CPD Digest
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2025
PUBLISHER - FOBISIA EDITOR - Swati S. Bedi
Editor’s Note
Dear CPD Leaders,
As we reach the end of an exceptional year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared. This year has been a testament to the power of professional development, marked by a series of impactful CPD events that have enriched our community and fostered growth across our schools.
From inspiring keynotes, to innovative JAWS workshops, each event has contributed to our collective learning and professional advancement. The dedication and enthusiasm of our educators, and colleagues have made this year truly remarkable.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the CPD opportunities that await us next year. Our commitment to providing high-quality professional development remains steadfast, which is reflected in our Calendar. There is a variety of CPD/ CPL events that will continue to support and inspire our community.
Thank you for your continued support and participation. Together, we are shaping the future of education, one CPD event at a time.
Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating break, and looking forward to another fantastic year of learning and growth.
Wishes,
Swati
Upcoming CPD Events
FOBISIA Fellowship Webinars
Todd Thornback
Bangkok Patana School
Grant Dickens
The British School New Delhi
Kristof Starost
Charter International School
Khalifah Bennett
Prince of Wales Island Interna tional School
Warda Muse
Jerudong International School Brunei
Vicky Walker
Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi
Lynsey Gogin
Dulwich College Seoul
Mike Alborough
The International School @ ParkCity
Using comparative judgement to enhance learning Watch here
S.P.A.C.E Out Watch here
How can we better assess Global Citizenship? Watch here
Fostering a Home for Hearts in Transition Watch here
Building a Sustainable STEAM Programme - Blueprint for Schools Watch here
Harnessing the assets that multi-lingual learners bring to our classrooms Watch here
DEI-The Beginning of a Journey at Dulwich College Seoul Watch here
The Power of Belonging: Cultivating Community in International Schools Watch here
Reflecting on an Inspiring FOBISIA JAWS: Girls in
PE and Sport
Anna Sheppard, Director of Sport
King’s College International School Bangkok
King’s College International School Bangkok had the privilege of hosting an impactful FOBISIA JAWS (Job-Alike Workshop) focused on Girls in PE and Sport. Bringing together passionate colleagues from schools across Thailand and Malaysia, the day was a vibrant blend of reflection, discussion, and strategic planning – all centred on how we can collectively move the needle for girls' experiences in physical education and sport.
From the outset, the energy in the room made it clear: this wasn't just a professional development session – it was a call to action. Colleagues explored a wide range of themes including inclusive curricula design, intentional strategy-building, psychological safety in PE environments, the importance of language and representation, and the impact of kit design and accessibility.
The conversations were honest, nuanced, and brave. Delegates shared challenges, reflected on progress, and most importantly, left with renewed purpose and practical tools to champion inclusion back in their own schools. The power of the FOBISIA network was felt throughout – a community not just of educators, but of change-makers ready to work together to ensure girls thrive in all areas of school sport.
One of the most powerful threads of the day was the emphasis on psychological safety – the foundation upon which participation, enjoyment, and performance rest. From the way we group students to how we respond to body image concerns, every detail matters when creating spaces where girls feel seen, heard, and supported.
We were incredibly fortunate to learn from a number of expert presenters who generously shared research, resources, and real-life case studies. Sincere thanks go to presenters from the following schools:
y Alex Foster, Amanda O’Halloran, Anna Sheppard, Anthony Braithwaite, Ben Fakira, Chris Branch, Matthew Randall, King’s College International School Bangkok
y Francesca Woodland, Bangkok Prep International School Bangkok
y Simon Murgatroyd, Shrewsbury Riverside
y Laura Graceffa, St Andrew’s 107
y Sammy Ebzao, Traill International School
Their insights and leadership will ripple far beyond the workshop walls, sparking new initiatives across the region.
As the event concluded, a shared commitment emerged: we must keep this conversation going. Whether through collaborative projects, shared resources, or future JAWS events, the message was clear – we are stronger together.
Thank you to all who attended for your openness, passion, and determination. Change is happening – and thanks to this incredible community, it’s happening faster and more collaboratively than ever.
‘I just wanted to say a big thank you for leading and organising yesterday's 'Girls in PE and Sport' event. It was such a valuable and thought-provoking day, and I really appreciated the range of insights and practical ideas shared. I have come away from the event feeling empowered and inspired to make a change to ensure the girls at my school feel safe, strong and confident in PE, as well as wider school life’.
‘Thank you so much for hosting such an insightful and well-organized CPD session yesterday. The school environment was beautiful—great layout, welcoming vibe, and fantastic facilities’
Unlocking Potential: Insights from the TA eJAWS Conference
Christine Boswell British International School Hanoi
On the 2nd of October British International School Hanoi put together an incredibly enriching day for FOBISIA teaching assistants across primary and secondary education. Our specific focus on neurodiversity and inclusive classroom practices has never been more relevant as we strive to create supportive learning environments for all students across our international communities.
The main theme of the eJAWS conference centred around understanding neurodiversity and the diverse needs of our students. We explored the various types of neurodivergent learners we encounter in our classrooms, including those with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and dyslexia etc. This understanding is crucial for teaching assistants, who play a vital role in supporting these students.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in practical workshops and engaged on the padlet, where we emphasised strategies for fostering inclusivity. We discussed the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiation as frameworks to tailor our teaching approaches and support, ensuring that all students have access to their learning. In our international school settings, we also addressed the unique challenges faced by English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. We examined effective strategies for supporting these students and shared our experiences.
One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity for teaching assistants to collaborate and share their experiences with colleagues from different schools. This networking allowed for the exchange of ideas, discussion of challenges, and to celebrate successes in our respective roles. It was inspiring to witness the commitment and passion that each participant brought to the table.
While it was a long day filled with intensive discussions and activities, the feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed how the conference deepened their understanding of neurodivergent classrooms and provided them with practical tools to better support their students.
As we look ahead, I encourage all teaching assistants to continue exploring the principles of neurodiversity and inclusivity in their practice. The insights gained from TA eJAWS will undoubtedly help us unlock the potential of every student we work with, fostering an environment where all learners can thrive.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making this conference a success. Together, we can continue to enhance our skills and positively impact the educational experiences of our students.
Middle Leadership JAWS Conference
Daniel Brown, Assistant Head of College John Ridley, Director of Learning Dulwich College (Singapore) Tanglin Trust School
Tanglin Trust School and Dulwich College (Singapore) co-hosted the Middle Leadership JAWS Conference on 28th February and Saturday 1st March 2025. We welcomed 110 participants from 35 different schools in 11 different countries to our schools. The two days were mainly focused on workshops led by FOBISIA members on subjects like the benefits of coaching in leadership, effective delegation, navigating challenging conversations, and using systems thinking tools in leadership. Additionally, there were ‘case study’ sessions where presenters shared particular projects that they have led in their schools – from ‘sustainability’ to ‘the curiosity approach’.
We also benefitted from hearing three excellent keynote speakers - Michael Iannini (author of books on middle leadership in schools) who spoke about realising the potential of middle leadership; Chris Jansen from Leadership Lab whose talk was titled "Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast", and Andrew Mowat from Eduspark on Using AI as a Middle Leader. There really was something for everyone, with a good balance of presenters from secondary, primary, curriculum and pastoral roles. Some attendees were presenting at a JAWS for the first time – thank you for stepping out of your comfort zones! Lunchtime tours of the schools proved very popular, and the joint hosting gave participants the chance to see two different campuses.
The biggest benefits, as ever with FOBISIA JAWS events, were the many connections and discussions that happened including at the social event in Timbre Plus on Friday evening. A massive thank you once again to all of the participants; it was wonderful to see such a high level of enthusiasm and engagement across the two days.
Empowering Economic Educators: Bangkok Prep Hosts Inspiring FOBISIA JAWS Conference
Akshika Bansal, Economics Teacher Bangkok Prep International School
On 23rd May 2025, Bangkok Prep International School had the honour of hosting the highly anticipated FOBISIA Economics JAWS Conference, bringing together a vibrant community of Economics educators from across Southeast Asia. A total of 19 teachers from international schools in Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Thailand convened for a day filled with professional dialogue, pedagogical innovation, and collaborative learning.
The conference offered an inspiring platform for sharing ideas, best practices, and classroom strategies, all centred around enhancing teaching and learning in Economics. The agenda was dynamic and diverse, with breakout sessions led by teachers from a range of international schools, each bringing their unique perspective and experience to the fore. Topics covered included Oracy and Wellbeing of Students, Retrieval and Spaced Practice, Activating Hard Thinking in Economics, and Building Metacognition in Economics Students. These sessions encouraged participants to explore fresh ways to engage learners, foster deeper thinking, and build resilient, independent Economics students.
UPCOMING CPD EVENTS
A major highlight of the day was the live webinar delivered by renowned education author and speaker Kate Jones. Her session, titled “Actionable Feedback Strategies to Support Teacher Workload and Pupil Progress” offered both insight and inspiration. Ms. Jones unpacked the essential components of effective feedback and demonstrated how strategic adjustments can support both learner progress and teacher wellbeing. Attendees were especially engaged by her practical examples of verbal feedback, peer and self-assessment methods, and the integration of technology to reduce workload while maintaining high-impact feedback practices. Her presentation was not only informative but also highly empowering for teachers looking to refine their assessment strategies.
What made the conference truly special was the atmosphere of collaboration and generosity that permeated the day. Teachers not only absorbed new strategies but also actively contributed, sharing resources, classroom experiences, and top tips for effective teaching. The rich exchange of ideas among passionate educators created a powerful sense of community and mutual support, reflecting the true spirit of the JAWS (Job-Alike Workshop) ethos.
Throughout the event, participants commented on the value of being able to step back from the daily demands of teaching to reflect, learn, and connect with peers who understand the unique challenges and joys of teaching Economics. The sessions sparked professional curiosity and encouraged educators to return to their classrooms with renewed enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and practical tools.
Hosting the FOBISIA Economics JAWS Conference was a proud moment for Bangkok Prep. The school not only facilitated a day of professional excellence but also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering teacher development and educational innovation. By uniting educators from across the region and empowering them with ideas that can shape meaningful student outcomes, the conference demonstrated the profound impact of collaboration in international education.
As the final discussions wrapped up and connections were solidified, it was clear that this gathering had been more than a conference—it was a celebration of learning, leadership, and the shared purpose of nurturing the next generation of economic thinkers.
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