Student-directed learning spaces
Learnlife’s Ulrike Suwwan makes a strong case for incorporating ‘Hublings’ – flexible spaces for self-directed learning – into the design of any school.
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Leadership
International schools with affordable fees are in demand
According to Sam Fraser there is significant growth in the enrolment of international schools with affordable tuition fees: ISC Research intelligence suggest this sector will continue to expand.
Bringing out leadership stories
For Ciaron MacMahon, the magic of leadership is ‘being present’ for others in everyday interactions and then bringing out everyone’s leadership stories.
Focus on the good bits first and the rest will follow
In order to create brilliance in your school, focus on what’s going well as a starting point for change and the rest will follow, writes Simon Dunford.
How stable are your systems? How safe is your data?
Glaucia Rosas and James Wilkinson of the EduTec Alliance see a ‘perfect storm’ on the horizon for educational technology in schools. Here they explain why and what schools can do to prepare.
Analytical insight
Tom Richmond introduces EDSK, a recently-formed think tank based in the UK which aims to influence policy through the analysis of the day’s most important educational issues.
Embedding data-led decisions in the strategic planning cycle: COBIS21 link article
While schools understand that data should inform strategic planning, they often get their timing wrong or rely on unreliable anecdotal evidence. Ashley Kirk and Doris Suchet of ISC Research have advice.
Ensuring an inclusive culture in an international school: COBIS21 link article
Adam Boddison and Kamal Bodhanker look at how the UK’s National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen) are now supporting international schools in partnership with COBIS.
“There is more in you than you think”
Phil Mathe looks at the profound international legacy of one of the twentieth century’s greatest educational thinkers. You may not have heard of him but his influence suffuses international education.
Learning for an interconnected world: COBIS21 conference link article
Andreas Schleicher takes an in-depth look at the measurement of ‘Global Competence’ in PISA 2018. As he argues at the COBIS21 conference, the associated concepts and skills should be at the core of any modern curriculum.
Leading in a Climate of Change: COBIS Annual Conference, May 10 – 13, 2021
Colin Bell, CEO of the Council of British International Schools extends an open invitation to members and non-members to attend this year’s Conference.
How the pandemic is affecting practice in international schools
Sam Fraser, leader of the ISC Research field team reflects on how the pandemic has changed international education in ways of which we should all be aware.
Self-aware leadership
Rob Stokoe shares ideas about self-aware leadership and reflects on an emerging pandemic legacy of resilient, positive headship.
From KL to Rotterdam
Gail Schoppert looks back at a lifetime spent in international education and with international teachers, reflecting on the changes he has seen since the late 70s.
The advantage of asking questions
Ciaran McMahon suggests that leaders who ask good questions rather than provide all the answers, will strengthen their school’s response to a crisis.
. . . when choosing an international school
Anne Keeling looks at a recent White Paper published by ISC Research which provides insight into what parents are looking for in an international school this year.
Adopting an Environmental Social Governance code at school
Lisa Walsh thinks that the adoption of Environmental Social Governance codes by an increasing number of companies could – and should – be an example for school Boards.
Inclusion in a remote setting
Janice Ireland and Marytina Osuchukwu describe how a school in the Niger Delta region has introduced a radical inclusion programme, with dramatic results.
Covid-19 and school leadership in disruptive times
Richard Gaskell invites us to pause, take stock and listen to each other as we prepare to take on the next section of the Covid white-water ride.
Good governance during challenging times
Matthew Savage and Dr. Helen Wright explore the ingredients of effective school governance, and how to help schools grow #betterboards.
A thought for those “leading from the middle”
Phil Mathe takes off his hat to the ‘engine’ of a school – the middle leaders who are playing such a crucial role during the Covid crisis.
Pilot online accreditation visits
Gary Minnitt, Director of Accreditation at COBIS looks at the advantages emerging from a series of online pilot school visits. Not easy, but so far, so good.
Supporting local staff in international schools
According to Henry Wong, helping local staff understand the micro-culture in which they work is as essential as orientating new international staff when they arrive.
Making difficult decisions in difficult times
A survey for the February 2021 COBIS Bursars, Business Managers and HR Staff Conference, throws light on how schools are steering a course through the troubled waters of the pandemic. Paul Cabrelli and Andy Homden report.
New FOBISIA inter-school event takes off during lockdown
Andy Homden looks at a competition for international schools that simply would not have happened without lockdown, and seems destined to grow quickly.
How Covid-19 is changing the recruitment landscape for 2021
Diane Jacoutot, one of the most experienced recruiters on the international scene. analyses the contradictory impact of Covid-19 on recruitment, and predicts a teacher shortage in 2021 – 22.
SLT wellbeing during the pandemic
Following an October 2020 survey of over 700 school leaders, former international school head, Dr. Helen Kelly concluded that colleagues in leadership positions ended 2020 under unprecedented pressure.
The long view for international education in Egypt
Despite all the problems associated with Covid-19, Mansoor Ahmed reminds us that many longer term data point to further growth in international education. Egypt is a case in point.
Leading from within
For Natalie Croome, the impact of professional development is significantly enhanced if school leaders participate in staff training as learners. It also transforms their leadership style.
How the Common Ground Collaborative builds learning cultures in every classroom
Kevin Bartlett asks how can we create effective, shared, schoolwide, learning cultures? The fourth in a series of four articles about the work of the Common Ground Collaborative.
Learners Who Lead
Natalie Croome looks back at her own learning – as a child, as a young trainee and as a teacher. She reflects on her ‘special teachers’ and how they were learners – and leaders – as well.
First of two artcles on leadership and learning.
Becoming me
In the second of two articles Ger Graus argues passionately for changes to the curriculum which will excite the imagination and raise aspirations.
New reports highlight inclusion and edtech practice in international schools
At a time of such profound and rapid change, it is vital to keep up with emerging trends in order to plan effectively. Diane Glass of ISC Research looks at two important studies that are hot off the press.
The loss of innocence
2020 has been a turbulent year (and it’s not just about the virus). Stephen M. Whitehead thinks it will force us to face some difficult truths.
For David Gregory, effective outdoor education risk management depends on the collective skillset at a school’s disposal.
The Asian Century is well underway
Dr Stephen M. Whitehead looks at how the default position that ‘West is best’ is being questioned in Asia more than ever. What this might mean for international education?
Study reveals both optimism and caution in K-12 sector amid pandemic
In May 2020, Colliers International conducted a major market sentiment survey in the UAE. What do parents, school leaders and operators see in the future for one of the world’s most important international education hubs? Mansoor Ahmed reports.
An underused resource for building school admissions?
Online chat does not seem to be commonly used by international schools. admissions teams. ITM asked an industry expert, Kaitlyn Shipp to explain how a ‘live’ chat feature can be used by a school admissions team to grow student admissions.
A personal and professional reflection
When lifelong international educator and leader, Ronald Stones OBE was issued his Work From Home (WFH) order by the Singapore government, he wondered what would happen next.
Recalibrating our schools
Education has become a rushed process, and the skills that young people most need are in danger of being left behind. Time to recalibrate, says Robert Lloyd Williams.
Culture change in a lockdown
It’s not just schools who have had to adapt, Munir Mamujee is the Managing Director of a UK based teacher recruiting agency. On March 17th he and his staff packed up the office and went home to work.
International schools and the adaptation to crises
Will Bedford of ISC Research, asks how resilient the international schools’ market has been in historic times of crisis and how this might inform future planning.
Can all international schools survive the virus?
Stephen Whitehead looks at key variables that will affect the ability of international schools to weather the storm of Covid-19.
Future imaginative
Teacher, writer and social activist, Ger Graus is also a successful businessman and Global Director of Education for KidZania. He thinks that young people can imagine their future with confidence – if they know how. ITM’s Andy Homden caught up with him recently on-line.
The experience of school closures
An enforced school closure can be sudden and present a range of daunting problems. James McDonald looks at what he learned as a Principal during two periods of crisis, one in Japan and another in Thailand, when he had to close his school.
Five mistakes
According to Mark Schaub, a reflective and patient approach will help international partner schools avoid five common mistakes that often affect school start-ups in China.
Encouraging parent involvement in school
Since parent involvement relates positively to student achievement, Leah Davies discusses how to encourage parents to participate in their children’s education in a variety of ways both at home and in school.
Are teachers getting enough?
According to Emily Melynn Alexander, teachers could be missing out on one of the most important things they need to be successful in their careers: plenty of good-quality sleep.
Finding the middle road
Is the regulatory environment in China just too difficult when pursuing an opportunity to establish a school with a local partner ? Not necessarily, according to Mark Schaub.
The importance of empathy for school leadership
Empathy is a formidable confidante which allows educational leaders to build collaborative communities which influence, innovate and enhance student outcomes. Melissa Etherton explores empathy as a leadership tool and how it can have a positive impact on a school community.