COBIS. Council of British International Schools

Do Hyeon

ABC International School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Do Hyeon has been an excellent and willing contributor to many different areas of the wider life in school.  He has represented the school in all Primary Sports both in local and international competitions.  As well as excelling in his chosen sports he always demonstrates great sportsmanship.  Do Hyeon is a talented pianist and has performed to a high level in both assemblies and concerts.  He has also been selected as a Primary Prefect.  Overall as well as demonstrating a great maturity to his studies for someone of a young age, his general attitude to both his peers and teachers around school is a real credit to him.

ABC International School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Je Young is an outstanding mathematician who attained the highest mark internationally in the CIE Additional Mathematics IGCSE.  He obtained a total of 6 A*s and 3 A grades at IGCSE.  Je Young works tirelessly to maintain his high academic standards.  As a result of this he is currently working towards examinations in 5 A Level subjects as well as two additional IGCSEs.  Je Young is hoping to study medicine when he leaves school.  He is a talented musician and he is part of the Korean Youth Orchestra in Ho Chi Minh City.  Beyond this, Je Young has also completed the Silver International Award and taken part in numerous charity events.

ABC International School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Jonathan has consistently made a great contribution to the life of the school through his involvement in the Model United Nations, Drama and his academic work.  Jonathan is currently aiming for A* grades in all of the subjects that he is studying at IGCSE level.  He has an exemplary work ethic and demonstrates a keen knowledge and understanding of the world around him.

ABC International School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Stella has shown outstanding academic achievement across all areas of the curriculum in Key Stage 2. Her predicted levels in all subjects at the end of Year 6 are well above the expectations of most pupils her age. She shows a great maturity in regard to her studies.   Stella has also shown great commitment to other areas of school life.  She has represented the school in team competitions including basketball and football and being a talented singer and pianist has performed in concerts and assemblies.  Stella was also selected to be a Primary Prefect.

British Embassy Study Group, Turkey

Lara is an extremely talented pupil in the Arts.  A competent pianist, who is dedicated to her lessons and practises to be her best.  She is creative in producing artwork, being recently presented an award for her work ‘Children of The World’ as voted by the Bangladeshi Ambassador in commemoration of the Bengali National Children’s Day.  Lara has trained hard to learn a traditional Indian Bollywood Dance which she will showcase to commemorate Turkey’s Children Day in Istanbul. Subsequently, she has been invited to perform the same dance with an (adult) professional Indian Dance Troupe in Ankara.  Lara has also taken a lead role in teaching her peers dance sequences for performance.

British Embassy Study Group, Turkey

Buse has consistently made significant contributions to school life and the wider community.  She is dedicated to her role as the Chairperson of the School Council.  Contributions involve organising and running fundraising events, raising 600€ towards providing care for street dogs, a charity with which she also volunteers her time to support by feeding and providing clean drinkable water for the dogs.  Buse has organised fundraising both of money and goods for a national charity (LÖSEV) whose work in the community supports families living with Leukaemia.  Buse is very proactive in her role, always seeking opportunities to make things better within school, and also to find ways to improve her community.

British International School, Belgrade, Serbia

For outstanding A-level academic results through hard work and natural ability.

British International School, Belgrade, Serbia

For outstanding results throughout KS2, allied with her infectious humour and desire to see other students doing their best as well.

British International School, Shanghai Puxi Campus, China

He is a pleasure to teach and always gives 100 percent effort in class and in his homework. Conor is a very capable young man who always works to his true potential.  He participates in all lessons and is willing to help others around him who need a bit of extra support.  Conor has given a number of fantastic speeches throughout the year; he is articulate and puts extreme emotion into them, learning most of them by heart with just a few cue cards to aid him.  He is a member of the school council and takes the role very seriously, independently running whole class forums and discussions.  He is one of the most well mannered and polite young men I have ever taught and exceeds all expectations.

British International School, Shanghai Puxi Campus, China

Vanessa managed the rare achievement of A* grades in every single one of her IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. She has continued to excel at IB and her current predictions include five subjects at level 7 and one at level 6 in a programme with four Higher Level subjects.  She has developed in the role of dance teacher/ choreographer for the school musical and international day activities.  Other outstanding extra-curricular activities include orchestra, charity work and involvement in school house activities.

British Junior Academy of Brussels, Belgium

Guillaume Gillain has been at BJAB since September and in a short time has made a huge impact. As well as striving to do his best, in relation to class participation and the quality of his work, Guillaume has made outstanding contributions to many school-based events.  As a House Captain, Guillaume encourages others to work hard and to enjoy school life and he consistently sets an excellent example, to his peers and to younger students, as a self-motivated and hard working student. Guillaume is an inventive, organised fund raiser and has raised an impressive amount of money, for local and international charities; through his participation in a school swimarathon and his coordination of a fundraising event within his House.  Consistently enthusiastic and involved, Guillaume is a wonderful role model.

Byron College, Athens, Greece

Katie joined the senior school after 8 years in a Greek state school.  She quickly mastered the language and became a high achieving pupil on the classroom and on the sports field.  Katie’s IGCSE successes placed her in the top trio of pupils and were gained in a year when she displayed real musical talent as Dulcinea in the school’s production of the Man of La Mancha .  Katie, now in year 12, has already achieved maximum marks in her AS Maths modules and is aiming to study Astro Physics in the UK upon completion of her A-levels.  Katie is now the Head Girl of Byron, Sports Captain and, once again, played the lead in the 2011’s school play.  Katie is an excellent role model for our younger pupils as she has set herself high standards and has applied herself assiduously to a broad range of school activities.

Zhariff is an outstanding pupil with an exemplary attitude towards achievement and school life in general.  His hard work and conscientious approach to learning and producing his very best on a consistent basis has brought him success in all subjects at Primary level.  Zhariff not only strives for excellence across all subjects, but has a willingness and enthusiasm to help others around him, including his teachers.  His personality and performances in the classroom have made such a lasting impression on his peers that even his current Year 6 classmates hold him in high regard!  It comes with no surprise that Zhariff has enjoyed time as a Class Captain, achieved recognition for his gifted ability in English and Maths, participated in sporting events and fixtures for the school and remains a reliable, trustworthy, well mannered young man with a very bright future ahead of him.

Mohammad Khorasani has been nominated for this award for his commitment and dedication to Doha College during his time here.  Mohammad has maintained a superb academic standard and a positive approach to his studies. In addition to this he has worked tirelessly in developing and promoting the Model United Nations to younger students.  To this end Mohammad was asked to give the key note speech at our annual Year 11 Awards Evening which he did with great aplomb.  Mohammad has also been involved in a training conference for other schools and students in Qatar, this was organised and led by students for students and will encourage future leaders.  Mohammad has developed his leadership skills tremendously during his time at Doha College whilst maintaining air of diffidence. He is a very worthy recipient of this award.

English College in Prague, Czech Republic

For excellent academic results at IGCSE and a commitment to pass on his interest and learning in Mathematics in particular by running support classes for younger students and speaking up for the discipline around the School.

English College in Prague, Czech Republic

For excellent academic results and a positive and caring attitude for her family and community as much when times are difficult as when they are easy.

Haileybury Almaty School, Kazakhstan

Arman is a very personable young man.  He is always well presented and his behaviour is outstanding. He is a very determined and ambitious student and has a disciplined and conscientious approach to his studies. He is enthusiastic and focused.  He works well in all his classes and produces good quality work.  Arman clearly has an inquiring mind and an active imagination.  He is able to grasp new concepts quickly and he asks stimulating questions.  Arman shows particular ability in physics and he continues to go from strength to strength in the subjects that demand mathematical and logical processes.  Arman enjoys the school’s enrichment programme and participates in extra-curricular activities inside and outside the school.  He plays football, performs acrobatics, enjoys cycling and hiking in the mountains.  Arman is a pleasant and courteous student and a popular member of the year group.  He is mature and responsible and is the Captain of Attlee House.  Arman is a very capable student who has a natural ability to do well in his studies and life in general.

Haileybury Almaty School, Kazakhstan

Amina is a committed and talented student at Haileybury.  She is consistently achieving high grades in all subject areas, well above the level of her peers.  She shows dedication to her work and she has a real a desire to learn.  Her level of English is outstanding as is her attainment and her effort in all lessons.  She is a polite, caring and mature student who is very supportive of other students within the year group. She is an exceptional thinker and she always tries to acquire new knowledge. Amina has a tendency to ‘think outside the box’, often linking ideas, analysing concepts and formulating responses.  She has a great deal of potential and will succeed in whatever she sets her mind to through passion and perseverance.

Independent Bonn International School, Germany

Sebastian Leach is an 11 year old boy who has been a steadfast, reliable pupil since joining IBIS in August 2003.  He deserves this prize as he performs very well in all subjects and can speak German and French. Sebastian is an active member of the school council and is a model pupil for the school in behaviour and attitude.  He is a keen clarinet player and has just started performing at school assemblies.

Independent Bonn International School, Germany

Piotr came to our school in 2006 with no English.  He quickly made fantastic progress in learning this language and is now able to speak German also and a little French.  He shows particular strengths in the area of mathematics, science and technology.  He deserves this prize as he is a motivated, diligent pupil with a lot to offer.

International British School of Bucharest, Romania

The award is presented to this student for outstanding academic results at IGCSE and Advanced Subsidiary Level Exams throughout the past two years. Alex Vlad is an example for his colleagues in terms of academic achievement.  His dedication to his work and his drive to succeed in all subjects should be congratulated. He is also one of the most reliable students of our school in terms of constant involvement in the school community and has earned the respect and admiration of both his teachers and peers. This award is well deserved and it comes as a great recognition of his work at IBSB.

Ileana Dobronauteanu

International British School of Bucharest, Romania

Ileana Dobronauteanu is the well deserved winner of this COBIS Award as she has proved without doubt what a conscientious and hard working student she is.  Ileana has excelled in all areas of the curriculum demonstrating her academic abilities, but she has always given her best effort, willingly taken advice or guidance and then made improvements to her work.  This desire to continually challenge herself makes her the worthy winner of this award

Esmeralda Da Silva

Jerudong International School, Brunei

Esmeralda De Silva is not just a cheerful, loyal and dedicated student. She is hard-working and organized enough to concentrate on improving her grades in all her subjects as well as juggling this with a huge musical commitment over the last two years.  Her contribution to the Orchestra, Jazz Band and Concert Band has been so significant that the Head of Music stated that Esmeralda’s participation was akin “to having another member of staff”.  In the Boarding House she has been a Deputy Prefect and has contributed to numerous events.  She has also been a genuine mentor to younger students, always showing kindness and providing encouragement.  In addition to this, her contributions to Peer Support and Green House have been invaluable.  Finally, she has also been an outstanding badminton player who has excelled in several competitions. Esmeralda is an unselfish, committed and personable student and the school would like to recognise this.

Jerudong International School, Brunei

Muhammad has been fully involved in life in the JIS Sixth Form over the last two of years.  He is a member of the Sixth Form Student Council as a Boarding House Captain, and he has played a major role in raising funds for the Sixth Form charity, Pusat Ehsan, through the organisation of numerous charity events in school.  He is a highly organised, energetic young man who is an excellent role model to the younger students in school.  Muhammad has demonstrated his leadership skills through the school’s Make A Difference programme by supporting the International Year of Chemistry initiative, junior cookery classes and design and technology projects.  He is fully involved in sports, including representing the school at rugby and football, and he was the best male athlete in his House this year.  He is constantly active around school, supporting other students with their academic and social needs.

King´s College, The British School of Alicante, Spain

or sustained, high level contributions to the wider life of the school. Nicky has been at BSA for 10 years and in that time has consistently helped others , particularly new pupils, and given willingly of his own time. He is an accomplished golfer, having won several local and national competitions and his dedication to his sport is admirable.  Nicky has been a House Captain and Sports Captain through which he has demonstrated strong leadership qualities particularly with his organisation and initiative.  He has instigated and run several sports competitions and social events in school, many of which have raised funds for charity.  He also coaches school football teams to play against other local schools with great success.  Pupils and staff alike, hold Nicky in high esteem and he is a model student, generous with his time and talents.

King´s College, The British School of Alicante, Spain

For outstanding academic achievement at GCSE and A Level.  Victor is an exemplary student in the field of academic study and achievement. He is highly self motivated and possesses a strong work ethic.  He has achieved 10 A* grades at GCSE and is on course for straight A grades at A Level. In his AS examinations, Victor scored above 90% in all four Mathematics Units, 100% in Chemistry, 98% in Physics and 99.5% in Spanish.  Victor sets a good example to fellow students who often aspire to emulate his achievements, thereby improving their own grades.  Victor also supports younger pupils through our buddy and mentoring programme, using his knowledge, skills and experience to help others.

Lagos Preparatory School, Nigeria

Chineme has been a high academic achiever throughout her LPS career, but what is particularly impressive about her is the way she assists other children and staff, showing admirable leadership qualities.  She is 100% reliable, has a thoughtful and considerate nature, and is supremely well organised.  Besides being Head Girl, Chineme has been a representative on the School Council for two years including one as Secretary, and has represented the school in an exemplary way on numerous occasions.

Lagos Preparatory School, Nigeria

Tosin is the Deputy Head Girl and displays a mature and positive approach towards her academic work and her wider responsibilities in the school community.  Tosin is a highly able pupil who has attained consistently high grades throughout her time at the school, and has also represented the school in swimming competitions and dance competitions, as well as performing in the school orchestra.  Tosin has also taken a leading part in fund raising, and demonstrates a thoughtful and caring approach towards others.

Links School, Pakistan

Shanze Fatima is a very responsible and committed member of the Student Council, she is a senior prefect at Links. Shanze is also a high achiever who has contributed immensely to school life and extra  curricular activities.  She is a conscientious and talented pupil who has participated in various school fundraisers for the 2010 Flood victims in Pakistan and won the Links Art Competition as well as the English Debate in 2010.

Maadi British International School

Mougins School, France

Throughout her many years at Mougins School, Tara has always shown total commitment to her studies.  After achieving top results in her GCSEs, Tara went on to achieve seven AS levels, all with Grade A. She is currently aiming at similar grades in five A Levels.  In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, Tara is accomplished in a wide range of sporting activities and is also a committed member of the Student Council.

Mougins School, France

Madhuri has made an outstanding contribution to the life of the School. Without ever sacrificing her academic progress, she has been one of the most active member of the student council for many years providing a link between pupils, staff and the parents of the School.     She has been a driving force behind many fund raising activities for charity, notably following the Haiti earthquake.  Madhuri has also shown total dedication to the many musical events throughout her time at the school.

Saint Michael’s College, UK

For outstanding achievement in GCSE examinations (the best ever results at GCSE in the history of the school) and her extensive contribution to the wider life of the school, in particular her contribution to the school newspaper and science department magazine.

Jia Wei (Sky) Guan

Saint Michael’s College, UK

Sir James Henderson School, Milan, Italy

Renata's commitment to her studies, the school, other students and the world around her is remarkable.  Not only has she become fluent in English since arriving at the school 3 years ago, but she has achieved impressive academic results.  Her positivity and motivation are sources of inspiration to her peers and teachers.  She has led CAS projects and is highly committed to educating her peers about important current affairs and original ways in which we can support charities.

St Andrew’s International High School, Malawi

Tamana came from Afghanistan with her family four years ago.  She knew very little English and moved to a small local village where her father has been given work by the NGO he was working for in Afghanistan.  Tamana has not been to any school for two years as she could not leave the house in Afghanistan due to Taliban restrictions. After some time in a local primary school (Tamana was 18-19 at the time) the family found a sponsor who brought her to Saint Andrew’s International High School.  She spent three years with us and passed her GCSE exams –she deserves recognition as she is an amazing artist and designer, having achieved 100% in both art papers and an A* for Art and Design.

St Andrew’s International High School, Malawi

Tania came from Afghanistan with her family four years ago.  She knew very little English and moved to a small local village where her father has been given work by the NGO he was working for in Afghanistan.  Tania has not been to any school for two years as she could not leave the house in Afghanistan due to Taliban restrictions.  After some time in a local primary school (Tania was 17-18 at the time) the family found a sponsor who brought her to Saint Andrew’s International High School. She spent three years with us and passed her GCSE exams –she deserves recognition as she is an amazing artist and designer, having achieved 100% in both art papers and an A* for Art and Design.

St Catherine’s British Embassy School, Greece

Filippos is an exceptionally able student, who excels in a broad range of subjects. In his IGCSE’s he achieved 11 passes at A* and two at A, and in his year 12 mid-year report gained 41 points (out of 45).  He has a strong sense of self-motivation, constantly strives for perfection, and approaches his studies with an infectious enthusiasm. Outside the classroom he is a keen debater and has represented the school at national and international level.  This year he was awarded the LAMDA gold medal for public speaking with distinction and has also competed highly successfully for the school in a Science Olympiad and an interschool maths competition.  Filippos is an enthusiastic footballer, and enjoys playing the guitar.

St Catherine’s British Embassy School, Greece

Rosa has enjoyed the profile of a truly excellent all-round student throughout her school career at St. Catherine’s.  She achieved four A*’s and 7 A’s at IGCSE, and in her mid-year report for 2010-2011 gained 41 points.  Rosa has an exceptionally mature, focused and creative approach to her studies.  As well as being an IB Higher Level student in the sciences, Rosa is also a talented artist and musician – at present she is preparing for grade 7 cello – and has a special interest in languages – she is currently learning Japanese in her free time.  Rosa is also very active within the school community, and has been the initiator of a number of charity drives.

St George’s British International School Rome Italy

Giulia has shown intellectual rigour and academic excellence, and has sustained a high level contribution to school life over a number of years.

Yi Wen Lim

St George's International School Luxembourg A.S.B.L.

For outstanding academic achievement. Yi Wen is highly motivated and an excellent independent learner.  She has carried out voluntary work within the school by supporting year 7 pupils in lessons.

St George's International School Luxembourg A.S.B.L.

As a role-model for other students and for excellent academic achievement.  James is also an outstanding athlete. This is a young man who combines personal success with humility and a high regard for others.

The British International School Cairo, Egypt

Awarded in recognition of high attainment and strong performance in music and drama.

The British International School Cairo, Egypt

Awarded in recognition of consistently high attainment and integrity in all his fields of endeavour: in academics, in music and in service to the community.

The British International School of Stavanger, Norway

Nivetha Nantharuban earned this award by providing a significant contribution to charity.  As well as regularly reading to old age pensioners, she took full responsibility for organising an event to raise money for children in the local hospital who had cancer.  She decided to arrange an afternoon event including a variety of performances, a raffle as well as tea and cakes.  It was a great success and in total she raised an impressive 5 600 NOK and featured in the local press.  In the process she liaised with hospital staff and gained invaluable practical experience.

The British International School of Stavanger, Norway

To the staff members who have taught Helen Nodland over the course of her school career here at BISS there is no doubt that she well deserves an award for the transformation we have seen over the years. Helen has taken personal responsibility for her actions and matured to gain a greater sense of security and a more determined attitude to the work she produces.

The British School in The Netherlands

This year our nomination goes to a student who has earned the respect of peers, staff, and younger students.  She is an impressive individual: highly motivated, intellectually sharp, yet humble and compassionate with others.  Her commitment, dedication and intellectual curiosity are exemplary.  She has volunteered to work with students with special needs in school and served as vice-chair of the charity committee.  Her commitment has been evident not just within school but also in the wider community.  She has volunteered at an art therapy group for children at an asylum seeker centre and at Riding for the Disabled, for which she was nominated as 'Young Volunteer of the Year' in the local council awards.  Somehow she also finds time for windsurfing and sailing, in both of which she competes at national level, last year coming third in a Dutch championship competition.  This remarkable student is Rose Brennan

The British School of Amsterdam, Netherlands

An exceptional student, who has participated fully in the life of the school.  He is an eloquent speaker, commanding respect at whole-school assemblies and as the leader of the School Council.  Emiel has played a large role in the musical activities on offer in the senior school. For the last 2 years he has conducted the school band, leading them and a large group of singers in a highly successful performance of Britten’s ‘Noyes Fludde’.  This year he has sung in the chorus for ‘Dido and Aeneas’and written a piano concerto to be performed at the end of the summer term.

The British School of Bucharest, Romania

Mihnea is an outstanding student with an all round academic ability.  He has the manners of a diplomat and the sense of humour of a CERN scientist.  Mihnea was entered early for the IGCSE Physics exam and achieved an A*.  Mihnea puts his talents to good use making a positive contribution to the school community.  He is technically gifted in ICT and recently discovered his passion for photography during his work placement.  He is also a talented musician and actor who performed in assemblies and school productions many times.  Mihnea’s oratory skills flourished during his involvement with the school’s Debating and Public Speaking team, whose success is greatly due to his dedication, hard work and sense of humour.  This is quite a remarkable achievement given the fact that Mihnea joined our school six years ago with a low level of English.  Based on all this evidence we consider Mihnea an ideal candidate for the COBIS 2011 Student Award.

The British School of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Eunice is a conscientious, hard working student who is has an exemplary work ethic.  As well as striving for excellence academically, Eunice is a founding member of the school orchestra.  She is an exceptional singer and has sung solos at BSKL’s instrumental concert and Christmas production.  Eunice was also part of a school delegation who visited a refugee school to distribute goods raised during a charity fundraising. She is well respected by her peers, school staff and BSKL’s younger pupils.  Eunice is a School Councillor and is committed to representing the opinions and wishes of other members of the school.

Camille Neoh Ren-Yi

The British School of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Camille displays enthusiasm for every aspect of school life and is dedicated to achieving excellence.

The British School of Paris, France

I would like to put forward Lysander Gourbault for the COBIS award.  He is a most outstanding student in Year 13, currently preparing for his A2 examinations.  He is a most able boy and a full contributor to all aspects of school life.  Not only is he a straight A candidate, he has also secured a place at a leading university in the UK, has played for our First XV rugby, was chosen for the Combined British Schools rugby team (BSB, BSN, BSP) to play at county level in the UK.  He is also a School prefect and as such has set an example to all of our students.  He runs a club and a society for younger students, and has therefore earned no mean amount of respect from both teachers and students, which his whole year group, and indeed the Sixth Form at large, have benefitted. This year’s COBIS Award is therefore going to a student who has impacted, throughout his tenure here, on the whole School.  No member of this community will be surprised to see Lysander receiving this most prestigious award on Speech Day.

The English International College, Marbella

Oliver is a first rate academic in Maths and Sciences and an enthusiastic participant in all school events, with many noteable musical performances.

The English International College, Marbella

Chloe has made a consistently outstanding contribution to school life. She is enthusiastic about almost every aspect of school life. She applies herself in every subject and is keen to learn. She volunteers to help others wherever she can in the role of Playpal during breaktimes or simply assisting in the Foundation classes. She took on a challenging role in our Christmas production but throughout was supportive and appreciative of the efforts of her peers. She is extremely respectful and polite and will often be ‘caught’ doing or saying kind things when she is unaware that we are watching! She is a wonderful role model for both her peers and the younger pupils.

The Prague British School, Czech Republic

For outstanding academic achievement.   Dmitry is a truly exceptional young boy.  He secured an A* grade in IGCSE Mathematics in 2010. This is all the more remarkable given that last year Dmitry was in Year 5 and was 9 years old.  Dmitry’s ability in maths is extraordinary but this is not the end to his talents.  Dmitry’s English work is also exceptional; his creative writing is enjoyed by everyone who has the chance to read it. Dmitry also has a keen interest in Science and enjoys sharing his theories with the school community.  Dmitry has represented the school in Senior Maths Competitions, competing against children 7 years older than him.