COBIS (Council of British International Schools) actively promotes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and fosters modern learning environments in bilingual settings. Through a range of professional development programs, international conferences, and innovative bilingual initiatives, COBIS demonstrates a strong commitment to equipping students and educators with critical 21st-century skills and inclusive, globally relevant pedagogy.
COBIS and STEAM Innovation
COBIS regularly organizes conferences and training opportunities centered on STEAM education, such as the annual “Inspiring a Passion for Innovation – STEAM Conference,” which draws educators and leaders from member and non-member schools worldwide. These events highlight best practices and the latest methodologies in implementing STEAM across diverse school contexts—including bilingual settings.
Features of COBIS STEAM Events
- Hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions for educators.
- Emphasis on practical approaches, student collaboration, and project design to maximize learning opportunities.
- Focus on integrating technology and arts into STEM to foster creativity, problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary thinking.
Commitment to Modern Learning
COBIS supports contemporary approaches to education, including digital learning platforms, AI, and blended learning models, as evidenced by its extensive CPD (continuing professional development) calendar. Modern learning values such as inclusivity, innovation, wellness, and leadership are integrated into courses and conferences throughout the year.
Key Modern Learning Initiatives
- Digital Governance and AI Strategy workshops.
- Training in neurodiversity, safeguarding, and mental health.
- Early Career and Middle Leadership Programmes that address modern pedagogical needs.
Bilingual Professional Development
COBIS stands out for delivering professional development and leadership programs bilingually, as seen in recent milestones where the COBIS Programme for Middle Leaders (CPML) was delivered in both English and Arabic at an international school. This move ensures that high-caliber CPD is accessible to educators who may not be native English speakers, promoting equity and school-wide improvement in linguistically diverse contexts.
Best Practices Adopted
- Dual-language facilitator teams ensuring equal leadership in both languages.
- All course materials, presentations, and resources produced in both languages.
- Emphasis on shared professional language and collaborative leadership, regardless of language dominance.
Impact: Schools observed better staff engagement, faster professional growth, and more inclusive communities due to these bilingual initiatives.
Table: COBIS Key STEAM and Modern Learning Activities (2024–2025)
| Event/Programme | Focus Area | Bilingual Support | Audience | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspiring a Passion for Innovation – STEAM Conference | STEAM pedagogy and practice | Yes | Teachers, Leaders | Nov 15-16, 2024 |
| COBIS Programme for Middle Leaders (CPML) | Leadership, bilingual professional dev. | Yes | Middle leaders, All staff | Ongoing |
| Early Career Teachers Programme (CPECT) | Modern teaching skills | Blended | New international teachers | From Sep 2024 |
| AI Safeguarding & Strategy Workshops | Digital/AI innovation, safety | English | School leaders, staff | Autumn/Spring 2024 |
| Teaching EAL Pupils in the Mainstream Classroom | EAL, inclusion | English | All teaching staff | Nov 19, 2024 |
COBIS Learning Legends: A Case Study in Modern Digital Learning
In early 2025, COBIS schools participated in the CENTURY + COBIS Learning Legends competition, maximizing the use of AI-powered platforms for English, mathematics, and science. This saw nearly 30,000 students from 121 schools in 48 countries engage in modern, competitive digital learning, underscoring COBIS’s support of scalable, tech-driven educational models. Key highlights:
- Over 4,000,000 questions answered.
- Recognition for both primary and secondary levels.
- Global, cross-cultural participation, reflecting bilingual and multicultural engagement.
Latest Updates & Forthcoming Developments
- The “Inspiring a Passion for Innovation – STEAM Conference” will be held at the British School of Bucharest in November 2024, focusing on interdisciplinary STEAM education and inclusive leadership.
- Regular bilingual leadership programs continue to scale, providing adaptable resources and translation for multilingual schools.
- COBIS updates its CPD calendar annually, adding new themes in AI, wellness, and diversity, with accessible options for schools across languages and regions.
Highlights: COBIS Bilingual and Modern Learning Commitment
- Recognition and support for bilingual professional development.
- Accessible, dual-language leadership programs now serving as flagship models for other international schools.
- Proactive embrace of digital platforms (AI and blended learning) in both STEAM and core subjects.
- Conferences and networking events that connect educators globally to share effective bilingual STEAM practices.
Conclusion
COBIS not only champions STEAM and modern learning but also directly addresses the challenges and opportunities present in bilingual educational settings. By providing inclusive, bilingual leadership programs and pioneering digital learning initiatives, COBIS remains a leader in innovative, globally relevant schooling for diverse, multilingual communities.
