The British International School of Tbilisi (BIST) is renowned for offering a first-class holistic education. With over 520 students hailing from more than 50 different countries, BIST creates a diverse and multicultural environment where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. As the principal of BIST since August 2024, Robert Snowden brings over 20 years of experience in education and has played an instrumental role in continuing the school’s legacy of excellence. BIST offers a curriculum grounded in global and UK educational standards, including the prestigious Cambridge International programmes, IGCSEs, and A-Levels.
The school’s state-of-the-art facilities, including an Innovation Centre, performing arts spaces, and an expansive sports and recreation complex, foster creativity and a healthy, active lifestyle for students. Situated next to Lisi Lake, the school’s beautiful surroundings offer unique learning opportunities that many urban schools simply cannot provide.
Robert Snowden’s Journey to BIST: Why Georgia?
When asked about his decision to move to Georgia and pursue a career in education, Robert Snowden described the opportunity as one that allowed him to contribute to an international educational community in a uniquely dynamic setting. “I was drawn to Georgia by the opportunity to contribute to an international educational community in a country with a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern dynamism,” he shared. The country’s cultural richness and stunning landscapes further solidified his decision, offering a rare combination of inspiration and opportunity.
What surprised him most after his arrival was the remarkable hospitality and sense of community among the Georgian people. “What has surprised me most since arriving is the deep sense of hospitality and community among the Georgian people. Their genuine warmth, coupled with their respect for education and eagerness to embrace global perspectives, has been incredibly inspiring,” he said. The strong emphasis on education in Georgian families has also deeply resonated with him. “Georgian families place great value on learning, and their commitment to excellence has made my work here deeply rewarding.”
A Comparison of Education Systems
Having worked in both the UK and internationally, Robert brings a wealth of experience to understanding the differences between the British and Georgian education systems. “Education in Georgia and the British international curriculum differ significantly in structure, teaching style, and academic focus,” he noted. While the Georgian system is more centralized and exam-driven, focusing on theoretical knowledge and teacher-led instruction, the British curriculum offers a student-centered approach that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and a balanced academic experience.
“The British international curriculum, such as the Cambridge Pathway offered at BIST, promotes inquiry-based, student-centred learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a balanced approach that includes both coursework and examinations,” Robert explained. This system allows greater flexibility in subject choices, promotes extracurricular activities, and prepares students for top universities worldwide. “The international approach fosters independence, creativity, and global awareness, offering students in Georgia a unique educational experience within an evolving academic landscape,” he added.
BIST’s Unique Educational Philosophy
When asked what distinguishes BIST from other international schools in Tbilisi and the region, Robert pointed to its dedication to individualised learning, promoting cross-cultural awareness, and building strong community connections. “Our emphasis on personalised learning, intercultural understanding, and community involvement creates a nurturing yet academically challenging environment,” he noted, highlighting the school’s commitment to fostering both personal growth and academic excellence.
The qualifications and experience of BIST’s teaching staff also stand out. “Our teachers are all experienced, UK or equivalent-qualified professionals. They are also native English speakers, which ensures our students make rapid progress in developing fluency in English,” he shared. Moreover, the school’s location near Lisi Lake enhances the overall educational experience. “The school’s location near Lisi Lake also allows for unique outdoor learning experiences, which many urban schools can’t offer,” Robert explained, pointing out how the natural surroundings provide students with opportunities for outdoor education that help build resilience and creativity.
Fostering Growth in Every Student
BIST places significant emphasis on both academic success and personal development. Robert described the school’s approach to supporting students as holistic, integrating both academic instruction and emotional well-being. “We believe in the importance of holistic education, focusing on both academic and personal development,” he said. The school tailors its approach to meet individual student needs, using informal assessments to provide early intervention where necessary. “Our teachers are highly skilled in using ongoing informal assessments to identify gaps early and provide additional support where needed,” Robert explained.
In addition to academics, BIST is committed to fostering strong pastoral care. “Our pastoral care system, school counsellors, and strong teacher-student relationships ensure every child feels heard, valued, and safe,” he noted. The school’s comprehensive support systems aim to ensure that students not only thrive academically but also develop emotionally and socially.
Extracurricular Activities, A Well-Rounded Education
Extracurricular activities play a central role in student life at BIST. Robert mentioned how the school’s sports clubs, including football, swimming, basketball, and tennis, are highly popular among students. “We also have a strong tradition of sporting achievement, both locally and internationally, and our sports clubs are always popular,” he said. Professional coaches also contribute to the sports programmes, providing additional expertise in disciplines such as Taekwondo.
In addition to sports, BIST offers a wide range of creative clubs. “We also offer a wide range of creative clubs, including drama, ballet, individual music lessons, and arts,” Robert shared. These creative pursuits are an essential part of the school’s approach to developing well-rounded students. Further, the school’s partnerships with UCMAS and Builtits give students the opportunity to compete internationally, achieving success in a variety of competitions. “We also have an excellent partnership with UCMAS and Builtits, who run their program in our school, with our students competing and succeeding in international competitions,” Robert said.
Guiding Students Through Transitions and Career Choices
As students near graduation, BIST ensures that they are supported in making key decisions about their future. “Our Sixth Form team is supported by University Guidance Counsellors who meet individually with students to discuss and support applications to university,” Robert said. The school hosts university fairs and workshops that give students the chance to meet directly with representatives from top universities. “We hold events in school, including local and international universities, so our students have the opportunity to speak directly with universities.”
Additionally, BIST incorporates career guidance into the secondary curriculum. “Career guidance is part of our programme within Secondary, including CV writing and interview skills,” Robert shared. Work experience opportunities in Year 10 and Year 12 provide valuable insights into different professions. “We also support students with work experience in Year 10 & 12, providing them the opportunity to try first-hand what it is like to work in certain professions,” he explained.
Building a Sense of Belonging and Inclusivity at BIST
BIST takes pride in its diverse, multicultural environment, and Robert emphasized that the school’s focus on inclusion is one of its key strengths. “We celebrate diversity through assemblies, curriculum content, and cultural events,” he said. The school integrates themes of diversity, equality, and inclusion into everyday learning, ensuring that students feel respected and valued. “The variety of cultures within our student body itself is a daily lesson in inclusion, empathy, and belonging to a global community,” Robert noted.
The British approach to education, with its focus on Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB), forms the foundation of the school’s values. “We model inclusivity in every classroom and ensure all voices are respected and represented in school life,” Robert explained, reinforcing the importance of respect and mutual understanding among students.
Outdoor Learning and Environmental Education at BIST
BIST’s location next to Lisi Lake provides an invaluable resource for outdoor learning. “Our proximity to Lisi Lake allows for regular excursions into nature, and our Outdoor Learning programme helps our students develop outdoor skills, confidence, and creativity,” Robert shared. The school integrates the natural surroundings into its curriculum, from science trips to orienteering and cross-country running. “We also use the local area to prepare for our Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, including hiking and camping,” Robert explained.
BIST is also committed to environmental sustainability, with annual tree-planting initiatives at Lisi Lake as part of the school’s environmental education efforts. “Our commitment to environmental sustainability also includes our annual tree-planting at the lake, where we have planted over 1,000 trees over the years,” he added, ensuring that students develop an awareness of their role in preserving the environment.
Creativity and the Arts
Robert highlighted the important role that the creative and performing arts play at BIST. “Creative and Performing Arts are integral to our ethos,” he said. Art, music, and drama are taught by specialists, and students’ work is celebrated through exhibitions and performances. “Students’ work is celebrated through exhibitions and performances,” Robert said. The school also offers extracurricular opportunities such as music lessons and drama clubs, providing students with the chance to develop their artistic skills further.
Through BIST’s affiliation with COBIS, students have the opportunity to participate in international competitions, showcasing their creativity on a global stage. “Being part of COBIS also allows our students to enter international competitions where they can demonstrate their skills and creativity,” Robert noted.
Robert Snowden’s Vision for BIST
Looking ahead, Robert envisions BIST continuing to grow and strengthen its community. “My vision is to ensure we continue to strengthen our community, nurturing confident, compassionate, and globally minded learners. I want BIST to be officially recognised as achieving world-class standards of excellence in all areas of learning, student outcomes, as well as personal development and wellbeing,” he shared.
He highlighted plans to further develop the school’s facilities, aiming to create more opportunities and enriching experiences for students. BIST’s future will see students excelling at prestigious universities, including the UK’s top institutions and Ivy League schools in the US. “Through developing initiatives such as the Model United Nations and debating tournaments, our students will be empowered and thoughtful leaders with the confidence and passion to make a positive difference and shape the future,” he concluded.
By Kesaria Katcharava
