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Dear Colleague,

 

With half term just about to start, planning for our flagship event, the COBIS Annual Conference is in full swing. The 37th edition of the Conference will take place from 12-14 May 2018 at InterContinental London – The O2. I am delighted to share with you, that the theme for our next Conference will be "Leading Learning". A theme we can all relate to. More on that over the next few months.

 

This week marks the first school visits in Asia and the Middle East, as part of the COBIS Patron's Accreditation and Compliance system. Our Director of Accreditation, Peter Simpson and the team of more than 100 COBIS Lead Improvement Partners and Peer Accreditors are excited to lead and support COBIS schools, which are participating in this dynamic accreditation programme for international British schools of global quality.

 

Here's a date for your diary, as 27 October 2017 is the deadline for schools within the COBIS family to complete our Annual Research Survey. This is an important exercise which will allow us to paint an accurate picture of where our schools stand in relation to assessment, student university destinations and curriculum. It's for all COBIS schools, whether EYFS, Primary or Secondary. All participating schools will receive a personalised report from our colleagues at GL Education which will present your school's data alongside benchmarking data from UK and overseas schools.

 

Our CPD calendar is now well underway for 2017-18 with recent events taking place in Madrid for students, and in Muscat and Madrid for both aspiring Heads and Middle Leaders. You can read about more upcoming training and events below, in locations as diverse as Kenya and The Netherlands. We look forward to meeting you there!

 

And finally, following tragic events in Mexico connected to the recent earthquake, The Edron Academy in Mexico City has reopened this week after structural damage caused it to shut its doors. Thoughts are with those affected by the earthquake and best wishes to all staff, students, parents and the wider school community connected to the Edron Academy.

 

Kind regards,

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Colin Bell
CEO

 
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COBIS NEWS

 

BEST OF LUCK TO NQTS STARTING THEIR INDUCTION IN COBIS SCHOOLS

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We are delighted to have NQTs embarking on their induction in  COBIS Schools around the world, including Nepal, the UAE, Mexico, China, the Czech Republic and more.

 

Following successful lobbying led by COBIS and after due Parliamentary process, changes in legislation from 1 September 2012 at regulation level allow qualifying COBIS schools to deliver NQT induction. Qualifying COBIS schools need to have successfully completed a British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection by one of the  Department for Education (DfE) approved inspectorates. COBIS Supporting Members IStip, Buckinghamshire Learning Trust,  NQT Induction and TES provide support to overseas schools looking to offer NQT induction.

 

LATEST COBIS SAFEGUARDING UPDATE - AVAILABLE NOW

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Our latest update on safeguarding for international British schools overseas was published last week and covers important topics such as references for new employees, background checks for overseas applicants, DBS and training.

 

Click here to read the update and don't forget to share it with colleagues.

 

COBIS ANNUAL RESEARCH SURVEY

The 2017 COBIS Annual Research Survey, in partnership with GL Education, is now open. COBIS Member Schools can submit their responses by clicking here.

 

The Annual Research Survey collects information about assessment choices, results, and University destinations. The findings support the lobbying work of COBIS and inform the strategic development of the association.

 

COBIS BLOG - MONTHLY UPDATE

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10 Questions gives you the chance to get to know members of the COBIS network a little bit better by asking them ten questions about their achievements, wishes and hidden talents! This month, we talked to Andrew Jedras, Principal of Atlantic Hall School in Nigeria.

 

1. Which living person do you most admire?
My educational leadership career started in special education and I also have a personal background in sport. To witness those who have to contend with and try to overcome tremendous adversity on a daily basis has been exemplified more recently by our Paralympians. For me, the swimmer Ellie Robinson.

2. Which talent would you most like to have?
If you ever wanted to clear a room quickly, ask me to sing! I am tone deaf and completely lack rhythm although I do a good impersonation of Mick Jagger (well sort of)! So, it has to be 'Singing'!

3. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Surviving the challenges of life to this point


4. Where would you most like to live?
I have travelled extensively and had the privilege of visiting many exotic places and some less so! Thus I could easily live in most places. However, for me the South of France close to the Canal de Midi (but, with a lot of money)!!

5. What is your favourite book?
Age 5 - 'Janet & John Book 3', Age 15 - 'Down & Out in Paris & London' by George Orwell, BUT overall I always remember vividly, 'Papillion' by Henri Charriere

6. What is your favourite £5 treat?
No brainer……….a glass of Burgundy!

7. When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up? 
At age 7 – a Train driver, age 16 - an Airline Pilot…. so, I became a 'Teacher' (Oh well, so much for careers advice)!!!

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I don't have much of it, but, in those moments, 'Cooking'! I have an informal style and adopt the 'Keith Floyd' approach, 'a little 'slurp' here and there during preparation!

9. What is on your bucket list?
Iguassu Falls (Brazil), the Amazon, Going on a British Lions Tour!


10. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Most people see me very much as an extrovert, but actually I am very at peace with solitude!

 
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Each month we will be showcasing one of our alumni from any of our 292 schools around the world. COBIS students are doing amazing things and we want to showcase the talent of past students from our schools, in order to celebrate what they have achieved and to inspire the ­­next generation of students. 

 

This month Hannah spoke to Ellesse Tzinberg who graduated from The Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1992 and now competes internationally as a dressage athlete, representing her home country of The Philippines.

 

Click below to read more about Ellesse's journey from school to the international dressage ring as well as about her time at The Alice Smith School and all the activities that she was involved in there.

 
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT and EVENTS NEWS

 

COBIS EDUCATION CONFERENCE
MAKING PERSONALISED LEARNING EFFECTIVE

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Teachers, TAs and Leaders from Primary and Secondary Schools are invited to attend this Education Conference - Making Personalised Learning Effective - hosted by the British School of Amsterdam, 4-5 January 2018, in partnership with COBIS, Firefly, and Karen Ardley Associates.

 

The programme will include sessions on: Differentiation; Developing Questioning and Thinking Skills; Target Setting and Progress Tracking; Supporting EAL Learners; Imagineering; Coaching Skills, and more.

 

WEBINARS HOSTED BY COBIS SCHOOLS

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Colleagues from two COBIS Schools in Romania and Kenya delivered successful COBIS webinars earlier this term.

 

Sarah Porter, Head of EAL from British School of Bucharest, presented a webinar on Using EAL Lessons for Content Language Support. Samantha Mihajlovic, Early Years Co-ordinator from Braeburn Primary School, presented on Developing free-flow play in the Early Years. Feedback from both of these webinars was very positive, and we are grateful to these colleagues for sharing their time and expertise with other COBIS Schools. Recordings of the webinars can be found in the Members Area of the COBIS Website. If you are interested in delivering a COBIS webinar, please contact Jamie Ralph, COBIS Communications Officer.  

 

HOW DOES STRESS AND ACADEMIC PRESSURE AFFECT TEENAGERS?

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Professor Michael Fullan and Dr David Gleeson will be keynote presenters at this year's Asia-Pacific International Schools Conference (AISC). Their presentations will address important topical well-being issues and in particular "How Does Stress And Academic Pressure Affect Teenagers?"

 

AISC is the annual event for international school leaders and educators in the Asia-Pacific Region. AISC brings together the international schools community to explore topical education issues. The 2017 AISC conference is will be held on 14th and 15th December at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. AISC is supported by the international schools community including COBIS.

 

This year, the AISC conference will explore three important educational themes: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Early Years Pedagogy and Transforming Learning. AISC delegates are able to access the keynotes, workshops, networking sessions and the co-located Learning & Teaching Expo.

 

At previous AISC conferences delegates have attended from over 20 countries, including Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Delegates are able to enjoy the depth and breadth of topics. Please don't forget to enroll before 27th Oct to enjoy the 20% early-bird discount.

 
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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT NEWS

 

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT CALENDAR KICKS OFF IN MADRID

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The first student event for this year took place at the beginning of this month; you can read a report on the great Student Leadership weekend below. Schools can now sign up for the COBIS Student World Debate Competition and Senior School Music Festival and will soon be able to register for the Medical Review Conference, all taking place in 2018.

 

For more information, or to sign up for any of our student programmes, please do visit www.cobis.org.uk/students.

 

COBIS STUDENT LEADERSHIP WEEKEND

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The COBIS Student Leadership Weekend was a very successful start to this year's programme of student events.

 

More than 40 students from schools in Egypt, Romania, The Netherlands, Qatar, Spain and Portugal travelled to Madrid for the COBIS Student Leadership Weekend earlier this month.

 

The event kicked off with a lively interactive discussion on the nature and purpose of leadership. Students discussed whether it was better to be respected or liked and participated eagerly under the guidance of Simon Nixon, Programme Director and Head of Secondary at King's College Panama. They then went on to collaborate in a social media project before learning about presentation skills and body language. 

 

Further sessions on personal branding and social media profiles as well as coaching using the GROW method were delivered to the students who were enthusiastic and engaged throughout. 

 

The feedback from the weekend has been extremely positive, with students from The British School in Amsterdam delivering an assembly on everything they learned when they returned to school. 

 

COBIS is thankful to everyone at King's Group for all their hard work in making this event such a success.

 

COBIS MATHS CHALLENGE

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The COBIS / Mangahigh Maths Challenge is a free competition for 5-16 year olds designed to engage students with maths.

 

Mangahigh is an online resource for primary and secondary students, which boosts results in maths through smart maths games and adaptive exercises. The competition will run from 20 November to 3 December 2017, with a free access period prior to this to familiarise students, and teachers, with the software and content.

 

The 10 schools with the highest number of points will each receive an Amazon voucher. The top school will be sent an engraved trophy.

 
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NEWS FROM COBIS SCHOOLS

 

KING'S GROUP TO HOST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEEKEND

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Preparations are in full swing in Spain for the annual King's Group Professional Development Weekend, taking place 27-28 October 2017. Building on the success of previous teacher's conferences, the weekend includes a range of speakers and workshops for teachers, TAs, and senior leaders from Primary and Secondary schools.

 

The King's Group Professional Development Weekend will bring together staff from King's Group's 8 schools across the world, many of which are COBIS Members. With over 30 educational experts, trainers and facilitators involved, the Professional Development Weekend is sure to offer something for everyone!

 

SINGING FOR PEACE IN COBIS SCHOOLS

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One Day One Choir is a global choral project for peace, bringing together communities around the world to sing for peace and unity on 21 September, the International Day of Peace.

 

A number of COBIS Schools, including The English International School Prague and Prague British School, were involved in the project this year. These 'global choirs' for peace bring together people from across the community to sing with a focus on unity and peace and how we might find ways to work towards it. The project was also supported by COBIS Supporting Members Sing Up. To find out more about how your school can get involved, visit the One Day One Choir website.

 

INSPIRING ACTS OF CHARITY AT DOHA COLLEGE

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At only nine years old, Krishna Bhatia, a Year 5 student at Doha College, is inspiring his schoolmates and teachers alike with his acts of generosity. 

 

On his 9th birthday, Krishna asked for money that he could donate to those in need, rather than gifts for himself. In the summer following his birthday, Krishna traveled to India where he divided the money he had received between two causes: a food donation campaign based on spirulina-infused nutrition, and the purchase of educational supplies for a local orphanage.

 

Krishna's parents said "A big 'thanks' to Doha College for reinforcing values that we try our best to instil. The school and the teachers play such an important role in the development of the child and Krishna has been very lucky to have been taught by some of the best teachers."

 

COBIS Schools running similar charity and outreach projects can take part in our Global Social Leaders online competition which challenges students to take action and make a difference in their communities.

 
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COBIS SUPPORTING MEMBERS NEWS

 

THE SOURCE

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The Source is the COBIS directory of Supporting Member services which is available on our website for all members to access. 

 

Please ensure you check your entry here and alert COBIS to any changes in personnel or your company profile. New members can also use this form to let us know of any changes to your details since you joined. All changes should be submitted using this form by 31 October 2017.

 

TERMLY SUPPORTING MEMBER NEWSLETTER

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The new COBIS Supporting Member newsletter will be sent out to all COBIS schools as well as over 2,000 schools on the ISC Research database.

 

We invite Supporting Members to submit articles which would be of interest to our members. These may include projects involving a COBIS school, an award which your company has received or a new product which may be of interest to our members. Articles should be no longer than 150 words in length but links to longer articles can be included.

 

Please ensure you submit your articles to members@cobis.org.uk by 31 October 2017. COBIS reserves the right to choose which articles to include.  

 

This service is part of your membership package so there is no additional fee for content submitted.

 

COBIS SUPPORTING MEMBER FEES

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Thank you to all members who paid their Supporting Membership fees promptly. These fees are now overdue so if you have yet to pay, payment can be made either by bank transfer or credit card.

 

Please contact our Financial Controller - Gurpreet Bansal - with any queries.

 

COMBINING TRADITIONAL AND DIGITAL LITERACY IN LUXEMBOURG

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New COBIS Supporting Members A Tale Unfolds are passionate about helping teachers to combine traditional literacy with digital literacy in order to achieve accelerated progress in the classroom.


The team from A Tale Unfolds were recently invited out to St George's International School, Luxembourg, one of the first schools in the world to be awarded the prestigious Patron's Accreditation mark of quality, for an exciting project which showcased St George's amazing teaching and facilities in all their glory. With an impressive IT infrastructure and auditorium, headteacher Clare Nuttall was keen to develop a sense of purpose and audience for the traditional work of reading and writing that her pupils and teachers were undertaking in the classroom.


The A Tale Unfolds team carried out a teacher takeover for three days to both engage pupils in the vision, whilst allowing teachers release time to get to grips with new apps and techniques.

 

COBIS SCHOOL AND SUPPORTING MEMBER WORKING TOGETHER FOR SCIENCE

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The British International School of Tbilisi, a COBIS Member School, recently embarked on a project to create a new science facility that would excite and stimulate students about science. After comprehensive research, the school chose to work with Supporting Members, S+B UK Limited.

 

The partnership has been extremely successful, with The British International School of Tbilisi very satisfied with their new science facilities. Natia Janashia, Director, said "we believe that this new and exciting design will attract students to a subject they might not otherwise have found appealing. Expectations have so far been exceeded at every stage with delivery on time, professional, courteous and unobtrusive installation technicians ensuring a high quality finish."

 

Mike Serridge, Managing Director of S+B, added that "it was the COBIS connection which made this possible. We would not have known about this project and the school may never have heard of us had it not been a COBIS member and had we not been a COBIS Supporting Member An opportunity for both parties would almost certainly have been lost without the mutual connection."

 

HONG KONG LAYS OUT PLANS FOR INVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY, ENTERPRISES AND RECRUITMENT OF OVERSEAS TALENT

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Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam recently gave a speech at the Innovation & Technology Symposium, where she laid out eight major areas of development for her government in the area of Innovation and Technology.


The Hong Kong Government has set a goal to double the R&D expenditure as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product over the next five years. Additionally, the Government will step up efforts to nurture talent and recruit overseas talents, as well as boost the momentum of venture capital funds in the city.


Supporting Members looking to export overseas may be interested in these developments taking place in Hong Kong. For more information about the planned developments, please read the full article.

October 2017

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COBIS CPD AND EVENTS 2017/18

 

Autumn Term

 
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COBIS Programme for Aspiring Heads

Muscat and Madrid

From September 2017

 
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COBIS Programme for Middle Leaders
Various Locations
From September 2017

 
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Advanced Training for Designated Safeguarding Leads
Madrid
26 October 2017

 
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Regional EAL Training Days
Kenya
23 and 24 October 2017

 
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Advanced Training for Designated Safeguarding Leads
Abu Dhabi
6 November 2017

 
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Stepping Up to Middle Leadership
Lisbon
11-12 November 2017

 
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COBIS Four-Day Middle Leaders' Course
Kuala Lumpur
16-19 November 2017

 

Spring Term

 
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COBIS Personalised Learning Conference
Amsterdam
4-5 January 2018

 
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COBIS Conference for Bursars, Business Managers and HR Staff
Dubai
1-2 February 2018

 
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COBIS Four-Day Middle Leaders' Course
Nairobi
5-8 February 2018

 
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COBIS Conference for Marketing, Development and Admissions Staff
Bucharest
15-16 March 2018

 

Summer Term

 
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37th COBIS Annual Conference
London
12-14 May 2018
 

 
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Regional Training Days
Hong Kong
28 and 29 May 2018

 

 
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Advanced Training for Designated Safeguarding Leads
Hong Kong

29 May 2018

 
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STUDENT EVENTS CALENDAR 2017/18

 

Autumn Term

 
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COBIS/Mangahigh Maths Challenge
Online
20 November - 3 December 2017

 

Spring Term

 
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COBIS Student World Debate Competition
Dubai
1-3 February 2018

 
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COBIS Poetry Competition
Online
Closes 9 February 2018

 
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COBIS Primary Creative Challenge
Online
Closes March 2018

 
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COBIS Model UN Conference
Bucharest
22-25 March 2018

 
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COBIS/Future Foundations Global Social Leaders Competition
Online
Closes March 2018

 
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COBIS Art Competition
Online
Closes 28 March 2018

 
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COBIS Young Scientist Film Awards
Online
Closes 28 March 2018

 

Summer Term

 
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COBIS Student Achievement Awards
Online
Closes 18 April 2018

 
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COBIS Secondary Games
Sheffield
18-22 May 2018

 
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COBIS Senior School Music Festival
Madrid
June 2018

 
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COBIS SERVICES FOR SCHOOLS

 
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COBIS Disclosure and Barring Service

Helping your school to recruit safely

 

Contact dbs@cobis.org.uk for more information

 
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COBIS Consultancy Service

Offering support to schools, commercial organisations and private investors globally.

 

COBIS Diplomas for International Teaching Assistants

Giving International Teaching Assistants the knowledge, skills and understanding to work effectively alongside teachers whilst maximising learning opportunities for children.

 

Online Safeguarding Training for International Schools

Child Protection for International Schools and Safer Recruitment for International Schools have been designed by leading child protection experts with input from safeguarding leads in international schools.

 
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NEW SCHOOLS

 
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GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail

 

NEW SUPPORTING MEMBERS

 
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Focus Education

Curriculum Resources and Publishers

 
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Golden Links Educational Consultants

Consultancy and Professional Development

 
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NCC Education

ICT

 
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Oxford Enlighten Education

Student Development

 
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Sound Training

Student Development

 
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The Education Company

School Marketing Services

 
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A Tale Unfolds

Consultancy and Professional Development

 

SUBMISSIONS

We welcome submissions from both schools and supporting members for the COBIS newsletter, Connect.

 

Please read our editorial guidelines before making your submission. 

 

All submissions for the November Connect should be sent to: events@cobis.org.uk
by 3 November 2017.

 
 

CONTACT US

If you have any comments or requests, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you.

By Telephone: +44 20 3826 7190

COBIS Head Office, 55-56 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 4HP, UK

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Compiled and produced by Hannah Porritt, Communications and Events Executive

Edited by Jamie Ralph, Communications Officer

 

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