Latest news with #BISR
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
British International School Riyadh appoints New Director of Schools
Newton is committed to aligning BISR's goals with the Saudi Vision 2030. Parental inclusion and technological innovation will play key roles in his strategy for BISR. BISR will continue to provide the best of British education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – British International School Riyadh (BISR) today announces the appointment of its new Director of Schools, Jeremy Newton. His 20-year teaching career has taken him across the globe, leading and serving prestigious educational institutions including the British Council, Inspired Education, and most recently in his role as the Senior Principal at Misk Schools in Riyadh. Jeremy has not only a wealth of experience but also a deep passion for education. With a strong background in both local and international education, Newton is committed to fostering academic excellence, student well-being, and community engagement in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. His goal is to ensure students are prepared for the evolving demands of the global workforce. In his Vision 2030, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud states 'Our goal is to attract and retain the finest minds, and provide them with all they Need.' BISR is dedicated to nurturing these fine minds, giving them all the skills they need for a happy and successful future, through its best of British education system in Saudi Arabia. Growing up in a single-parent household in East London, Newton witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. Now, as the Director of BISR, he aims to strengthen the school's role as a leader in British-international education in the Kingdom. Engaging with parents and the broader school community is a top priority for Newton. In his first month, he plans to visit each campus and hold open discussions with parents about the school's long-term direction. Technology and innovation will also play a crucial role in BISR's future under Newton's leadership. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in education, particularly in AI, VR, AR, and gamification. BISR, positions itself at the forefront of this shift, ensuring students develop the skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world. Beyond academics, Newton remains deeply passionate about mentorship. Having played an active role in programs such as the COBIS Programme for Aspiring Head Teachers and Middle Leaders, he is committed to nurturing the next generation of educational leaders. Jeremy Newton's values align closely with BISR and its 45+ years of history. His dedication to continuing to build a reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive student development, mirrors the school's recent achievements, such as securing a position on the Spears 100 Index 2025 for the most prestigious schools globally. Jeremy Newton, new Director of Schools at BISR, stated: 'School gave me stability, opportunity, and a sense of direction. That experience fueled my commitment to social justice and led me to a career in education, first in East London's comprehensive schools and later in international education. This opportunity to direct British International School Riyadh is a huge honour. If, years from now, students look back and say their time at BISR shaped them into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals, then I will know my time as Director has been truly meaningful.'
Arab News
27-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Service learning and community development in KSA
During Ramadan, as our community gathers in reflection and generosity, we embrace the chance to blend learning with meaningful service. Service learning bridges classroom theory with real world challenges. Students not only enhance their academic skills but also develop empathy, leadership, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. By connecting with local culture and history, including special Ramadan initiatives, our students build lasting bonds with the community and learn to lead with compassion. Service learning is an educational approach that uses community service to meet classroom learning objectives and societal needs. Programs are established to help students build connections with the wider community and create positive, lasting impact. But what does this look like in practice and how should initiatives be implemented to optimize student success? At the British International School Riyadh, service learning is at the heart of our educational approach, enabling students to engage meaningfully with the local community while developing essential skills and values. Through hands-on projects, our students connect classroom learning with real-world impact, fostering a deep sense of responsibility, empathy, and global citizenship. This process encourages active, engaged citizens while addressing community needs in Saudi Arabia. Service learning enhances students' intellectual and personal development with a global outlook. For example, BISR collaborates with local artists, who bring our campus to life by painting murals for Saudi National Day — an opportunity for students to celebrate culture and creativity. Additionally, our Year 2 students have engaged with the mayor of Tabuk, investigating similarities and differences between cultures, particularly in relation to transport. This connection has sparked meaningful discussions, deepening their understanding of the world around them. We also immerse our students in the local culture and history through partnerships with businesses and institutions such as the Tabuk Cultural Center. Here, students engage with local Saudis to explore the history of the region, including visits to landmarks such as Tabuk Castle and the Al-Walidain Mosque. This deepens their sense of belonging to Saudi Arabia, fostering a stronger connection to their host country. In turn, this cultural understanding strengthens the foundation for service learning, as students develop a personal investment in the community they serve. Other ways in which BISR fosters meaningful, wider community engagement include cultural awareness school trips and religious initiatives around Ramadan. All seven BISR campuses hold iftar events for the immediate community, providing financial support for dinners and recognizing those who support our daily lives. Beyond structured projects, BISR encourages students to actively seek opportunities to initiate their own service-learning efforts. From redesigning the school cleaner's office space to improve his working conditions, to upcycling coffee cups and repurposing them for local workers, children at BISR take ownership of real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions. Each year, we organize a trip to Nepal where senior student groups visit and assist several children's homes and orphanages. This experience allows them to experience the effects of their actions on a very personal and humbling level. The benefits of service learning go far beyond the immediate impact on the community. In the spirit of Ramadan, students engage in initiatives that help them acquire essential life skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving. They learn the values of empathy, leadership and taking initiative — qualities that not only guide them during this sacred season but will serve them throughout their lives. More importantly, these experiences cultivate a deep-rooted understanding of civic responsibility, empowering them to shape a more inclusive and compassionate world. At BISR, service learning is more than just an activity — it is a mindset. By applying classroom concepts to real-world situations, our students do not just learn; they lead, connect, and create lasting change, echoing the spirit of renewal and generosity that Ramadan inspires.
Leaders
14-03-2025
- General
- Leaders
Riyadh School Secures Prestigious Place among 2025 World's Top 100
British International School Riyadh (BISR) has secured a place among the Top 100 Independent Schools in the World list in the 2025 Spear's Schools Index, according to Arab News. This remarkable success is driven by kay factors such as its commitment to student excellence, state-of-the-art educational facilities, high academic results as well as hyper-tailored teaching programs. 'We are incredibly honored to be awarded this recognition. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, faculty and staff. We remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that fosters growth, innovation and excellence in every student. We extend our gratitude to our entire school community for making this possible,' BISR Director of Schools, Helen Olds, said. March 15 will mark a launch event in London to announce the full list. Therefore, leaders and experts from the best schools around the world will have the opportunity to communicate and highlight their experiences in leading education. The Spear's Schools Index has gained prestigious recognition in a range of national and international media since its launch in 2020. Over years, it established its reputations as a definitive index of the world's 100 leading private schools. 'BISR is one of just 100 schools from around the world selected for inclusion in the top tier of the Spear's Schools Index,' Edwin Smith, Spear's editor-in-chief, said. Smith also stated that this selection stands as a testament to the judgement and insights of the leading educationalists on the expert advisory panel, who took into consideration several factors such as academic attainment, social, cultural and pastoral considerations, standing, reputation as well as character. Related Topics: Madinah Earns Place among World's Top 100 City Destinations for 2024 Saudi Aramco Chief Leads Forbes ME's Top 100 CEOs 2024 Saudi airports among world's top 100 for 2021 Short link : Post Views: 48
Arab News
13-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Riyadh school selected as one of world's top 100 for 2025
RIYADH: British International School Riyadh has been named in the Top 100 Independent Schools in the World list in the 2025 Spear's Schools Index, a guide to the world's most prestigious schools. Its dedication to student excellence, state-of-the-art educational facilities, high academic results and hyper-tailored teaching programs all combined to secure the honor. As well as the intellectual support on offer, the accolade recognizes BISR's commitment to nurturing enthusiastic and kind global citizens through comprehensive pastoral schemes. The full list will be announced at a launch event in London on March 15, where leaders from the best schools around the world will have the opportunity to network and celebrate their continued efforts in education. Since its launch in 2020, the Spear's Schools Index has garnered growing recognition in a range of national and international media and established its reputations as a definitive index of the world's 100 leading private schools. BISR Director of Schools Helen Olds said: 'We are incredibly honored to be awarded this recognition. This achievement is testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, faculty and staff. We remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that fosters growth, innovation and excellence in every student. We extend our gratitude to our entire school community for making this possible.' Edwin Smith, Spear's editor-in-chief, said: 'BISR is one of just 100 schools from around the world selected for inclusion in the top tier of the Spear's Schools Index. This selection directly reflects the judgement and insights of the leading educationalists on our expert advisory panel, who took into account factors including academic attainment, social, cultural and pastoral considerations, standing, reputation and character. 'BISR thoroughly deserves its place. Its inclusion is testament to the school's unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching and holistic development of its students.'
