BSY

"

My favourite moment was getting to be with my friends and also it’s been an honour to represent my school."

Student, GISKL

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"

This is the highlight of the year for me. I love coming back here every year and it's always the same; just the same enjoyment and competitiveness. It's just great!"

Ollie, KSHK

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"

The SMW staff MAKE this event, they go above and beyond and nothing is ever too much stress or trouble. " Coach Danielle, NLCSS

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"

Make sure you sign up for FOBISIA - It is extremely fun! " Izza, NISM 52

FOBISIA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 24/25

How Can We Make Our Campus as Biodiverse and Sustainable as a Rainforest?

Warda Muse Head of Chemistry Jerudong International School

Imagine stepping onto campus and hearing the hum of bees, the flutter of butterfly wings and the rustling of lush greenery.

Picture wildflowers sprouting where once there was only grass and trees alive with birdsong. This isn’t just a dream - it’s the bold vision our Year 7 students are bringing to life.

Inspired by the breathtaking biodiversity of the Bornean rainforest, they set out on a STEAM challenge: how can we make our school a thriving, sustainable ecosystem?

Understanding Biodiversity Their journey began in Geography, where students explored what biodiversity means and why it is crucial to the balance of nature. They studied the intricate ecosystems of the Bornean rainforest, learning how different species - plants, animals and fungi interact to create a thriving environment and examined the challenges facing these ecosystems.

With a newfound awareness of biodiversity, students moved into the next phase: applying their knowledge to make a tangible difference.

The Next Steps: Technology, Storytelling and Action As the project moves forward, students will soon turn to Computer Science to measure the impact of their work.

They will use Microbits to monitor temperature, humidity and soil moisture, gathering real-time data on the conditions around campus. This information will help them understand how well their plants are growing and whether further adjustments need to be made.

Beyond science and technology, students will soon harness the power of storytelling through English and Drama. In English, they will craft persuasive writing pieces—articles, speeches and campaigns—to inspire the school community to take action.

Drama will bring an emotional perspective, with students performing monologues that explore the urgency of habitat conservation and the impact of biodiversity loss.

Science, Mathematics and Green Space Planning In Science, students rolled up their sleeves and investigated how pollinators help plants thrive and how seed dispersal works in nature. They explored the ideal conditions for plants to flourish and considered how to recreate those conditions here.

Maths gave their ideas structure. By using area calculations, metric conversions and scale drawings, students designed green spaces that would best support biodiversity. They planned carefully—thinking about plant placement, sunlight exposure and maximising every inch of space to help the environment thrive.

The Grand Finale: Interactive Exhibition In June, the project will culminate in an interactive exhibition, where students will showcase their journey—from the first lessons in Geography to their scientific experiments, mathematical designs and environmental monitoring. Through a combination of data analysis, visual displays and live performances, they will invite the school community to engage with their work and be inspired to contribute to a more sustainable future.

But this isn’t just about a STEAM exhibition. It’s about creating a lasting impact. The knowledge students have gained, the ideas they have explored and the solutions they have designed will extend beyond this STEAM project. Their green spaces will grow, their work will continue and their voices will inspire change.

Our Year 7 students are proving that sustainability is not an abstract concept—it’s something we build together, step by step.

One plant. One habitat. One action at a time.

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ASSESSING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP: MAKING THE MOST OF AN INTERNATIONAL DAY

Do students know that they are developing as Global Citizens during International Day events? Or do students even truly develop during International Day? How can we ensure the celebration goes beyond fun activities, cultural outfits, and the fantastic food to develop real growth in Global Citizenship? Drawing on work for the FOBISIA Fellowship, the following article outlines ideas on using a framework (Figure 1) to both improve learning as well as collecting data on student progress, in the context of an International Day.

Preparation Stage: Identify Objectives and Rubrics What specific aspects of Global Citizenship should students develop during the day? This clarity of setting clear objectives informs both the design of the activities and how they will be assessed. For example, a flag parade celebrating national identity might target the objective “cultural awareness and appreciation”. With this objective in mind, a follow-up activity could be planned, for example a simulation game like BARNGA, which challenges participants to question their assumptions about culture and communication. Studies have shown that schools often assume global citizenship skills naturally develop through activities, without clearly linking learning objectives to how these skills are specifically fostered or demonstrated.1

Pre-Activity Assessment Before the celebration begins, gauge students’ baseline understanding and attitudes. Set a quiz or survey that, most importantly, involves students to prompt reflection on what they hope to learn and sets a reference point for later comparison.

Ongoing Assessment During International Day itself, despite the short timeframe, you can incorporate quick formative assessments. Encourage brief moments of reflection, ask guiding questions, or record observational notes on student engagement. Even a few well-placed questions can spark deeper thinking and reinforce the day’s Global Figure 1: Five stages of assessing Global Citizenship

Citizenship goals.

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FOBISIA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 24/25

Dr Kristof Starost Charter International School

Post-Activity Assessment After the festivities, collect final reflections tied directly to the initial objectives and rubric. This could be a digital form where students rate their growth or share one-word summaries about what “cultural backgrounds” mean to them now. Importantly, this gets the students reflecting.

Impact Evaluation Activity is complete, so what’s the point? Analysing all the data is crucial. Compare responses from before, during, and after. Reflect to determine the effectiveness of each activity. The insights will help refine future planning and inspire improvements that further cultivate Global Citizenship. But the best benefit is when the results show a clear improvement in progressing towards Global Citizenship!

Conclusion Through thoughtful planning and a structured assessment strategy, International Day can transcend being a one-time celebration. It can instead serve as a powerful catalyst for shaping globally minded learners, an integral component of every international school’s mission to develop true Global Citizens who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Acknowledgements A huge thank you goes to the support from the FOBISIA Fellowship Programme team, alongside important contributions from Neil Elrick (Charter International School), Dina Hawtree (Prince of Wales Island International School), and Paul Bannister (Jerudong International School, Brunei).

1: Chiba, Mina, et al. "Investigating effective teaching and learning for sustainable development and global citizenship: Implications from a systematic review of the literature." International Journal of Educational Development 81 (2021): 102337.

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LEVERAGING LINGUISTIC DIFFERENCES THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM COMMUNITIES

Vicky Walker Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi

A sense of belonging is a vital component of a child's educational experience, referring to the feeling of being valued, accepted, and included within the school community by both peers and educators. This sense is influenced by complex relationships with not just teachers, but peers, families, and the broader community. Studies have also shown that when students feel they belong, they are more likely to have positive relationships, engage in learning, and exhibit better academic outcomes and well-being.

Culture also plays a pivotal role in shaping students' sense of belonging. Recognising and valuing students' cultural backgrounds, including their linguistic diversity, helps create an inclusive environment. This inclusivity is important in fostering a sense of pride and identity among students, making them feel more connected to their school community (Goodenow, 1993; Hagerty et al., 1996). I will now outline several ways in which school communities can foster a greater sense of belonging in their linguistically diverse learners, leading to better learning outcomes for all.

translanguaging strategies, which encourage students to use their entire linguistic repertoire to facilitate comprehension and expression across languages, enabling them to grasp complex academic concepts more effectively (Canagarajah, 2011; García et al., 2017). Translanguaging also enables students to make connections between their home language(s) and the target language, improving their proficiency in both (Hillcrest, 2021). This is particularly beneficial for English language learners, as it allows them to use their first language as a scaffold for learning English and academic content (Freeman and Freeman, 2023).

Strategies to Enhance Cultural Inclusivity and Belonging

3.Cultural and Social Integration:

1. Cultural Integration within the Curriculum: Incorporating diverse cultural perspectives into educational materials can help students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, enhancing their sense of belonging. For example, using literature that features characters and authors from diverse backgrounds can foster empathy and understanding.

Incorporating units that reflect the home language (for example what is happening during a particular time in history for the home languages present) can also build up a more holistic view of the world and encourage learning across all cultures.

2. Multilingual Support: Using students' home languages in educational settings can also improve their engagement and academic performance, further reinforcing their sense of belonging. This approach aligns with

Translanguaging facilitates social interactions and cultural integration by allowing students to navigate diverse linguistic environments with greater ease and confidence (Frontiers in Education, 2024). It also empowers minority language speakers by valuing their linguistic resources, fostering a positive classroom environment where diverse languages are seen as assets rather than barriers.

Celebrating cultural diversity in the classroom also helps students feel confident, accepted, and understanding of the world around them.

Finally, by embracing cultural diversity and fostering a sense of belonging, educators can create supportive environments that promote academic success and student well-being. This approach not only benefits individual students but also enriches the entire school community by celebrating the unique backgrounds and identities of all students. By integrating diverse cultural perspectives into the curriculum and promoting inclusive practices, educators can enhance students' sense of belonging and contribute to their overall educational success. Thus, ultimately enriching the educational experience for all of our students.

References 1. Canagarajah, S. (2011). Codemeshing in Academic Writing: Identifying Teachable Strategies of Translanguaging. The Modern Language Journal, 95(3), 401–417.

2. Freeman, D., & Freeman, Y. (2023). Essential Linguistics: What You Need to Know to Teach Reading, ESL, Spelling, Phonics, and Grammar. Heinemann.

3. Frontiers in Education (2024). Bridging worlds with words: translanguaging and its impact on identity formation, academic integration, and social adaptation among Jordanian graduate students. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1464741. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1464741 4. García, O., & Wei, L. (2014). Translanguaging: Language, Bilingualism and Education. Palgrave Macmillan.

5. Goodenow, C. (1993). Classroom belonging among early adolescent students: Relationships to motivation, engagement, and persistence. Journal of Educational Psychology, 85(3), 402–415.

6. Hillcrest, D. (2021). Academic benefit of translanguaging. MinneTESOL Journal, 37(2).

7. Hagerty, B. M., Williams, R. A., Coyne, J. C., & Early, M. R. (1996). Sense of belonging and indicators of mental health in adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 18(4), 267–273.

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FOBISIA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 24/25

CAN COMPARATIVE JUDGEMENT IMPROVE LEARNING?

Todd Thornback Bangkok Patana School

Comparative judgement is not a new method for assessing student learning. However, in recent years, advancements in online platforms, such as RM Compare and NoMoreMarking, have made it a popular method for making summative interpretations.

There is an abundance of evidence suggesting comparative judgement, comparing one thing to another, is a reliable, valid, and efficient way of measuring student attainment. However, despite calls for further explanation from educators and Ofqual, there is limited evidence related to its potential to improve learning.

If, as Dylan Wiliam suggests, all assessments can be used summatively or formatively, then there must be a way to use its data to enhance learning. As part of the FOBISIA Fellowship programme, we have embraced the opportunity to partake in school wide action research into the impact of interventions stemming from comparative judgement results and compared them to the results before interventions.

Using an adaptation of research from Heldsinger and Humphry (2020), we have adopted a 3-stage approach to improving writing attainment.

Stage 1: Complete comparative judgement task (either internally or via national window) Stage 2: Select several learning samples within the middle section of the attainment range Stage 3: Identify consistent gaps among the sample (AI assistance possible) and teach accordingly Initially, the results were very positive. For example, in our trial period, organising writing into paragraphs was identified as a learning need among our KS2 writers.

We found that, when the learning needs identified from the comparative judgement assessment led to an alteration in teaching and learning, more children were able to paragraph. However, when adaptation did not take place, and comparative judgement was just used as a summative tool, learning gaps remained.

Following the success of this pilot, this has been communicated across the school with CPL sessions dedicated to its implementation. Not only are the academic results positive, but this has contributed to a more efficient moderation process, focused on learning needs rather than providing levels or labels.

Our subsequent results have indicated greater progress among our children than those in other schools across every year group.

At this point in the academic year, we have data trends from 3 different year groups and each of them have indicated a greater rate of progress for our writers than their counterparts at other schools.

In fact, Daisy Christadoulou at NoMoreMarking has recently been writing about initiatives to provide ‘whole-class feedback’ using AI as a result of comparative judgements. This is putting formative assessment back at the forefront of the process.

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A BEND IN THE ROAD Sarah Raffray Executive Principal King’s College Bangkok

“Meeting myself coming backwards” is an expression I don’t often use, because it suggests a degree of chaos or muddle. But if I amend it to “meeting myself going forwards”, this would be a wonderful description of the very profound experience which has accompanied the Making Stuff Better 360 executive coaching which FOBISIA has funded for its Heads of School this year.

I am old enough to remember inspections being invented, and I have experienced the full variety of appraisals, mentoring, coaching, and even therapy over the years (in a surprising move, during the pandemic the UK government twice funded 6 sessions of psychotherapy for Headteachers). Of all of these, to date the therapy postCovid had the greatest impact on both my personal and professional life. But now I have experienced the coaching with Making Stuff Better and it feels like something transformative is going on. Post-pandemic something which is a game changer needed for educational leaders.

I embarked on the programme with my usual zest, completed the self-reflection and invited everyone I line managed, sundry governors from both Bangkok and Wimbledon, and pretty well Uncle Tom Cobbly and all, to complete a survey on my leadership strengths and areas for development. Inviting so many people was rash but the spirit of the thing made it seem like a good idea. Following the reviews there was an opportunity to frame what I hoped to gain from the coaching. This exercise was intelligently structured to be both reflective and provocative enough to show that this would be coaching with a difference.

This has proved to be the case. My coach gently but firmly reminds me of anything I have committed to a sublime quality of self-direction is enabled and I have journalled as I have gone along.

The last session included a remarkable visualisation exercise - I won’t spoil it for others but it involved meeting myself. I have found this encounter very affecting. As a leader of Catholic schools for twenty years I am used to all manner of meditations, reflections, and stillness. I haven’t yet encountered anything which has stayed with me in this way and it is beginning to shape how I think about everything I do as a leader. It is rare to find a programme which is so kind but challenging, so beautifully put together but liberating. I am very grateful to FOBISIA for the chance to encounter this quality of coaching and relationship building. I am looking forward to the next few sessions.

In schools we rarely know what is coming around the corner next. This coaching has felt like a generous bend in the road offering new views and for this I am very grateful.

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