news Summer edition 2012 In this issue...
1. COBIS Honorary President is awarded a Knighthood made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1993, a Commander of the Order of Civil Merit of Spain in 1994 and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2003. He is an Honorary Fellow of Trinity College Oxford
1. COBIS Honorary President is awarded a Knighthood 2. Principal of the British School Kathmandu is awarded an MBE 3. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Sir Roger Fry who was formerly Chairman of COBIS from 1996 to 2011 has dedicated many years to the advancement of British International schools. This is a singularly and most important acknowledgement and recognition of British schools overseas and their contribution to British influence worldwide.
4. Lobbying Updates 5. New COBIS schools and supporting members 6. COBIS Games 2012 Prague 7. 5th Anniversary celebrations British School Baku 8. Prize giving Byron College, Athens 9. Middle Leaders development course, Cairo 10. COBIS Professional development courses 11. COBIS Competitions and Awards
COBIS EXECUTIVE Patron: HRH Princess Alexandra
Chairman: Trevor Rowell MA(Oxon) BPhil PGCE FIoD
The COBIS Secretariat Executive Director: Colin Bell executive.director@cobis.org.uk Membership and Marketing Administrator: Suzanne Howarth- members@cobis.org.uk Administrator: Sarah Wooldridge, Finance and CRB - admin@cobis.org.uk
The Executive Committee Vice Chairman: Steffen Sommer British School of Paris Treasurer: Simon O’Grady The British International School, Cairo Secretary: David Smith St Julian’s School, Portugal Dawn Akyurek, British Embassy School Ankara John Bagust, Prague British School Elaine Blaus, King’s College Madrid Jennifer Bray MBE, Inspections Officer Nigel Fossey, St George’s International School, ASBL, Luxembourg Anne Howells, British International School of Stavanger, Norway Peter Simpson, The British School in The Netherlands
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Dr Roger Fry CBE DLitt, Honorary President of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and Founder and Chairman of King’s Group and Founder of the British-Hispanic Foundation, has been made a Knight Bachelor by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II for services to British education internationally and for services to UK-Spain cultural relations. Born and educated in England, Sir Roger is a qualified teacher. In the late 1960s he moved to work in Madrid as a teacher. In 1969 he founded King’s College in a villa in the Chamartín area of the city. Over the following years the school grew and in 1978 it moved to the current campus in Soto de Viñuelas just outside Tres Cantos, where over 1400 children are now enrolled. More schools were added to the group including two more schools in Madrid, a boarding school in Worcestershire, England, a school in Alicante and another in Murcia. Growth of the group continues and in September 2012 a new King’s College will open in Panama. In total the Group now educates over 3,300 children. In 1981, Sir Roger founded the British Hispanic Foundation which promotes cultural understanding between British people and Spanish people particularly in education and the arts. For 15 years until 2011 he was Chairman of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), which was founded in 1981 to promote and support British schools around the world. He was a Director of the Independent Schools Council in England from 2008 to 2011 and a member of the House of Laity of the General Synod of the Church of England for 10 years. He has been National President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain. Sir Roger was
The global COBIS network congratulates Sir Roger and Lady Fry on this auspicious and well deserved honour.
2. Principal of The British School, Kathmandhu is awarded an MBE COBIS takes great pleasure in sharing the news that Mrs Sandj Wilderspin, Principal of the British School, Kathmandhu has been honoured in Her Majesty’s Jubilee Year Birthday Honours List as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her services to UK education overseas. COBIS and colleagues connected with the school’s community are enormously proud of Sandj’s achivement. The investiture ceremony will be in December 2012 or January 2013 at Buckingham Palace.
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Summer edition 2012 3. Invitation to attend a Foreign Commonwealth Office Reception on the Occasion of the visit of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Colin Bell, COBIS Executive Director was honoured to accept on behalf of COBIS an invitation from The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to attend a Reception on the occasion of the visit of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Colin said that the Reception hosted in the Commonmwealth Office was a ‘memorable and humbling occasion’ and that listening to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was enchanting in the sense that she is a symbol of hope to people around the world who are striving for democracy.
4. COBIS Lobbying Activities - Update •
In May 2012, COBIS introduced the Department for Education to the concept of hosting a ‘Policy Day’ for British schools overseas.
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COBIS supported the design of the programme for the ‘Policy Day’ and the selection of key stakeholders which were invited to attend.
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The DfE ‘Policy Day’ for British schools overseas which followed the COBIS annual conference was attended by senior representatives from The British Council, UKTI, FCO, DfE and Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools.
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COBIS have led lobbying activities in the House of Lords and through other channels to make changes to legislation to enable qualifying British International schools to deliver ‘Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) Induction’.
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In June 2012, the Secretary of State for Education announced new statutory guidance for NQT induction which allows COBIS schools which have undergone a British schools overseas inspection to deliver NQT induction from September 2012. This is clear
5. Introducing new COBIS schools and supporting members Following the membership committee held in May COBIS are delighted to annouce membership of the following schools: Associate Members: • Cradle to Crayon/Springhall International Primary School,Nigeria • Famaks School, Nigeria • International School Benghazi, Libya • Lekki School, Nigeria • Meridian School, Prague • Prince of Wales Island School, Malaysia • Regent School, Nigeria Candidate School: • King’s College, Panama
Congratulations to COBIS schools which have recently been awarded full COBIS membership following a successful British Schools Overseas Inspection by a DfE approved Inspectorate. • • • • •
The British School of Bucharest (ISI) The British School of Gran Canaria (ISI) The English College in Prague (Penta International) King’s College, The British School of Alicante ISI) The British International School of New York (ISI)
Inspection reports are available to download on the ‘Inspections’ section of the COBIS website and also on the BSO section of the DfE website
We are pleased to welcome and introduce to you to the following new supporting Members that have joined COBIS: Reeson Education - www.reesoneducation.com Their details are listed on the COBIS website: www.cobis.org.uk/supporting-members/supporting-members-3.html
www.cobis.org.uk 6. Congratulations to the winners of the COBIS Games 2012 - The British School in The Netherlands! 5. Congratulations to the winners of the COBIS Games 2012 - The British School in The Netherlands! The 12 COBIS schools which participated in swimming, athletics and football were... • The Prague British School, Czech Republic (Hosts) • The British Embassy School in Turkey • The British International School of Stavanger, Norway • The British School of Bucharest • St. Georges School Luxemburg • Kings College, Spain • Haileybury Almaty, Kazakstan • Haileybury Astana, Kazakstan • Geneva English School Congratulations to all students and staff who participated and a sincere thank you also to colleagues from the Prague British School who hosted a truly fantastic inaugural COBIS Games – a legacy event.
• The British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi • St. Catherine’s School, Athens, Greece • The British School in the Netherlands
Having dominated all day in the pool on Friday before going on to win the athletics on Saturday, BSN had left the other schools with a lot to do to close the gap at the football on Sunday. Third place in the group stage of the football was enough for BSN to pick up the points required to guarantee the BSN team the COBIS Games Trophy. Overall second place went to St Catherine’s School, Athens who followed up their 4th place in the pool, with 3rd place in the athletics and 2nd place in the football. Prague British School, proud hosts, were third overall after coming second in the athletics and winning the football. Over the three days BSN were undoubtedly the team to beat and their performances in the pool, in the track and field and on the pitch have given the other teams something to aim for in 2013. After the awards ceremony, the Team BSN team leader accepted the offer from COBIS to host the 2013 Games.
The ethos and objectives of the Games is to: • provide a learning experience in sportsmanship and in the value of healthy competition • enable students understand the value of the benefits of training in preparation for competition • enable students to specialise in sports appropriate to their age group • enable all schools to be able to host by having sufficient flexibility Would your school like to participate in the COBIS Games 2013? Further details will be circulated at the start of October 2012. Once again, COBIS would like to thank: Mr John Bagust, Head of Primary Schools and all the staff at the Prague British School for all their hard work preparing to host this exciting event and Sir Roger Fry and Dr Steffen Sommer, for supporting with the Awards Ceremonies.
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Summer edition 2012 COBIS Games 2012 Prague contd
4. COBIS Lobbying Activities - Update In May 2012, COBIS introduced the Department for Education to the concept of hosting a ‘Policy Day’ for British schools overseas. COBIS supported the design of the programme for the ‘Policy Day’ and the selection of key stakeholders which were invited to attend. The DfE ‘Policy Day’ for British schools overseas which followed the COBIS annual conference was attended by senior representatives from The British Council, UKTI, FCO, DfE and Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools. COBIS have led lobbying activities in the House of Lords and through other channels to make changes to legislation to enable qualifying British International schools to deliver ‘Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) Induction’. In June 2012, the Secretary of State for Education announced new statutory guidance for NQT induction which allows COBIS schools which have undergone a British schools overseas inspection to deliver NQT induction from September 2012. This is clear recognition by the British Government that COBIS represents British International schools of global quality.
To view COBIS Games 2012 PHOTOS and RESULTS go to www.pbschool.cz/cobisgames
www.cobis.org.uk 7. 5th Year Anniversary Celebrations at the British School in Baku, Azerbaijan Representatives from the COBIS Executive Committee were delighted to attend the 5th anniversary conference at the start of June, with colleagues from the British School Baku, a proud COBIS Associate Member. Over 100 parents, governors, staff, colleagues other Azeri schools and COBIS schools from Luxembourg, Norway, Turkey and Romania attended the day of celebrations which was hosted at both the school and at the Park Inn Hotel on the boulevard of the Caspian Sea. In terms of guest speakers, delegates were honoured to listen to an address by Mr Misir Mardanov, the Minister of Education of the Azerbaijan Republic. During his speech and others made by Mr Samir, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Jennifer Bray and Colin Bell from the COBIS Executive Committee shared the common theme of providing a challenging curriculum for the 21st century was explored. Delegates were treated to a selection of recitals from the talented school choir and to wonderful dance performances from pupils from the primary school. These performances showcased Azeri cultural heritage which was much appreciated by visitors and Azeri delegates alike and the students and staff had obviously worked hard to prepare for the day. Plans are already in place for a COBIS conference in Baku towards the end of April 2013. This will allow delegates the opportunity to access quality professional development and also to visit the beautiful and memorable city of Baku, home of the Eurovision song contest finals 2012.
Summer edition 2012
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8. A message from Byron College, Athens - Annual Speech Day and Prize Giving Ceremony Byron College was proud and pleased to host Colin Bell as the Guest of Honour at their annual Speech Day and Prize Giving ceremony in Athens on June 15th. The evening’s ceremony saw over fifty pupils, from our array of different nations, receive prizes for achievement, progress and hard work in Junior and Senior school studies and activities. Twenty pupils also graduated from the school and left to continue their studies at tertiary level, mainly in the UK but also in Europe and North America. Whilst it must be recorded that Colin’s address to parents and pupils was erudite, humorous, sensitive and thought-provoking, we would have to acknowledge that the stars of the evening were the pupils – not only for their achievement but also for their immaculate sartorial elegance. The evening was a joyous accession and the formal section ended with a medley of Beatles songs, performed by the Byron Singers, for the Liverpudlian Colin Bell. Colin remained a true COBIS ambassador throughout his visit to Byron College and whilst representing COBIS he also met with colleagues from the British Council in Athens. Edward Carrick, Headteacher, Byron College, Athens
www.cobis.org.uk 9. Middle Leaders Development Course at the British School of Cairo, Egypt ‘A very inspiring and intensive course which gave us all the chance to reflect on our skills and the next steps we need to take. It was incredible how much was covered over the four days. It was also an opportunity to work with an amazing group of teachers from around the world.’ ‘Every manager should attend this course.’ ‘This course has clarified so many aspects of management for me. I wish my whole team had the same opportunity.’ ‘The Leading from the Middle Course was very useful due to its very practical nature. I particularly enjoyed the session on ‘Making Meetings Fun’ which gave me some very useful techniques to not only make the meetings I lead more enjoyable, but also to my mind more efficient in their use of time. It was also useful to think about ways of phrasing when speaking to colleagues, to ensure that problems are dealt with in a professional manner.’ Thoughts from COBIS colleagues who attended the ‘COBIS Leading Learning from the Middle Programme’ at the British International School, Cairo. 19 delegates from 6 countries attended the Middle Leaders’ Development course at The British International School, Cairo. This hugely popular COBIS course was delivered by Karen Ardley Associates. The four day accredited course was aimed at aspiring or current middle leaders who hold a whole school responsibility. From day one, a resoundingly positive atmosphere was created in the conference room, and delegates benefitted from a variety of practical ideas and sessions. Leadership action plans encouraged participants to reflect on their own leadership behaviours, deepen their understanding of leadership theories and further develop their skills. It was noted that building collaborative, international teacher communities is only one of the many productive outcomes from this course. Despite the professional demands of the course, there was enough energy and opportunity to enjoy the many historical sights of Cairo.
“I will strongly recommend this programme because I have been encouraged ‘big time’. My strengths and areas for development have been exposed in a positive way.’
‘I would definitely recommend this course. I have never been on a course where I left feeling so much more able to lead people and to actually bring about change....’ ‘One very useful thing about the course is how it focuses you on what is important. It makes it absolutely clear what you need to work on next.’
Summer edition 2012 10. Dates of confirmed COBIS Professional Development Events 2012/13 These high quality training events are designed for support staff, teachers’, head boys and head girls, leaders, middle leaders and aspiring COBIS leaders of the future. There will be more courses and events to follow. Booking forms and further details of events are published on www.cobis.org.uk COBIS Leadership Mentor Training Course When? 12.00 to 16.00 on 14 September 2012 Where? The Hilton Hotel at Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands Approved 'COBIS Mentors' are required to complete this course To apply to become an approved 'COBIS Mentor' and to book a place on the course please email mentoring@cobis.org.uk
COBIS Teachers’ Conference, Murcia, Spain Theme? Making Learning an Adventure When? 2-3 November 2012 Where? King’s College Murcia - La Torre Golf Resort, Murcia, Spain Cost? COBIS Members Schools - 410 Euros Non-COBIS Member Schools - 510 Euros
Middle Leadership Development Programme 2012-2013 This is a 5 day programme run in partnership between COBIS, The British School in The Netherlands and the National College for School Leadership When? The first 3 days of the course will be 11 - 13 October 2012 Where? The course will be delivered by colleagues from The British School in The Netherlands Cost? £1450.00 (this is inclusive of accommodation and refreshments/lunches) All face to face components of the course will be delivered on site at The British School in The Netherlands To book a place on the course and if you have any questions please email executive.director@cobis.org.uk
COBIS Teachers’ Conference, Paris, France Theme? Enabling 21st Century Skills When? 15-16 February 2013 Where? The British School of Paris, France Cost? To be confirmed
COBIS Head Boys and Head Girls Conference When? 2-3 November 2012 Where? King’s College Murcia, Spain Cost? 105 Euro per student delegate Individual student delegate fees include 2 nights accommodation. These fees are subsidised significantly
COBIS Teaching Assistants Programme, Paris, France When? 15-16 February 2013 Where? The British School of Paris, France Cost? To be confirmed COBIS Middle Leaders Programme, Paris, France When? 15-18 February 2013 - Please note this is a 4 day course Where? The British School of Paris, France Cost? To be confirmed COBIS Annual Conference – London When? 11-13 May 2013 Where? Park Plaza Hotel, Victoria, London Cost? To be confirmed
11. COBIS Competitions and Awards COBIS Poetry Competition Congratulations again to the winners and runners up of the 2012 COBIS Poetry Competition - ‘Bring an animal alive!’ This year over 200 entries were received, making the achievements of our winners and runners up extra special. You can read the winning entries at http://www. cobis.org.uk/images/stories/resources/informationforschools/Poetry_Winners_2012.pdf 2012 COBIS Student Awards Over 120 students were nominated for COBIS Student Awards this year. Sincere congratulations to all well deserved student receipients who received certificates and prizes. Future Inter-School Student Activities and Competitions COBIS will be coordinating more inter-school student activities and competitions during the 2012/13 academic year. Further details will be revealed in September at the start of the new Autumn term!
Please note that the COBIS Secretariat will be closed 13th-17th August 2012, we will reopen on Monday 20th August 2012.