Expanding Horizons, Creativity and Community Through FOBISIA

As part of the holistic education we offer here at DCB, students enjoy a broad range of after-school and extracurricular activities, competitions, and enrichment opportunities, which allow them to pursue their passions. Supported by our dedicated and resourceful community, we provide students with valuable real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Learning Beyond the Classroom is one of DCB’s five key pillars of education. To help our students develop their skills and apply learning to areas of personal interest, we actively seek out new opportunities that foster curiosity, creativity, and global awareness. One significant way we achieve this is through our membership in FOBISIA.

FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) is a federation of high-quality international schools across Asia that teaches British-style curriculum outside of the UK. With over 30 years of history since its founding in 1988, this diverse and inclusive community of schools brings together like-minded international schools in various aspects such as professional development, student enrichment, and more. As a member school, our students have the opportunity to compete against fellow member schools in multiple disciplines such as sports, arts, technology and more.

Here are some that our Junior School students have recently participated in:

FOBISIA Codebreaker Maths Challenge

The recent FOBISIA Codebreaker Maths Challenge was a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their mathematical skills. Many students successfully cracked the Level 1A code, building their confidence and teamwork. A commendable number then advanced to Level 1B, demonstrating perseverance and deeper understanding. A handful of students excelled at Level 2A, while two tackled Level 2B, showcasing their impressive problem-solving abilities. The highlight of the challenge was when Year 6 student Eujin C cracked the Level 3 challenge, a remarkable achievement that inspired our entire school community. This undertaking has fostered collaboration and intellectual curiosity among our students, and we look forward to celebrating their mathematical journeys in future competitions!

Visual Art competition: Earth Canvas

For FOBISIA’s Visual Art Competition, students unleashed their creativity and expressed their vision for a sustainable world. The theme, Earth Canvas, encouraged our young artists to reflect on and express their vision for a greener planet through their art form of choice.

STEAM-focused Minecraft Competition:

Thanks to the positive response we received in past House Minecraft competitions, we knew our students would also be keen to join FOBISIA’s.

True enough, on 29 November, the anticipation here at Dulwich College Beijing for the Minecraft Showdown was palpable, and students from across the region battled it out in a series of exciting Minecraft challenges designed to test their architectural ingenuity, building flair, and quick thinking. The school’s architecture challenge kicked off with an incredible 51 students vying for a coveted spot in the live showdown, including 28 representatives from DCB in the event’s three categories: architecture, creative building, and a mystery parkour challenge. The day was a whirlwind of action as students showcased their skills, resulting in an impressive 14 entries in the architecture challenge, 17 in creative building, and three daring competitors taking on the parkour challenge.

As blocks were stacked and landscapes transformed, the event highlighted the incredible potential of Minecraft as an educational tool and creative platform. Whether building awe-inspiring structures, crafting imaginative designs, or navigating tricky obstacle courses, every participant left the event with a sense of accomplishment and memories to last a lifetime. The FOBISIA Minecraft Showdown was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of innovation, community, and the power of play.

The FOBISIA Short Story Competition: “Tell Your Story: Intercultural Awareness”

In this short story competition, students were encouraged to explore the theme of intercultural awareness through personal stories and insights on understanding and respecting diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives. The competition promoted empathy, open-mindedness, and the celebration of cultural differences, helping students gain new perspectives and foster friendships across borders.

What’s next:

This spring, our students are eager to showcase both their creativity and athleticism—crafting powerful verses for FOBISIA’s online poetry competition and testing their strength and teamwork at the annual FOBISIA Games, a thrilling three-day sporting event set to unfold in vibrant Thailand.

At DCB, we believe that learning flourishes when students are given opportunities to explore and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Our engagement in activities such as those organised by FOBISIA reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are curious, creative, and globally aware. Through these enriching experiences, our students hone their skills, forge lasting friendships, and develop a deeper understanding of the world beyond the classroom.