THE FOBISIAN December 2023, Term 1 Issue 43 by FOBISIA

FOBISIA SENIOR DRAMA FESTIVAL 2023

FOBISIA BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2023

EDI TOR'S N OTE Dear readers, Welcome to Issue 43 of The FOBISIAN eMagazine! This edition is filled with exciting events from our community during Term 1. We're thrilled about the 30th FOBISIA Leadership Conference, where we had remarkable speakers such as Sir Clive Woodward, a renowned former rugby player and coach. In this issue, you'll discover highlights from student events such as the Design A Treetop Classroom Model Making Competition, Battle of the Bands 2023, and the Maths Code Breaking Competition 2023. We'll also take you through the engaging moments of our sports events, including U9, U11 and U19 Football, U13 Basketball, and last term's FOBISIA Primary Friendly Games, at Pattana Sports Resort and in Beijing. A big thank you to our guest contributors for their valuable input. Enjoy the articles and be sure to let us know if you have any articles on FOBISIA events you would like to contribute for our Term 2 issue. Happy reading! The FOBISIAN Editorial Team

FOBISIA's TERMLY eMAGAZINE PUBLISHER FOBISIA EDITOR Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Anthony Rowlands British International School HCMC & FOBISIA Board John Gwyn Jones MBE, Shana Kongmun, Janine Minchin, Dawn Jones, Swati Sinha Bedi FOBISIA HQ Andrew Chambers British International School, Phuket Anna Glossop Prince of Wales Island International School (Tanjung Bungah Campus) Bea Gabuya The British School Manila Hannah Marshall Dulwich College Beijing Holly Sullivan The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur Jason Bilinkewycz Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside Jeremy Meddows-Taylor Bromsgrove International School, Thailand Julian Jarvis Jerudong International School Brunei Kevin Shaw Dulwich College (Singapore) Lauren Ebsworth The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur Matt Buck Rugby School Thailand Nia Cooper British International School Hanoi Rob Hall Tanglin Trust School

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Roisin Pearson The British School Manila Will Kemp Jerudong International School Brunei 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.

CON TE N TS UPDATES 5

From our Chair

From our CEO

Board Members and Headquarters

FOBISIA Making Connections GUEST CONTRIBUTORS

British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition Launch

WISE (Women in International Schools Empowerment)

Unlocking Imagination: Griff’s Imaginarium

Thomas the Gorilla Visits Tanglin Trust School FOBISIA CONFERENCES

FOBISIA Leadership Conference

FOBISIA Music Teachers’ Conference

FOBISIA Drama Conference

FOBISIA Physical Education & Sports Conference STUDENT EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

FOBISIA Senior Immersive Drama Festival: 'From Uneasy Dreams'

FOBISIA MUN 2023-24 at BIS Hanoi

Design A Treetop Classroom Model Making Competition

FOBISIA Maths Code Breaking Competition 2023

FOBISIA Virtual Concerto Competition 2023

FOBISIA Battle of the Bands 2023

FOBISIA Poetry Competition

Primary Friendly Games

FOBISIA Primary Friendly Games in Beijing

FOBISIA U11 Basketball

FOBISIA U9, U11 & U19 Football 2023-24

FOBISIA Connect

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OUR CHAIR Anthony Rowlands FOBISIA Chair - March 2019 to present Principal, British International School Ho Chi Minh City

The first term of any academic year is the longest term, yet it still passes so quickly. We have had a number of fantastic events so far, including the 30th Leadership Conference held in Kuala Lumpur in November. We also experienced the PE & Sport, Drama, Music, and the Teaching Community Conferences which were wonderfully hosted at FOBISIA Schools. However, the term was not just about professional development; it was also a time for our students to shine as the FOBISIA Games started for the U15s, the FOBISIA MUN was held at the British International School Hanoi, and our first online E-Sports is taking place as we go to press. This has been a truly memorable start to the year and, as we reflect on the successes of Term 1, I would like to express my gratitude to our dedicated staff and enthusiastic students. Onwards and upwards towards Term 2!

THE FOBISIAN: DEC 2023, TERM 1, ISSUE 43

FROM

OUR CEO John Gwyn Jones MBE FOBISIA CEO

What a whirlwind Term 1 has turned out to be, particularly relating to Conferences! The term started off with the PE & Sport Conference ably hosted by Dulwich College (Singapore), the Drama Conference hosted by The British School Manila, and the very successful Music Teachers' Conference at Tanglin Trust School in Singapore. A huge thanks to all of these schools, it is great to see their hard work and effort paying off with such stellar speakers and presenters and highly engaged teachers and participants The 30th FOBISIA Leadership Conference concluded in Kuala Lumpur last month and saw senior leaders from across Asia gather together to learn and be inspired by Sir Clive Woodward, Lisa Tregale, Stuart Lawrence, and Tim Jarvis along with excellent workshop presenters drawn for our talented pool of school leaders and Affiliate Members. Students are at the heart of what we do so I was very proud to see student voices being heard in the "A Dialogue with Students" session at the 30th Leadership Conference. They were joined on stage by FOBISIA Board member Nick Sheehan where they confidently articulated their opinions. Didn’t they inspire us all?

I was also thrilled to attend the Under 15 Games at Pattana Sports Resort and was delighted to see how our schools are so well-represented. I am looking forward to visiting the Under 13s FOBISIA Friendly Games in February 2024. It was an honour to represent FOBISIA for the first time at the HMC Conference in the UK in October; we look forward to strengthening our ties with their community as well as other British international schools networks. Cooperation and collaboration across regions does promote and strengthen everything we do, and in particular our commitment to safeguarding our community with the launch of British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition (BISSC). I recently shared our events and calendar with the other associations and it really brought home to me how many opportunities we make available to our staff and students. As always, I am fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful and talented people, especially at HQ and at the recent Leadership Conference I was so proud of how well we had delivered what everyone felt was such a very successful event. I also wish to praise the FOBISIA Board for its continued support and thank all of you for contributing to the wonderful community of FOBISIA and promoting a very strong sense of belonging.

BOARD MEMBERS

Anthony Rowlands

Chair Principal British International School Ho Chi Minh City

Vanita Uppal OBE

Martin Towse

Duncan Stonehouse

Vice Chair and Strategic Planning

Secretary & Membership

Treasurer and HQ Support

Director

Principal

Head of School

The British School New Delhi

St. Christopher's International School, Penang

Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School

Dinah Hawtree

Nick Magnus

David Butcher

Student Events - PE & Sport

Heads' Support

Safeguarding

Principal

Headmaster

Principal

Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang

Dulwich College (Singapore)

British School Jakarta

Nick Sheehan

Caroline Drumm

David Ingram

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Communications and Marketing

Student Events Academic and Performing Arts

Principal

Head of College

Jerudong International School Brunei

The British School Kathmandu

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi

HEAD QUARTERS

SINGAPORE SOCIETY 95 Portsdown Road, 139299, SINGAPORE

John Gwyn Jones MBE

Shana Kongmun

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Executive Operations Manager

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

Swati Sinha Bedi

Janine Minchin

Dawn Jones

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Student Events Executive

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marketing@fobisia.org

Jitsaman (Pheung) Chan

Salinee (Tai) Chooputtaphong

Bunjopporn (Yoke) Kittrell

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Administration Executive

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THE FOBISIAN: DEC 2023, TERM 1, ISSUE 43

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30th FOBISIA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 3 - 5 November 2023

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For the second time in six months, the Heads and senior leaders of FOBISIA schools came together for the Leadership Conference, this time at the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. As the Federation grows, so do the conferences. We had delegates from every country and region in our membership (19 countries and regions) with a record number of school delegates attending and a record number of total attendees, around 350 this time! The 30th FOBISIA Leadership Conference featured keynote speakers Sir Clive Woodward, Lisa Tregale, Dr Stuart Lawrence, and Tim Jarvis, who left their audiences inspired and motivated. Fifteen workshops gave practical applications while the newly instated roundtable discussions brought leaders together to discuss and brainstorm. Each day was opened by student performers; the percussion ensemble from The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur started the conference with a rousing performance on Saturday. One of the FOBISIA Battle of the Bands’ runners up, Sound Cheque from Nexus International School, Malaysia, kicked off the last day with a bang!

In a FOBISIA Leadership Conference first, Sunday morning saw students from some of our Kuala Lumpur schools participate in a student panel discussing topics relevant to their school and life experiences. The students, who came from years 6, 8, 10, 11, 12 at Garden International School, Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, Sri KDU International School (Kota Damansara), St. Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia (Tropicana PJ Campus), and The International School @ ParkCity respectively, impressed the crowd of school leaders with their poise and passion for their schools. Rain put a damper on the plans for the Friday reception in the garden, but the hotel came through with a lovely decorated space for the delegates to meet HE Ailsa Terry CMG, British High Commissioner to Malaysia. We are grateful to the High Commissioner and the British High Commission for supporting Friday night's Drinks reception. Saturday dinner was a less formal affair and the photobooth provided opportunities for fun photos. We had the overwhelming support of over 60 Affiliate Member sponsors and exhibitors, bringing a trade show of their products and services to our school delegates.

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“...a key reminder this weekend is that as leaders we know that we can be isolated but need to recall that by conversation, empowering and understanding those around us is how we make leadership work for the shared mission to make education continuously brilliant for our students and staff.” Nick, Perse School Singapore

“One key takeaway I took from FOBISIA (Leadership Conference) is to appreciate the art of “failing forward”. In a world that values perfection it’s important to realise that each stumble or roadblock is a lesson in disguise… Thanks to (speaker) Tim Jarvis for the inspiration” Michael, Toddle

“It was my first (FOBISIA Leadership Conference). I found the opportunity to meet colleagues from diverse schools across Asia refreshing and invigorating. I reflected on key matters that are important in our field.” Survey Respondent

“Great food for thought around ‘What makes a champion individual?’. Inspiring keynote from Sir Clive Woodward at FOBISIA. It’s a real privilege being here at the Leadership conference.” Emma, The British School of Brussels (Friend of FOBISIA Member)

“Amazing to be listening to a range of students at the FOBISIA leadership conference. It really does remind us why we do the jobs we do. Eloquent answers to what they like about their schools, the challenges they face in 2023 and what they would improve about their schools if they were in charge. Simply wonderful to hear.” Elizabeth, British School Jakarta

“Transforming Education, One Conference at a Time- Three members of our Educational Leadership Team just crushed it at the 30th FOBISIA Leadership Conference! They joined forces with the cream of the crop from British Schools across Asia to tackle the big questions and challenges shaping 21st century education. With 94 schools, stellar partnerships, and inspiring keynote speakers in the mix, it was an absolute blast!” British International School, Hanoi

It was a busy weekend but one filled with friends old and new, learning, inspiration and engagement. HQ is already brainstorming for next year so if you have some suggestions for themes or keynotes be sure to let us know - and save the date for

The 31st FOBISIA Leadership Conference 15 15-17 November 2024 in Bangkok!

THE FOBISIAN: DEC 2023, TERM 1, ISSUE 43

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Roisin Pearson FOBISIA Safeguarding Executive Committee Chair, The British School Manila

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS SAFEGUARDING COALITION LAUNCH Tuesday 21st November ‘23 was a momentous CORE PRINCIPLES day for global safeguarding with the official Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by the following principles: launch of the British International Schools 1. Collaboration and Partnership: Collaboration is at the heart of Safeguarding Coalition (BISSC). BISSC is a ground-breaking collaboration bringing together the six UK Government supported and approved British international school associations: The Federation of British International School in Asia, The Association of British Schools Overseas, British Schools in the Middle East, Council of British International Schools, Latin American Heads Conference and National Association of British Schools in Spain. The associations have partnered with The Safeguarding Alliance, UK to pioneer a shared commitment in upholding the highest standards in international safeguarding. John Gwyn Jones, CEO FOBISIA provides invaluable support and guidance to the FOBISIA Safeguarding Executive. He became a key driver in bringing cross-association representatives together. John hopes that regional, as well as global British international school associations can establish greater cross border collaboration when it comes to child protection and safeguarding. He believes that British Schools (both in the UK and Internationally) lead the way in promoting the very best in safeguarding practice. Roisn Pearson, British School Manila and FOBISIA Safeguarding Executive Committee Chair, represents the FOBISIA as a member of BISCC. Roisin looks forward to providing an update on the progress of the coalition at the annual FOBISIA Safeguarding Conference in May 2024.

KEY OBJECTIVES BISSC will lobby the UK government to provide greater and more effective safeguarding support and guidance to the British international school sector, including, but not limited to:

• The establishment of the International Teaching Regulation Agency

• The establishment of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme for International Schools

• The creation of a shared resource hub for British international schools. • The strengthening of partnerships between BISSC, the UK Government and regulators

our commitment to safeguarding. We firmly believe that by working together with like-minded organisations, regulators, governments, specialists, and communities, we can create a more powerful and effective force for change. Our commitment to collaboration extends to sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices to enhance the protection of vulnerable individuals. Together, we will grow a stronger culture in safeguarding.

2. Pioneering change: We are committed to relentlessly lobby for change in safeguarding. Our dedication to this cause is unwavering, as we tirelessly advocate for stronger protections, legal reforms, and heightened awareness. We believe that by actively engaging with policymakers and advocating for safeguarding improvements, we can make a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities, ensuring a brighter, more secure future for all.

3. Sharing best practice: We believe that by openly sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can empower individuals and other organisations to create safer environments for vulnerable communities. Through this commitment, we aim to foster a collective dedication to safeguarding, ensuring that the best practices are accessible to all, and ultimately, improving the well-being of those we serve.

4. Growing a culture of safeguarding: Our commitment to safeguarding excellence is embedded at the very core of BISSC’s roots. We prioritise continuous training, education, and peer support to nurture a culture of vigilance and care. Through ongoing learning and collaboration, we empower practitioners to recognise and respond effectively to safeguarding concerns. This commitment extends to our wider community, where we aim to inspire and support others in their journey towards effective safeguarding, ensuring that the protection and well-being of all remains paramount.

5. Child-Centred Approach: We pledge to always prioritise the wellbeing and protection of children. Their physical, emotional, and psychological safety is at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to creating an environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive without fear or harm, abuse or neglect.

6. Impact Measurement: We maintain that safeguarding has no finish line. We will measure our impact, gather data, and evaluate our initiatives to ensure they are effective and meet the needs of the communities we serve. We will regularly review and enhance our objectives in light of evolving

best practices, legal requirements, and emerging risks. We will learn from our experiences and from the broader safeguarding community.

Bea Gabuya Marketing, Communications and Public Relations Manager The British School Manila

The British School Manila is hosting the WISE (Women in International Schools Empowerment) Conference in February 2024. WISE is an initiative led by women, for women, that aims to empower aspiring and current female educators and professionals working in international schools.

of ISS; Margaret Lee Park, a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant and; Imrana Jalal, a lawyer, development practitioner, and gender specialist.

The three-day conference provides an opportunity to attend a range of different sessions led by world-class speakers including Dr Helen Wright, executive coach and international education advisor; Pauline O’Brien, Director of Business Strategy and Development, Global Recruitment

Don't miss out on this unique, exceptional professional development opportunity! Limited spaces are available, so act fast. Sign up now by scanning the QR code on our poster or visiting our website. The future of education starts with you! The WISE Conference 2024 is your chance to be part of a movement that can make a difference.

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There are also workshops and opportunities to network with educators from around the globe in the event, as well as WISE mentors and other experienced female leaders.

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

John Gwyn Jones MBE had the honor of attending the HMC Autumn Conference 2023 as a distinguished keynote speaker at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the United Kingdom.

FOBISIA IS MAKING A NAME FOR ITSELF AROUND THE GLOBE FOR ITS WORK IN SUPPORTING AND PROMOTING HIGH-QUALITY BRITISH EDUCATION IN ASIA

CEO John Gwyn Jones MBE acted as a moderator for a panel discussion at EDUTech Asia in Singapore in November.

Janine Minchin, FOBISIA Student Events Executive, at the FOBISIA Music AGM 2023-24 hosted by Tanglin Trust School, Singapore.

Janine Minchin, FOBISIA Student Events Executive, attended The FOBISIA Drama Conference 2023-24, which was hosted by The British School Manila.

Janine Minchin, FOBISIA Student Events Executive, at the PE & Sport AGM and Conference 2023-24 hosted by Dulwich College (Singapore).

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Swati and Dawn from HQ with keynote speaker Hon Dr Stuart Lawrence at the FOBISIA Teaching Community Conference hosted by Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside. 19

UNLOCKING IMAGINATION:

Griff’s Imaginarium We were delighted to welcome John Gwyn Jones MBE to help officially open Tanglin Trust School’s Griff’s Imaginarium along with Amara Buyse from Rolls Royce and Clare Wijeratne, School Governor. But what is Griff’s Imaginarium? Veena Annies, Head of Integrated Technology (Infants) and Paula Craigie, Head of Infants at Tanglin Trust School, share more with us. 20

n a significant step towards enriching the educational experience of our youngest learners, Tanglin’s Infant School proudly unveils its latest addition: Griff’s Imaginarium. This cutting-edge STEAM room provides a sanctuary where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking converge - providing children with unique opportunities to explore, experiment, and engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) concepts.

FACILITATING EXPLORATION

Upon entering Griff’s Imaginarium, children discover an environment designed to stimulate their curiosity. With its interactive displays, and hands-on materials, the room invites children to become active participants in their learning journey. Through focused year group projects, specialist workshops and inspiring CCAs, children will be able to explore everyday problems and develop their own solutions. Our goal is to introduce STEAM concepts early, igniting a lifelong passion for inquiry and discovery.

RISKTAKERS: HANDS-ON LEARNING

Griff’s Imaginarium offers a variety of age-appropriate tools and resources to support hands-on learning experiences. Here, children can experiment with robots, build simple machines, conduct basic experiments, and collaborate on projects. These activities deepen their understanding of STEAM principles and foster essential problem-solving skills. The Year 1 and Year 2 STEM club CCA have already started to make great use of the space, finding solutions to ‘Teddy needs to get home’ and exploring how to use a pull force to create a tug of war champion robot.

CULTIVATING RESILIENT INQUIRERS: RESILIENCE AND GROWTH MINDSET

A primary objective of our STEAM room is to instil a growth mindset in our young learners, allowing them to take risks in a safely managed environment. Through experimentation and

exploration, children learn that setbacks are opportunities for growth. These experiences teach them the invaluable qualities of perseverance and resilience, shaping a positive attitude toward lifelong learning.

ENCOURAGING COLLABORATION: BECOMING GOOD COMMUNICATORS

Designed to promote collaborative learning, Griff’s Imaginarium also provides a space for group projects and cooperative activities. Through these experiences, children develop effective communication skills, learn to share ideas, and practise teamwork. These skills are valuable not only for their academic progress but also for their future success.

CREATIVE AND CARING THINKERS: NURTURING DESIGN THINKING

At the heart of Griff’s Imaginarium lies the cultivation of design thinking skills. This approach champions creativity, empathy, and practical problem-solving. Our young explorers engage in thrilling design challenges that task them with identifying problems, brainstorming innovative solutions, creating prototypes, and seeking feedback. It is a process that mirrors real-world problemsolving, preparing them for life’s challenges.

KNOWLEDGE-BUILDING: INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY

Recognising the importance of technological fluency in today’s world, Griff’s Imaginarium incorporates age-appropriate technology tools such as iPads, coding kits, and an interactive console. Basic electronics kits provide the chance to develop their understanding of inputs and outputs whilst exploring ways to solve problems such as ‘when does a plant need water?’.

BALANCED: INVOLVING PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY

Griff’s Imaginarium is not solely for children; it is a resource for our entire school community. We invite parents, helpers, and governors to actively participate by attending future STEAM room events, workshops, and open houses. By engaging the wider community, we hope to create a supportive network of inspiring individuals that underscores the significance of STEAM education and design thinking within the Tanglin community.

A PROMISING FUTURE

As our children step into Griff’s Imaginarium, they embark on a journey of exploration and discovery that will ensure they are future ready. This space reflects our commitment to providing exceptional education for our youngest learners, equipping them with skills to thrive in a changing world. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of thinkers, problem solvers, and critical minds.

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FOBISIA MUSIC TEACHERS' CONFERENCE 2023 Rob Hall Director of Music, Tanglin Trust School, Singapore

This year’s FOBISIA Music Teachers’ Conference, hosted by Tanglin Trust School, took place in early October, with more than 100 delegates from over 60 schools. There was a stellar line-up of presenters from across the globe with interactive keynote ‘speeches’ by composer, presenter, and animateur Rachel Leach, and Oliver Tarney, Head of Academic Music and Composition at Winchester College in the UK. The focus of the Conference was ‘thinking creatively’ and the broad range of interactive break-out sessions covered an array of pertinent topics including curriculum-based discussions, use of music technology, songwriting, developing a jazz culture, and the use of AI in music education. Alongside these were further sessions based around percussion in the classroom and sessions focused on music from across Asia with Gamelan, Taiko Drumming, and Chinese Traditional Instruments featuring. During the three-day conference there were also two short recitals by students from Tanglin Trust School, and the Conference Dinner and Jazz Evening, with musical entertainment by the Australian jazz ensemble Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys.

This year’s event was generously sponsored by ABRSM, Chamberlain Music, Naxos, and RSL Awards all of whom had lively trade stands, displaying a range of their latest products, and giving expert advice to teachers. The President of the Chartered College of Teaching, Steven Berryman, was one of the presenters, as was the President-Elect of the UK-based Music Teachers Association, James Manwaring. The Conference drew to a close with the traditional, hotly contested raffle, generously organised by William Thompson at Chamberlain Music, with a variety of prizes including top-of-the-range headphones, a djembe drum, and even a very expensive bottle of Champagne! There was a tremendous buzz of excitement and enthusiasm throughout the Conference as music teachers reunited with old friends, and, of course, made new friends and acquaintances. Their willingness to be challenged, to engage and put themselves out of their comfort zones was inspiring! The regional and age-specific sessions also saw great discussion and collaborative sharing of ideas – the FOBISIA music network is thriving, and a superb series of student events are being lined up to bring the music community together even more frequently. The Conference was undoubtedly an enriching and harmonious experience for all, and the transformative power of music shone through, leaving teachers enlightened, inspired, and invigorated.

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FOBISIA DRAMA CONFERENCE 2023 Holly Sullivan

Head of Creative & Expressive Arts Faculty The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur Chair FOBISIA Drama Executive Committee

"…And Scene" FOBISIA Drama Conference 2023 In September, Drama teachers from across Asia had the privilege of attending a conference which left us brimming with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for our craft. Hosted by The British School Manila, “…And Scene” FOBISIA Drama Conference 2023 was a brilliant event that left an indelible mark on the participants. The conference's keynote practitioner, Dr Jennifer Hartley, was inspiring. Her eloquence and experience gave us deep insights into the world of applied theatre and the transformative power of drama. She shared stories of her own journey as an applied theatre practitioner, working with refugees and community groups the world over, providing valuable takeaways for all attendees. It was an invaluable opportunity for us to learn from someone so accomplished, and it reminded us why we are so passionate about teaching drama. Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to meet fellow delegates from various parts of Asia. The networking opportunities and the exchange of ideas was enriching. Learning about the diverse practices and challenges drama educators face across the continent was invaluable. One participant most valued “the opportunity to make a connection with other

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Drama teachers in a fun, supportive and enriching environment.” The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose felt brilliant. One of the standout features of this conference was the impeccable organisation. The schedule was meticulously planned, which allowed teachers to fully engage with the rich content without feeling overwhelmed. A delegate fed back that they were “really impressed with the level of organisation and the attention to detail, as well as to how much care was put into making sure everyone was well looked after during the Conference.” As educators, we often find ourselves juggling numerous tasks, and this conference's seamless flow was a welcomed space to engage, reflect and connect. In conclusion, the “…And Scene” FOBISIA Drama Conference 2023 was an inspiring and enlightening event. It offered a unique chance for drama teachers to grow professionally and connect with their peers. We thank Paul, Thea and the BSM Events team for their dedication and hard work. We wholeheartedly recommend next year’s conference to our fellow drama educators. It's an experience that will rejuvenate your passion for teaching and provide you with a network of like-minded professionals from across Asia.

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FOBISIA PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORTS CONFERENCE Kevin Shaw Director of Sports Dulwich College (Singapore)

This year Dulwich College (Singapore) was honoured and delighted to host the annual FOBISIA Physical Education and Sports Conference. With this being the first full operational year for the delivery of sports for all the member schools of FOBISIA since the COVID break, it seemed appropriate to focus this year’s conference on reflecting on 'why we do what we do.' There were over 150 participants this year across 80 FOBISIA schools with guest speakers coming from around the world. Stretching from the UK to Australia, our guests spoke with passion and delivered their messages with great clarity, enabling everyone to reflect upon our current programmes. This, along with the opportunity to connect and share our common experiences, proved to be an invaluable start to the academic year. Cath Bishop started the keynotes with an address to the respective Heads of Sport focusing on her book 'The Long Win.' She went on to lead inspiring sessions throughout the three days on the development of culture within our organisations, focusing on how important our messaging is in creating the right environment for everybody to thrive.

On Friday the day started with Dale Sidebottom from Jugar Life leading a hugely energetic and positive session with a message on well-being and how important having a positive and grateful mindset can be. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and that positive energy carried on throughout the rest of the conference. Friday wrapped up with our dinner and engaging conversation with Mike Gatting OBE who talked about leadership and, of course, the importance of cricket on the global stage in our respective schools and within the Federation of British International Schools in Asia. On Saturday morning the community was welcomed by the charismatic and knowledgeable sports psychologist Dr Jay Lee Nair who is working with the students at Dulwich College (Singapore) to help them overcome fear and replace this with a more positive mindset. She had an array of practical tools that teachers could take away with them to help our respective students improve their cognition whilst playing and preparing to play sports. The conference finished on Saturday afternoon with a fascinating insight into the world of mental preparation from some extremely high-performers in their own right who have impacted the global stage. Cath Bishop, World Champion rower and Olympic silver medalist; Martin Brockman, Commonwealth Bronze decathlete; Mike Gatting, former England Cricket Captain; Dr Jay-Lee Nair, Sports Psychologist; and Deacon Manu, Captain of Fiji Rugby, all shared their experiences and insights into the power of positivity. It was a truly unique and powerful experience for all who were fortunate enough to be there.

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FOBISIA SENIOR IMMERSIVE DRAMA FESTIVAL: 'FROM UNEASY DREAMS' Will Kemp Head of Drama Jerudong International School Brunei

Jerudong International School Brunei was proud to host the first-ever Senior FOBISIA Drama Festival between the 12th and 15th of October this year in the country otherwise known as The Abode of Peace. The Festival’s focus was highly inspired by the work of Punchdrunk as well as other Immersive and Experiential Theatre practitioners, specifically focusing on the play Metamorphosis by Stephen Berkoff. Workshops were offered to the students to empower them in the following ways: • To learn/ hone skills that will improve their physical theatre performances. • To learn/ hone how to use spoken performance in ‘one-on-one’ performances. • To learn how Set and Set structures can be used to create ‘theatrical worlds’. • To learn how to use sound to create Soundscapes and how these can be used dynamically (with Bluetooth speakers and wired speaker systems). • To learn how to create ‘Artefacts’ for their performances. To ensure all artefacts are dramaturgically accurate/ relevant. • To learn how to perform the role of ‘active audience member’ for the other performances. The students and staff that attended the festival entered the spirit of things with great energy and enthusiasm. Seeing three Companies creating three original pieces of Immersive and Experiential Theatre was incredibly special. The work was compelling and incredibly detailed, and felt like you were transported to three completely different microcosms! We cannot wait for the next Senior FOBISIA Drama Festival next year!

A student’s reflection on the event: Lauren, Year 11, The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur My experience during the FOBISIA Senior Drama Festival was wonderful. It all started weeks before when my friends and I were excited about what would come. This festival did not disappoint. The festival began on the night we arrived in Brunei, where we had time to bond with the students from Jerudong International School, International School Brunei and British School Manila and had a tour of the marvellous facilities of Jerudong International School. The next day, we began the fun of creating immersive theatre from scratch based on the play “Metamorphosis” by Steven Berkoff, based on the short story by Franz Kafka, where the sole breadwinner of the Samsa family turns into a giant bug and is shunned by his family. Before this trip, I had never experienced immersive theatre, let alone created it. We split into three companies and began the day by doing workshops with different teachers. Then, after lunch, we began our company time and started brainstorming our ideas for the many spaces we were given. My company, Company Three, was lucky enough to get The Caves, a series of rooms underneath the stage, we felt inspired to recreate as a nightmarish version of the Samsa family home. On Saturday, we began turning our dreams into a reality. We started by building the set in the morning and tried to find props that added to the naturalistic vibe we were going for. However, the story itself wasn’t naturalistic or realistic, so we played around with the idea of hanging giant forks and knives over the kitchen and dining space we had created. Another crazy idea was to fill one of the smaller rooms with dirt and pieces of paper that said things like “HELP ME” or “I'M STILL THE SAME OLD GREGOR”. Amy and I tore up the carpet, started tearing apart pieces of fake grass, and walked to the school’s Outdoor Discovery Centre to get a bucket of dirt. That afternoon, we created characters and THE FOBISIAN: DEC 2023, TERM 1, ISSUE 43

reviewed the props we would interact with. We needed a way to get the audience curious, so we began to hide props and little “Easter eggs” for the audience to find. We also took the time to consider our little “routines” and movements, which we would repeat three times before we all acted like zombies and started doing the same thing. Furthermore, we performed and recorded our ‘Soundscape’ in the ‘Cupcake’ recording space and JIS’s professional recording studio. We designed it to be seven minutes long, so it was repeated on a loop three times to create a final piece. We repeated everything three times so the audience could watch a different person each time and follow them wherever they were off. Sunday was performance day. The thing about performances is that you never know what will happen, and performances will always be different. Our company went first, and seeing how different the real thing was when we were rehearsing was interesting. The audience could move anything and everything they wanted to, so it was hard for us to keep track of the props we were supposed to use. However, things still went impeccably smoothly. I always enjoy performing and always have and always will, but this was different because the audience was on “stage” with you. They were all wearing masks, and it felt weird to have six people in white masks crowd around me to read a letter I was reading. It was exciting, and it was a fantastic first experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this weekend and made some awesome new friends and long-lasting memories. I cannot wait for next year! 29

FOBISIA MUN 2023-24 AT BIS HANOI Nia Cooper Teacher of Mathematics and Head of Enrichment & BIS Hanoi MUN Director British International School Hanoi

British International School Hanoi was honoured to welcome more than 150 student delegates from 13 International Schools across Asia for the FOBISIA Model United Nations (MUN) 2023-24. How do we protect our seas and marine life? How do we ensure digital privacy in the age of artificial intelligence? How do we safeguard the rights of women in conflict zones? These were just some of the big questions tackled by student delegates at the conference. The theme of the conference was “The Future of Asia” and all committees and topics were related to this continent we are lucky to call home. The FOBISIA MUN was a valuable opportunity for students to learn more about the role of the United Nations, as well as develop skills such as communication and collaboration, at a time when international relations are more important than ever. Schools from Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand joined together for meaningful discussions, spirited debates, and thoughtful deliberations on topics that hold great significance for our diverse continent. With 20 nationalities represented, it was truly an excellent platform for students to foster diplomatic relations with each other, as they will inevitably engage with diverse cultures in their life journeys. At the Opening Ceremony we were privileged to welcome His Excellency Mr. Iain Frew, His Majesty's British Ambassador to Vietnam, as the keynote speaker. Ambassador Frew inspired the delegates by sharing his experiences from the five international postings he has held as a diplomat. Referencing his time representing the UK in both Russia and the EU, Ambassador Frew reflected on the positive outcomes achieved by diplomacy, as well as those times when a resolution could not be found. Ambassador Frew described diplomacy as “an art, rather than a science,” emphasising how successful diplomacy creates solutions where the framework 30

for an agreement does not yet exist. He encouraged delegates to demonstrate the key values of good diplomacy during their own MUN debates, including empathy, vision, creativity, positivity, expertise, integrity, and respect. After an introductory session on Friday, the student delegates returned to campus on Saturday morning, ready for the real debating to begin. The MUN was split into 12 different committees, each made up of delegates from different international schools, which tackled a diverse range of topics. The Asia Pacific Council debated the issue of child marriage in developing countries, the Security Council debated the conflict in Yemen and Nuclear Disarmament, while the World Health Organization worked to create a framework for dealing with future pandemics. Each individual student was responsible for articulating the perspective of the country they were representing. The resulting speeches were in equal parts passionate, informed, skilfully articulated - and often humorous too! After a long day of debate, the student delegates, committee chairs, and administrators sat down to enjoy a well-deserved Gala Dinner in the auditorium. There were performances from a traditional Vietnamese lion dance troupe and the school’s own Vietnamese fan dance group of Year 11 performers. Attendees also enjoyed bingo and a Kahoot quiz about FOBISIA, MUN, Asia and Vietnam. On Sunday morning, the FOBISIA MUN was back in full swing with two further debating sessions. The atmosphere on the final day was positive and relaxed. When the final session ended, members of each committee enjoyed sitting down for lunch together, taking photographs, and taking part in the MUN tradition of signing one another’s placards to commemorate the weekend spent together and lessons learnt.

The Closing Ceremony and Awards took place in the auditorium, where delegates had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Mr Yuji Shinohara, Governance Analyst at the United Nations Development Programme. Mr Shinohara gave an honest and engaging speech about the challenges of the UN and the importance of taking action to make positive change. Before the conference was officially closed by the MUN Secretary General, I had the opportunity to congratulate the participants on their exceptional intellect, diplomatic finesse, and commitment to the continent of Asia. We were immensely privileged to host this conference for 13 schools from across the continent. Today's students are the future custodians of our planet so it's vital that they understand the importance of their actions in shaping society. Through debating topics as diverse as the war in Yemen and the accessibility of menstrual products, delegates gained a global awareness that will enable them to continue to enact positive change, as well as developing the personal skills to make a success of their future endeavours, such as the ability to diplomatically address differing viewpoints. This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our student organising team, the Secretariat. Thuc Anh, Tuong Van, Kanta, Thanh Mai and Jisung worked tirelessly in the weeks and months leading up to the conference, and their vision and drive were key to making this event a success.” In conclusion, the MUN conference was a testament to FOBISIA’s commitment to fostering an environment of learning, collaboration, and global awareness. It was more than a diplomatic simulation; it was a platform for students to embrace their roles as global citizens. Asia's future rests in the hands of these remarkable young individuals, and we can be confident that they are well-prepared to meet the challenges it holds. It was a pleasure to welcome them all to BIS Hanoi.

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DESIGN A TREETOP CLASSROOM MODEL MAKING COMPETITION Anna Glossop Deputy Principal Prince of Wales Island International School (Tanjung Bungah Campus)

As our students move through school, some of the most important values we hope to nurture in them are centred around caring for and repairing our planet, along with building knowledge and interest in order to help them to create a sustainable future.

The UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) are a great place to start and are a powerful focus and inspiration for our future generations. This year’s design competition, run by POWIIS, challenged students to design and make a scale model of a treetop classroom or learning space. This space had to comfortably house at least one teacher and 15 students and should ideally make use of green technologies. This 3D model was supported by a video entry explaining the link to one or more of the students chosen SDGs. The competition was open to students from Y5-Y9 and both groups and individuals in each category were selected as winners with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places awarded, along with an overall competition winner. We received an impressive 132 entries from the 13 schools who registered, all of which were of an incredibly high standard. It was great to see the range of outcomes used for model making, from recycled materials to wood, 3D printing, Minecraft and Google Sketchup. What particularly impressed us as judges was the emotional depth in many of the entries, along with a strong awareness of existing green technologies and new ideas for sustainable living and education. The way many students managed to communicate complex ideas and new design solutions through both 3D model making and their videos was inspiring.

VIEW THE WINNERS HERE Our overall winning submission left our judges cheering in their seats. An incredible piece of work with a huge amount of thought and skill evident across both the model and presentation of the video entry. A huge well done to Natalie, Year 8, from The International School at Park City, Kuala Lumpur! We would like to thank everyone who took the time to get involved and encouraged and supported their students towards creating their entry piece. We very much enjoyed the judging process and I hope that all the students enjoyed taking part and developed their skillset to both take care of our planet and their architectural model making skills along the way!

Check out this year's FOBISIA Design Competiton: 'Track to Success '24' An online civil engineering design challenge

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FOBISIA MATHS CODE BREAKING COMPETITION 2023 Andrew Chambers Maths Teacher British International School Phuket

British International School, Phuket (BISP) successfully hosted the FOBISIA Mathematics Code Breaking competition for the second successive year. Initially planned as a stand-alone event, it was brought back by popular demand. The virtual event was another huge success with 78 schools taking part from across Asia, and this year they were joined by invited schools from Europe and the Americas. Students had to work through a variety of codes, and those that cracked all codes in a level got to add their names to the leaderboard. This year there were 5 different code levels – including a Murder Mystery, a Spy Challenge and a fiendishly difficult Open Challenge. We had entrants from Year 4s to Year 13s - and overall there were more than 17,000 leaderboard entries from 14,000 competitors – a fantastic achievement! A special mention to Dover Court International School, St Andrew's International School Bangkok, North London Collegiate School Jeju, Tenby Setia Eco Park, Sri KDU International School (Kota Damansara), and The International School @ParkCity. All the above schools placed in the Top 2 positions across the various code levels. Well done!

Although the competition is closed, you can still have a go at the challenges on BISP's codecracking website.

John Gwyn Jones MBE, CEO FOBISIA had the following to say about the event:

"The British International School Phuket has done it again - successfully hosting the first FOBISIA

student event of the year, FOBISIA Online Maths Codebreaking. After last year's amazing turnout, this year was even bigger with nearly 75 percent of FOBISIA member schools taking part. Along with 8 nonmember schools, the hosts saw a staggering 14,000 children participate. Congratulations to BISP for this exciting event, we hope the students and teachers enjoyed the codebreaking!"

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FOBISIA VIRTUAL CONCERTO COMPETITION 2023 Julian Jarvis Head of Music Jerudong International School

It seems such a long time ago now that the world situation saw a complete cessation of practical music making and all music content was delivered over the internet. During these dark days, the FOBISIA Music Committee promoted the idea of running online music events for our students to participate in. From this, we here at Jerudong International School put forward the idea of running an online music concerto competition and the idea was accepted. Very quickly the format for the concerto programme was established with three tiers for entrants based around students in either Key stages 3, 4 and 5. Entrants were asked to submit a recording of one movement from a concerto. Participating schools selected and submitted one student performance per key stage. Unsure of how this competition would be received, it was wonderful to have twenty FOBISIA schools submitting over thirty student entries. At first glance through the online entries, it quickly became apparent that we are fortunate to have such exceptionally gifted student performers in our schools the level of performance was stunning. To judge the student submissions, we were fortunate to avail ourselves of three very well-known music educators and performers that have close links with FOBISIA Music; Madeleine Casson, Andy Gleadhill and Chris Koelma. Each devoted their time to listening and reviewing all thirty plus performances and providing feedback for each and every student. We thank them again for this Herculean task! With concerto performances submitted in late March, the judges undertook their marking and the awarded marks were combined and checked, with winners announced at the start of June. Every participant received feedback from the judges as well as a certificate of participation. In addition to each of the winners at each key stage, the judges agreed to issue certificates of commendation to those students whose performance was of a very high standard but were just pipped at the post.

If you wish to view the list of winners and highly commended students as well as the winning performances please click the link below: FOBISIA Virtual Concerto Competition 2023 Results Key Stage 3 Winner- Trin (Tim)

Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside

We here at JIS were pleased to run this online concerto competition. It was a pleasure to see and hear such mature student performances and thank all of those that participated in this event.

Key Stage 4 Winner - Michi

Regent's International School, Bangkok

Key Stage 5 Winner - Calvin

Taipei European School

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Jeremy Meddows-Taylor Head of Performing & Creative Arts Faculty Bromsgrove International School, Thailand Co-Chair of FOBISIA Music Executive Committee

Building on the success of the 2022 event, the Battle of the Bands 2023 took on a hybrid form, involving both Live and Online competitions. It was fantastic to have so much interest in the event, with a total of 56 bands participating from 35. The online competition ran throughout February, with 35 bands submitting videos of a recent live performance. As with the 2022 event, the competition was divided into two categories: Lower Secondary for Key Stage 3, and Upper Secondary for Key Stages 4 and 5. We were again fortunate to have a fantastic team of guest judges to make the final decisions; Marcel Pusey, David John Roche, Christopher Bond and Alan Cameron. In the end, it was The British School in Columbo and Taipei European School that were victorious, and claimed the top prizes donated by Soundtrap for Education. For a full list of the online prize winners, and to watch all 35 performances, please visit https://sites.google.com/fobisia.org/ botb2023/online. In February, we were delighted to welcome 21 bands from 14 member schools to Bromsgrove International School Thailand for the Live Competition. The live event was kindly sponsored by Songwork International and Rockademy Thailand, who not only offered some impressive prizes, but also provided an exceptional team of guest judges; Roo Piggot, Rich Huxley, Jake Crowl and Boss Sompong. Also split into Lower and Upper Secondary categories, the live event proved to be a very enjoyable and memorable day, leaving our judges with some tough decisions to make. The eventual winners were British School Jakarta and Garden International School, Bangkok; both getting the opportunity to work with Roo and Rich to produce a professional recording of their band! For the full list of live prize winners, and to watch all 21 live performances, please visit https://sites.google.com/fobisia. org/botb2023/live.

Quotes

Pat Yongkittikul, Rockademy Thailand:

Stephen Tomlinson, British School Jakarta:

Roo Pigott, Songwork International:

“The first live FOBISIA Battle of the Bands Festival was a fantastic celebration of music and talent, providing musicians from a range of FOBISIA schools the opportunity to shine and learn. The festival was well-organised, and the bands were well-supported, making it a memorable event for everyone involved. It's clear that the bands from BSJ learned important lessons from their experiences at the festival and will be better prepared for similar events in the future. We look forward to the next Battle of the Bands Festival and sharing again the fantastic musical talent we have at BSJ.”

“It’s a match made in heaven for the team here at Songwork International. Exciting new talent, supported by their schools and the FOBISIA community, to come together and play to a packed auditorium of adoring fans and a panel of judges from the industry. What’s not to like?! We get to work with hundreds of talented students, and have a chance to not only guide them through their Battle of the Bands experience, but to also propel their careers into real opportunities through follow-up workshops and sessions, in-school, with enthusiastic teachers. You can see the level of talent that the event cultivates by watching and listening to the winning bands from both of this year’s categories. Really knock out performances by both winning bands - and the rest of the bands who entered made our judging process a tough ride. SO. MUCH. TALENT!”

"We were honoured to be a part of FOBISIA Battle of the Bands 2023 and to witness many amazing young bands from different schools across Asia. Thank you so much for organising such an awesome event!"

David John Roche, Composer: “It was really wonderful to hear all the fabulous music being made as part of the FOBISIA Battle of the Bands. It was particularly reassuring to see the influence of so many consummate music teachers - students performed beautiful arrangements with solid technique, and with wonderful sound management. A brilliant experience... and a difficult task as an adjudicator!”

Marcel Pusey, Bassistry Music: “I was delighted to be asked to be involved with the Battle of the Bands. We were astounded by the quality of the music, the enthusiasm and effort put in by the students. The standard was incredibly high, which made the judging really quite difficult. But the top 5 bands did really shine through. It is a great initiative bringing International Schools together in this way. It is reassuring to know there is such a passion for music making across the age groups in International Schools.”

Christopher Bond, Composer & Arranger: "The FOBISIA Battle of the Bands was a unique virtual competition with no geographical barriers but a whole load of talent. The snapshot into each institution and their brilliant bands was a great way to forge links between schools and bring them together, whilst celebrating and providing a platform for students to perform and create something special which they'll always be able to look back on."

I would like to say a final Thank You to all the competing schools, the sponsors, guest judges, FOBISIA HQ and the Bromsgrove events team for making the 2023 Battle of the Bands a successful and rewarding experience for everyone involved! We are now looking forward to the FOBISIA Battle of the Bands 2024, hosted by The International School @ ParkCity. Again in hybrid format, there will be both live and online competitions, and registration for the Online Competition is still open here. The Live categories have already attracted a huge amount of interest, with pre-auditions required to select the final 30 bands. We are very excited for the Live Final in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday 27 January 2024! THE FOBISIAN: DEC 2023, TERM 1, ISSUE 43

FOBISIA POETRY COMPETITION Lauren Ebsworth Assistant Principal The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur

The FOBISIA Poetry Competition that took place in the 2022-2023 school year was based around the theme 'Where I Go'. The competition was hosted by The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur and aimed only at Primary Students in KS2. The event created a platform for students to showcase their literary talents in poetic form around the given theme. London-grown Poet Sara Hirsch introduced and judged the competition. The entries clearly showed that students were able to express their imagination, emotions, and perspectives in a creative manner. The students used a variety of language features as well as their own self-reflection to produce captivating pieces of poetry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible to host this online poetry competition. FOBISIA's dedication and support have created a wonderful platform for young poets to shine, and we're deeply appreciative of your efforts in nurturing creativity and talent.

"Firstly, I just want to say how difficult it was to choose winners and runners up for both categories. Honestly, every single shortlisted poem is a winner in my eyes. They were all so varied, so unique, and so brilliantly written. It made it very hard to pick winners! I could hardly believe that all these poems were written by primary school children. Not to mention that some of them were written by people for whom English isn’t their first language. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves for creating such interesting poems full of so many different themes and ideas.” Sara Hirsh, FOBISIA Poetry Competition judge

Where I Go

School’s Name: Shrewsbury Int. Primary School Hong Kong Student’s Name: Daisy Category: Year 3-4

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YEARS 3-4 WINNER

Where I Go

School’s Name: Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok Riverside Student’s Name: Gene Thunjira Category: Year 5- 6

YEARS 5-6 WINNER

Prologue All is dark, all is void, An empty hall, silent and still. The curtains not yet unfolded, A story still waits to be told, The audience holding their breath, awaiting where it goes.

Act One The light’s switched on, the curtain’s drawn, The first scene’s begun. Hot pink. Neon green. Electric blue. The chaotic playground comes into view. Children screaming, bursting with joy; I run along. On a pure white wall with a soft embrace, I paint a safe haven, a home under a rainbow. Magnificent dreams pouring into every stroke. Purple, pink, yellow, All the colours of gentle sun. Stage right: the door swings open, my family welcomed, We laugh and play, warm in the sun. Then lightning strikes: A feud, a row, Sharp words thrown like bits of glass, Sealing my room shut, suffocating me in silence. Then the sun turns saffron and bursts into flames. My room burns with fire, rage, Turns into a prison, where passion blazes, Unyielding red, scorching orange. Re-hot with desire, I long for change.

Act Two A new scene unveiled. I ran away from the fire, To a new life, new home, new family, new adventures. Teal green and light blue Awaken my family to a bright new day, The same hues as the morning sky. A fresh opportunity comes through the mailboxL A dream job, a wonderful new role.

Where I Go

I walk my own path, Going so fast and far I lose sight of my family. Thunderous, gloomy clouds billow across the sky. A storm is coming as we cower, my shivering child rages and cries. The grey windows rattle ominously, The house collapses under the weight of the fancy furniture. Its carefully crafted facade buried under despairing ruins. The abandoned home Lonely under a flickering spotlight. The silence, so loud and painful, Each of us scattered All alone in our own confined worlds.

Act Three The lights are all off, the stage pitch black. The burning room flashes behind my eyes, A warning. I realise Sharp bits of glass never should be thrown again. Across the stage, I stumble my way through the dark, hands reaching Groping, I sense the warmth of his skin. My child, we embrace and the lights begin To glow and guide the way for each of us. We meet in the middle ground. One by one, we stack each brick Into something precious, something whole. A rainbow cascade of hope and care In every single touch. We patch the broken pieces, and make love anew. The house stands, once again, beautiful and carefree As peace and joy become members of the family. Pastel colours float across the evening sky As the lights go out And the curtains swish closed.

Epilogue The play is over, the theatre is silent, Yet the story continues. The brook babbles, the wind whistles, Then the breeze lowers a soft feather into the stream. Gently, it floats away to an unknown ocean Under the pale blue sky.

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Year 5 students at Tanglin Trust School recently embarked on a remarkable adventure with Teach Rex, an educational workshop provider based in the UK. Teach Rex offer captivating visits involving dinosaurs, dragons, and at the heart of this unforgettable experience, an extraordinary primate guest: Thomas!

THOMAS THE GORILLA VISITS TANGLIN TRUST Thomas Parsonage

Facing a 200kg gorilla on a Monday morning was certainly not what the Year 5 children at Tanglin had anticipated. However, this surprising encounter resulted in something truly remarkable—a profound connection and a newfound love for their gentle guest.

Head of Year 5 Tanglin Trust School

Beyond their close encounter with Thomas, the children had the opportunity to enhance their spelling and grammar skills and explore the world of video production through green screen technology. Through a compelling combination of engaging assemblies and interactive workshops, the students delved into crucial concepts of environmental preservation and conservation. The workshop helped launch Year 5's Pristine Planet topic, setting the stage for a term filled with engaging and impactful learning.

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FOBISIA PRIMARY FRIENDLY GAMES IN BEIJING Hannah Marshall Director of Sports Dulwich College Beijing

Due to the pandemic, it has been very difficult for our member schools from China to participate in the FOBISIA Games in recent years. On 31 May - 2 June 2023 Dulwich College Beijing, The British School Beijing and Harrow Beijing hosted a Primary Friendly China Games bringing together 230 students from Dulwich College Beijing, The British School Beijing, Harrow Beijing, Wellington College Shanghai, Dulwich College Suzhou and Wellington Hangzhou. Over the course of the three days the students experienced the same format as the Primary FOBISIA Friendly Games competing in swimming, athletics, football, and tee-ball. On the first day of competition The British School Beijing hosted highly successful athletics and swimming competitions, showcasing the impressive abilities of student athletes from the six participating schools. The event was marked by outstanding performances from both individuals and teams, with competitors displaying phenomenal athleticism and teamwork throughout. The athletics competition saw individuals compete in both track and field events. The atmosphere in the athletics stadium was electrifying, particularly during the closely contested relay events. In the swimming competition, participants competed in a range of events, including freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly and relay events. The level of competition was intense, with swimmers pushing themselves to the limit to achieve their best. The event was a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the participating athletes, as well as the tireless efforts of the organisers and volunteers who made the day possible. Overall, the athletics and swimming competition hosted by the British School Beijing was an incredible showcase of talent, perseverance, and teamwork. Following a successful day of athletics and swimming the participants then travelled to Harrow Beijing for the football competition. The weather was glorious and the football pitches were in pristine condition. All teams were excited to begin the football competition. The tournament was competitive but all players demonstrated a strong spirit of sportsmanship. There were many individuals whose skills and experience shone throughout the football tournament but the level of teamwork on display was extremely high. 52

On the final day of competition, Dulwich College Beijing hosted the tee-ball competition. For many of the participants this was their first experience of a tee-ball competition. The standard of play was high and all students and coaches benefitted from the experience. Beyond the sports themselves, the China FOBISIA Games provided opportunities for cultural exchange and learning. Students from different schools and countries shared their backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, building friendships and connections that will last beyond the Games themselves. It has been an extremely valuable experience for all involved to participate in a FOBISIA Games after a number of years of absence. The event was a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the participating athletes, as well as the tireless efforts of the organisers and volunteers who made the day possible. We are looking forward to attending next year’s games in Thailand and meeting students from outside of China.

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FOBISIA U13 BASKETBALL 2023-24 Matt Buck Director of Sport Rugby School Thailand

Rugby School was delighted to welcome this first basketball invitational of the new sporting year, hosting 20 teams (10 boys and 10 girls) to our campus. We had two days of electrifying basketball action, packed with close finishes, overtime action, 3 point shots, big blocks, pressure free throws and tons of fun! The boys tournament quickly turned into a showcase for Traill International School and in particular their superstar point guard. He was able to seemingly steal the ball at will on defence, and then score 3’s at the attacking end. His performance in the group stages saw Traill easily move into the final versus a very deep, physically tall, strong and well balanced Shrewsbury Bangkok Riverside team. The last game was a real classic and unusually a clash between a superstar individual and an experienced team. In the final seconds Shrewsbury pulled ahead by 3 points to be crowned champions and Traill were unable to respond in time. Rugby School Thailand (RST) won the Bronze medal by 8 in a dual with Bangkok Prep in another exciting game. The girls tournament also witnessed many close games over the 2 days that came right down to the wire. The hosts, RST, played very well and made steady progress to make the final after a nail biting 3 point win versus Harrow Bangkok in the last group game. A local Thai School (Chonkanyanukoon) were the class act in the tournament showing outstanding basketball skills and teamwork. They made quick work of the early rounds and dispatched RST in the final with ease to become girls champions! The Bronze medal match was a much closer game with Anmuay Silpa taking on Harrow BKK in a thrilling encounter. It came right down to the last shot, with Harrow holding on to claim the Bronze 23-21.

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U9, U11 AND U19 FOBISIA FOOTBALL 2023/24 Jason Bilinkewycz Director of Sport and Activities Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside

As the sun rose on Friday 17th November, the rolling hills of Chiang Mai came alive with bubbling excitement and anticipation. Student-athletes approached the immaculate grass pitches to be greeted by the staff from TEEMS, food trucks, ARI Football, and Vald - all welcoming them to an action-packed weekend of football. Schools from across Asia competed over 2 days, across 3 age groups with both boys and girls attempting to complete their seasons with silverware. As a school, Shrewsbury Riverside wanted to provide a unique experience for their students - the U19 students for example, played in 11-a-side matches on some of the best facilities in Thailand - all within their sport season. On day 1 these teams had over 240 minutes of football - a phenomenal demonstration of energy and experience.

As the sun set on day 2 after the finals were completed, there was a buzz around the pitches, hotel and terrace as students (and coaches alike) awaited the results and medal ceremony. FOBISIA schools were strongly challenged by some local schools in Chiang Mai who relished this opportunity to compete against some of the best international school teams. These local Thai teams provided challenge, friendship and much needed competition to ensure groups games were aplenty.

Congratulations and thanks go to all teams who took part, we look forward to seeing you all again next year and to hosting the U13s and U15s in May 24. 56

FOBISIA CONNCET 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!

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FOBISIA 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.

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 members bring 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. We are proud that we now have six members of Friends of FOBISIA; The British School of Brussels vzw, British International School of Stockholm, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Rugby School, Wellington College and The English International School Baghdad.

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. We are pleased to welcome our Individual Members:

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THE FOBISIAN: DEC 2023, TERM 1, ISSUE 43

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