Esprit April Edition 2020-2021

BISHANOI.COM

ESPRIT TERM 2 | 2020 - 2021

ESPRIT April 2021 | 1

INTRODUCING THE FIRST-EVER BIS STUDENT MAGAZINE!

Enjoy the magazine!

Inside the magazine, you will find amazing articles, written and prepared all by our students.

Let's get reading and explore the dynamic perspectives of BIS students!

2 | BIS Hanoi

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS

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CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

04 | Tet Virtual Assembly 06 | Global Campus in action 08 | Nord Anglia South East Asia Model United Nations Conference 10 | Collaboration with MIT

ACADEMIC SUCCESS 16 | ‘BIS’ness as Usual at BIS Hanoi 18 | Budding Scientists Collaborating for a Better Future 20 | International Primary Curriculum (IPC)

24 | An update from the Secondary School Council 26 | Primary Student Council update 28 | BIS Hanoi students participated in the Youth for Climate Action 30 | Book Day 2021 take BIS Hanoi by storm

WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY 34 | Broadening horizons during CAS week 36 | Community Services Report 38 | Living our strengths daily

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS

INTERNATIONALLY -MINDED CITIZENS I am delighted to welcome you all to the Term 2 edition of our Esprit magazine.

We have had another busy term, both on campus and during our two-week spell of Virtual School Experience (VSE).

WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

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Our students have enjoyed some tremendous successes this term, particularly in some of the competitions and events which they have taken part in, either in groups representing our school, or individually.

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CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

There is nothing, in my opinion, better for our students’ all-round development than being in school, learning face-to-face in the classroom, with their teachers and peers. However, in times of crisis we need to take a flexible approach to ensure that children’s learning can continue wherever they are, and to support them academically and emotionally. I am proud to say that our VSE achieved both of those aims, and did it in ways which were imaginative, creative and engaging. You will read about our exceptional VSE provision later in this publication.

One of the highlights of VSE was the Tet assembly. Our Vietnamese teachers worked with groups of students and our marketing staff to create a video which captured the spirit of Tet. In a joyous 20 minutes we heard students talk about the meaning of Tet and enjoyed seeing a variety of traditional ways to celebrate.

With over 1,500 views on YouTube, we were delighted to share our Tet festivities with our wider BIS community.

As with past editions, items in this Esprit are divided into four sections: Internationally minded citizens; Academic success; Confident communicators; and Well-being in our community. In this first section, Internationally minded citizens, you will read about some of the exciting events which have taken place this term. Many of these are linked to the collaborations which our students benefit from with Juilliard and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), plus Global Campus, our Nord Anglia Education’s own exclusive online learning platform.

Our students have enjoyed some tremendous successes this term, particularly in some of the competitions and events which they have taken part in, either in groups representing our school, or individually. We are particularly proud of our Year 9 to 12 students who participated so actively in the virtual Model United Nations (MUN) conference held recently, showing their ability to analyse and debate important global issues. We are also tremendously proud of Jun Pyo Jang (Eric) – who won first place in the NAE Virtual Young Musicians of the Year 2021 competition in the age 10 to 14 Piano category. A wonderful achievement by a very talented young man.

I hope you will enjoy reading about the many events and experiences that have contributed towards making Term 2 another outstanding term at BIS Hanoi.

Karen Hanratty Principal 4 | BIS Hanoi

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

TET VIRTUAL ASSEMBLY

6 | BIS Hanoi

The Virtual School Experience required students and staff to think creatively and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. The virtual Tet Assembly, an exciting annual event celebrating the Vietnamese New Year, is a true example of this.

a few days before the Tet assembly.

Our Vietnamese teachers worked with groups of students and the marketing staff to produce a virtual assembly: a 20-minute video which celebrated Vietnamese traditions and customs.

The closure of the school campus meant plans had to change with just

Our students continue to contribute to BIS Hanoi’s international

Alongside the challenges of working online, the students collaborated to produce this meaningful contribution for the BIS community, which has been viewed over 1,500 times on YouTube!

learning environment, without losing sight of the beauty of the local culture. The students involved discussed the meaning of Tet and guided viewers through the various traditional ways to celebrate the new year. Viewers enjoyed watching cultural and artistic activities paired with an interesting and informative commentary.

Alongside the challenges of working online, the students collaborated to produce this meaningful contribution for the BIS community, which has been viewed over 1,500 times on YouTube! Well done to everybody involved!

Scan here to watch

Hai Nguyen Vietnamese Teacher and Coordinator ESPRIT April 2021 | 7

INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS ACADEMIC SUCCESS CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

GC JUNIOR

STEAM

SOCIAL IMPACT

WRITER CORNER

PERFORM. ARTS

GLOBAL CAMPUS IN ACTION This term has been another busy one for Nord Anglia’s Global Campus website.

We have seen more and more families log in at home to interact with the wonderful activities, challenges, and projects the Global Campus has to offer. In addition, the students of BIS have taken part in many Global Campus competitions over the last term, taking part alongside students from the other 69 Nord Anglia schools around the world.

At the end of Term 1, many students from Year 1 to Year 6 took part in the Nord Anglia Creative Writing Competition on Global Campus. Each year, the writing competition is based on one of the key UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s focus was on Goal 13: Climate Action. The children were challenged to write a biography of a climate action hero, based on the inspiration of Greta Thunberg. Across the Primary school, children researched many famous and not-so-famous climate heroes from around the world, including Vietnam and Korea. In addition to the written biographies, the children also submitted a supporting visual representation of their climate hero. The standard of art and writing across the school was excellent. The winner from BIS Under 8 category was Martha Carroll (Year 1) for 8 | BIS Hanoi

The students of BIS have taken part in many Global Campus competitions over the last term, taking part alongside students from the other 69 Nord Anglia schools around the world.

her biography of Greta Thunberg and in the Under 11 category the winner was Se Jeong Kim (Year 6) for her biography of Miranda Wang. These biographies will be published in Nord Anglia’s Creative Writing anthology this year.

Another exciting element of Global Campus this term was the Nord Anglia Education Virtual Young Musician 2021 competition. Over 1,300 students from 61 schools entered the competition, submitting over 6,500 minutes of performance videos, and the team of judges reviewed every single minute of every single video. Many children from BIS Hanoi showcased their talents and we were very proud to hear of their great achievements when the results were announced recently. Jun Pyo (Eric) Jang (Year 7) was awarded 1st Place Winner for Piano (Age 10-14) with a stunning performance of Chopin’s Bolero.

We are looking forward to another exciting term ahead using Global Campus. Make sure you take the opportunity to log on at home too.

Darragh Shanahan Assistant Head of Primary

EXP

Go

Course Search

PEDITIONS

WELLBEING

GC SENIOR

ELEMENTS

LOG IN

Scan here to watch Eric's performance

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS ACADEMIC SUCCESS CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

NORD ANGLIA SOUTH EAST ASIA MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE On the 6 – 7th March, a group of seven students ranging from Year 9 to Year 12 represented BIS Hanoi in the Nord Anglia South East Asia Model United Nations Conference, which was hosted by BIS Ho Chi Minh City.

Under normal circumstances, we would have travelled down to Ho Chi Minh City to attend the conference; however, this year the conference took place online.

This was our second virtual conference of the year and the students displayed their competence using the online format. The conference theme was Sustainable Solutions and was comprised of four committees. The committees each had several topics scheduled for debate; for example, the militarisation of outer space, and the sustainable consumption of meat and dairy.

Students from BIS Hanoi were active in all of the committees; they played a major role in the development and passing of multiple resolutions addressing a number of global issues. For example, Ji Min Seo, and Tue Nhi Nguyen, acting as Malaysia and Senegal, were co-submitters of separate resolutions in the UNESCO debate. Whilst in the General Assembly, Kanta Fujimoto, as Bangladesh, co-submitted a resolution addressing nationalist extremism and violence. BIS students were most active in the Environmental Commission, where we were represented by three of our Year 12 students. After some intense debate, several resolutions were passed and the participants were all very pleased with their contributions.

All of our participants were actively involved in all the debates, delivering many speeches and contributing significant amendments to resolutions. This great work was recognised in a number of superlatives for our delegates, including the coveted ‘Funniest Delegate’ for Hoang Nam Le. In particular, huge congratulations go to Heidi Seo, who won the overall best delegate for the conference. Our delegates will now be putting their experience to good use in the Model United Nations E.C.A where they will be acting as the chairs for their own committees. This will give them some valuable experience in acting as the chairs of committees and to provide leadership for the younger students who will be looking to join MUN conferences in the future.

Simon Hoare English Teacher Extended Essay Coordinator

10 | BIS Hanoi

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WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

COLLABORATION WITH MIT

12 | BIS Hanoi

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS

What's happening in Primary?

In the Primary School we have been researching the three different recent missions to Mars. Students in Years 4, 5, and 6 searched the internet to find out which countries had ‘devices’ arrive at or on Mars over the Tet holiday. I was deliberately vague with my instructions on the project to foster a more independent way of working and researching. The instructions included the term ‘things’ rather than rocket, rover, or probe because not all the devices were rovers. This project crossed over into the realms of ICT as it initially required the students to create a visual presentation on Google Slides.

The second stage of the project requires the students to utilise their Computing skills to model what their research showed. Year 4 are using Minecraft Education to build the Perseverance Rover on the surface of Mars.

Year 5 students are reacquainting themselves with Scratch to recreate the launches of one of the three missions to Mars (China’s Tianwen-1, UAE’s Hope, and USA’s Perseverance). Year 6 are using Minecraft Education to build all three of the devices sent to Mars. Later in the term, and early next term, all of the students will bring their different projects together to create digital presentations of their work.

Lower down in the Primary School, Year 3 initially looked at the filtration systems in electronic equipment around the home. They have now just started to learn about Minecraft Education so that we can build a filter system together. One of the key components of STEAM is collaboration, often when students are working on computers on a software package or website they forget their collaborative skills and become a little unhelpful to their classmates. This is where Minecraft Education will help to maintain and improve student collaborative skills through group projects. Also if students are not very familiar with Minecraft, other students, who already have experience with it, will help them. It is all a work in progress but is a lot of fun.

Year 2 and Year 1 are currently relearning block-based coding on a web-based course, soon we will switch to controlling robots in the classroom and we will create the surface of Mars to link into the challenges set by MIT. Again collaboration is the key to success, the students will be completing challenges in teams.

Peter Allison Primary Computing Teacher

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS ACADEMIC SUCCESS CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

What is happening in Secondary?

This term we have been tackling our second “Into the Void” Challenge from MIT, focused on space exploration. This challenge has been focusing on the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover that launched July last year and touched down on the red planet in February.

It is an extremely interesting time for space exploration and Mars, as the NASA Perseverance Rover is not the only mission to Mars. China's Tianwen-1 and The Hope Probe from the United Arab Emirates also launched last July and are both currently in orbit around Mars.

One of the many experiments on the Perseverance Rover is Mission MOXIE. Dr Jeff Hoffman, who is leading Mission MOXIE, set our students a task to discover

14 | BIS Hanoi

and learn about filters and how they work. The MOXIE experiment will test if it is possible to make oxygen from the Martian atmosphere. One of the first steps in this experiment is to filter out the dust in the atmosphere. It has been very interesting for the students to hear from Dr Hoffman as he is a decorated NASA astronaut; he has been into space 5 times and has logged more than 1,211 hours and 21.5 million miles in space.

At the start of this project we explored different filters we see around us, at home and in school, and learned how they work and why we use them. We then planned an experiment to test the effectiveness of 6 different filters we had in our Makerspace. This project engaged the students to use their enquiry skills to plan and test their hypothesis of what they thought the best filter

Mars Links: https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/ https://www.emiratesmarsmission.ae/

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This project engaged the students to use their enquiry skills to plan and test their hypothesis of what they thought the best filter would be.

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would be. The experiment didn’t always work out as we planned, but this was more interesting as the students had to reflect and conclude why. We identified and tried to eliminate as many variables in our experiment as possible in order to get a more accurate result. We will finish up our project by sharing our experiment and findings with Dr Hoffman at MIT and other Nord Anglia students at schools around the world.

David Burke Design Teacher

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

I hope you feel the learning buzz, too, when you read this month’s articles. It can be felt in the invention of our young scientists during Science Week, which you can read about next. It was definitely heard online, as BIS Hanoi launched its amazing virtual school. There was no lost learning time just the reassuring hum of the BIS Hanoi learning buzz. You’ll surely feel it when you read the article BIS’ness as usual at BIS Hanoi.

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No matter where we are, in school or online, exploring the past through the IPC or inventing the future in our STEAM room, there is one thing that is special about BIS and that’s our learning buzz.

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CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

There is a wonderful feeling of energy at the British International School Hanoi.

You can feel it and you can hear it when you first walk through our school doors.

It’s there when you explore our stunning STEAM area and you feel it, too, in the beautifully designed art studios. Experienced educators know it when they encounter it - it’s called the “learning buzz”. It is like a current of energy and it is a continuous and varied sound, but it is unmistakable. A strong learning buzz is the mark of our outstanding school.

16 | BIS Hanoi

We have a great curriculum at BIS inspired by some of the world’s best educators and institutions - Martin Skelton, Juilliard, MIT, Cambridge International and the International Baccalaureate. You can read more about the International Primary Curriculum in Kate Fitzpatrick’s article. It is this outstanding foundation that first launches the learning buzz and then our amazing teachers and students keep it alive.

No matter where we are, in school or online, exploring the past through the IPC or inventing the future in our STEAM room, there is one thing that is special about BIS and that’s our learning buzz.

And when it finally fades, what rises above it is the unique and extraordinary voices of our children. Here is just one such voice, reflecting on the power of education, as she writes to become BIS Hanoi’s next UNICEF Ambassador.

“To me, quality education extends beyond classroom knowledge. It is the pen for us to write our future, the simple foundation for the human race to depend on and advance from” - Linh Dan (Year 11).

Tim Webb Head of Secondary

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

BIS’NESS AS USUAL AT BIS HANOI

where all students were expected to contribute, submit their work at the same time and receive high-quality feedback. Sometimes things may have looked a little different, as students were using ‘Jam Boards’ to work together collaboratively rather than the whiteboards, or working in ‘breakout rooms’ rather than around a table, regardless of the method, the quality of learning remained unrivalled.

As educators, and being part of an educational institute, we thrive off the energy that is created in a classroom context and enjoy physically interacting with our students. We are all now aware that there are times when this is not possible, as the site closure in February illustrated to us. The whole school transformed once again, over the course of a weekend from being physical to becoming virtual.

What could have been a concerning time for students in examination year groups, remained ‘business as usual’ in preparation for external examinations taking place in May this year. These students continued to be academically challenged through live lessons, taking place in the same way 18 | BIS Hanoi

We are really proud of the ‘Virtual School Experience’ that we are able to offer when our school site is closed and feel that the additional skills that the students gained through this period will genuinely ensure that they are, prepared, not just for examinations, but for a constantly evolving future, where agility, creativity and technology will be of particular importance.

At BIS Hanoi, facilitated by our expert and innovative teachers, we are always confident that learning will take place either on our purpose-built site or in our virtual school. Even during a global pandemic, it’s BIS’ness as usual at BIS Hanoi!

Stephanie Miller Assistant Head of Secondary (Academic)

Students at BIS Hanoi have been extremely fortunate to have spent most of the academic year in the school building – especially compared to schools in different countries who, for some, have not yet returned to school since March 2020.

However, an unexpected outbreak of COVID-19 just before the Tet holidays meant a return to Virtual School Experience for two weeks.

It was a seamless switch back to virtual school – class teachers commented on how quickly the students adapted, how prepared they were and how well they did. Teachers were able to continue their assessments as planned. Reading and Phonics checks were completed online and parents were emailed updates accordingly.

Teachers were impressed with how much progress the students had made over the first term.

This time round the timetables had been adapted slightly to allowed for the exciting addition of break, lunch and after school ECAs – Ms. Bevan and Ms. Kirk from the Performing Arts department

offered a dance break every breaktime and Musical Moments every lunch time. The PE department were also able to offer a range of sporting activities including Swimming, English, Maths, Science, MFL, Vietnamese, STEAM and Topic lessons were scheduled over the week.

IPC (Topic) Entry and Exit points were held online – there was a range of exciting activities and challenges for the students to complete at home.

The Performing Arts department also ran special days to excite the students about their new topics.

The Foundation Stage students received new learning boxes from Mr. Shanahan to support their learning at home. The school was also able to support families with the loan of laptops. It was great to see our school community pull together to ensure high quality learning took place over the two weeks.

Kate Fitzpatrick Deputy Head Primary ESPRIT April 2021 | 19

INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

BUDDING SCIENTISTS COLLABORATING FOR A BETTER FUTURE

WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

It was great to see students of all ages demonstrate their passion and enthusiasm for science and engaging in a variety of different activities.

20 | BIS Hanoi

The main aim of Science Week in Primary was to raise the profile of the subject and also to increase engagement in science in the Secondary school. As a result of the program of activities a number of students entered our Science Week Challenge, completing experiments from home including making eggs float and creating balloon rockets.

Some children even showed off their innovation skills by coming up with their very own scientific experiments.In the classroom, students have persevered throughout challenges which have all linked closely to real life contexts and the UN Global Goals.

Year 1 enjoyed investigating whether the appearance of different foods impacts the taste, whilst Year 2 created floating gardens which would help combat crops being destroyed in flooding.

In Phase 2, Year 3 investigated methods of cleaning dirty water through sieving and filtering, making it safe to drink. Year 4’s focus linked well with the current pandemic as they learnt about infectious diseases before designing and building a model of a hand washing device for a school in Kenya.

Year 5 designed and built prototypes which could move tomatoes

down mountains, a project based on the lives of farmers in Nepal.

Finally, Year 6 enjoyed a visit to the Secondary School Science labs where they dissected hearts! The Secondary Science Department was very pleased to have the opportunity to show the Year 6 students the science labs and how science lessons are different once they join us in Year 7. All of these activities encouraged students across the Primary School to apply their learning to new contexts, improving their scientific skills in the process.

In addition, Year 9 students worked on an innovating project to design a device to send tortillas into space. This project was designed to enable students to explore the science behind space travel and design. They have all successfully used their STEAM skills to come up with some very interesting designs and have now tested their tortilla holders based on success criteria that they decided upon as a group.

Overall, it was great to see students of all ages demonstrate their passion and enthusiasm for science and engaging in a variety of different activities.

Shannon Colclough Primary Science Lead Hollie Hudson Secondary Head of Science ESPRIT April 2021 | 21

INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS ACADEMIC SUCCESS

INTERNATIONAL PRIMARY CURRICULUM (IPC)

WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) supports the holistic development of learners through enjoyable academic, personal and international learning objectives and tasks.

22 | BIS Hanoi

The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) supports the holistic development of learners through enjoyable academic, personal and international learning objectives and tasks. Primary students at BIS Hanoi have thoroughly enjoyed the range of exciting IPC topics on offer in Term 2, whilst also developing their History, Geography, Art & Design Technology skills.

Our dedicated teachers plan collaboratively to ensure the curriculum being offered is relevant, exciting and reflective of where we are situated in the world.

In Term 2 the students have studied the following topics Year 1: Magic Toy Makers & The Earth: Our home Year 2: Let’s Celebrate & From A-B Year 3: Footprints from the Past & Active Planet Year 4: Temples, Tombs and Treasures Year 5: Space Explorers Part 1 & 2 Year 6: What a Wonderful World & Express Yourself

There have been some memorable entry and exit points this term – Even a return to virtual school didn’t stop the enthusiasm! The Performing Arts department helped to run some exciting IPC themed days and some year groups even did their entry/exit points online.

Year 1 became chefs for the day, Year 2 wore costume connected to the theme of ‘Journey and Travel’ and made their own transport. A terrible disaster struck one of the Year 3 classrooms when it was transformed into a disaster zone for a special Earthquake lesson!

Year 4 had an Egyptian archaeologist experience day.

Year 5 took all their knowledge about space and made documentaries. Year 6 kicked off their topic with online yoga and mindfulness workshops run by Secondary teachers at BIS. Thank you to all the parents who got involved and supported at home – we hope you enjoyed it as much as the students!

Kate Fitzpatrick Primary Deputy Head

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS ACADEMIC SUCCESS CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

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At BIS we are extremely proud of these articulate, confident and engaging young leaders, who are taking action to change our community and the world.

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24 | BIS Hanoi

Speaking and Listening are woven into the curriculum through all subjects at BIS and communication skills are developed from the moment students join our school.

Through specific strategies used in the classroom, our students practise communication skills through initiatives such as an informal ‘show and tell’ to the more prepared ‘Primary Speaking Program’. In the Secondary School, students focus on Public Speaking during 21st Century Skills lessons and are expected to deliver formal presentations as part of the Theory of Knowledge in the IB Diploma.

During their time at BIS Hanoi, our students experience and develop these important skills. We are extremely proud of these articulate, confident and engaging young leaders, who are taking action to change our community and the world.

Over the next few pages you will read a wonderful selection of reflections on how we develop our students to become Confident Communicators.

The reflections of our Year 10

students who were inspired after participating in the 'Youth for Climate Action', highlights just some of the incredible opportunities our students have access to, but more importantly, how they are becoming true Global Citizens. They are getting involved, stepping up and trying to make positive changes that impact others and I look forward to hearing more about their invovlement in future meetings.

In the Primary School, students have been taking action to improve break and lunch time resources for all students in the playground and Quiet Room. Ms. Ower writes more about these initatives in this section.

I hope you enjoy reading about the successes of our students and how their words, messages and actions are having positive impact on others in our school and the wider community.

Rebecca Carroll Head of Primary

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS ACADEMIC SUCCESS

We started off Term 2 with an enthusiastic outlook towards the next school term. However, the past few months have been challenging for the Student Council, with the sudden outbreak of COVID - 19 in Hanoi. Nonetheless, we did not want this to stop us from moving forward. After we came back to school, the Council held meetings with both the Leadership and Student Councils to hold feedback sessions and continue to plan for the rest of the year. We have received really positive feedback about the recent virtual learning experience, such as students finding it much easier to adapt this time. Tutor representatives have been communicating more frequently to their tutor class, which means that a connection between the Student Council and the student body is far more established.

Our plans for the rest of the year are being discussed in each team’s meetings. Going forward, the Events team are going to focus on end of year celebrations for Key Stage 4 and 5 and the end of Year Party for Key Stage 3. Key Stage representatives have been tasked with asking students for their opinions regarding these two events. We are very eager to create meaningful

WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

AN UPDATE FROM THE SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNCIL

26 | BIS Hanoi

and memorable events to celebrate the end of this academic year. Members of this team are also planning some small entertainment events for students. They are simultaneously doing two jobs of ensuring that students will have a lot of fun participating in these events while guaranteeing that the safety requirements of social distancing will be met. The Student Council has helped in the establishment of a new House Point system for next academic year. With students’ suggestions, teachers have been busy creating a new reward system for the school. It is intended that House Points can be traded in for other rewards that the students can select from a range of options. The aim of this new reward system is to motivate students and evoke enthusiasm in House competitions. More details will be provided and we will be asking for your ideas about rewards soon.

The process of choosing the next Head Girl and Head Boy has also started. We have received multiple letters of application from Year 12 students. As the current Head Boy and Head Girl, we wish all of these students the best of luck with their applications and hope for a new team to build upon our successes from this academic year.

We are constantly amazed by the continuous enthusiasm and hard work from the members of the student council and leadership teams. However, this academic year is far from over and we still do have a lot of exciting initiatives that we are working with at the moment and we can not wait to share them with the rest of the student body.

Ha Minh Head Girl, on behalf of the Student Council

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The first issue which the Primary Student Council identified as an area they would like to work on was the Quiet Room, a space where children can play during outdoor breaks and lunchtimes.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS

PRIMARY STUDENT COUNCIL UPDATE

WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

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At BIS Hanoi, we believe that all stakeholders should have a voice in the running of the school, and that includes our youngest members. In October, the Primary children from Years 2 to 6 voted for a councillor to represent each class, and the Primary Student Council has been meeting weekly since then.

The first issue which they identified as an area they would like to work on was the Quiet Room, a space where children can play during outdoor breaks and lunchtimes. They surveyed their classmates to find out how satisfied with the provision they were and then made an action plan to improve the Quiet Room experience.

Comfortable chairs and a carpet were added to the room, and new games bought and stored neatly away in tubs. The school councillors made a video about how to look after the Quiet Room and to ensure that it’s a peaceful place in which to play, read or draw. They then presented this at an assembly.

Student Councillors along with the House Captains are also now volunteering as Quiet Room monitors at break times.

In Term 2, the Student Councillors turned their attention to the playground. They have been busy on a wish list for new playground equipment and designing a ‘friendship stop’.

Watch this space for more news on this initiative once it is up and running!

Gill Ower Primary Teacher

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS ACADEMIC SUCCESS CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

BIS HANOI STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE YOUTH FOR CLIMATE ACTION On Tuesday, I had the privilege of taking four BIS students to UNIS to take part in a Youth for Climate Action event. Ngoc Anh and Thanh Mai from Year 10 and our UNICEF ambassadors, Thu An and Angela from Year 12, worked with students from UNIS, HIS and Concordia.

The event was introduced

by Adelaide Charlier, a youth activist based in Belgium and an ex-student of UNIS. She gave an incredibly passionate and motivational address to the students and adults present, who included representatives from the UN in Hanoi as well as elementary students, teachers and mentors.

Our students then workshopped some hard and important questions that had been posed by the Under Secretary General of the UN, Fabrizio Hochschild. Mr. Hochschild was present on live video link from what he described as a very dark and cold morning in New York City.

The students presented their ideas to him and each group had time for a brief Q&A. I was very proud of our students. They were put into a highpressure situation and expressed themselves clearly and eloquently

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to a rather intimidating audience.

The theme of the evening was of the immediate challenge that faces humanity and specifically Vietnam of climate change, but also of the inspiration that comes from witnessing young minds working together. Their passion and dedication were amazing to witness, well done to all the participants!

Amy Greenwood Science Teacher Assistant Science Leader

The theme of the evening was of the immediate challenge that faces humanity and specifically Vietnam of climate change, but also of the inspiration that comes from witnessing young minds working together.

For me, having the opportunity to meet Adelaide was truly an inspirational experience, not only because she is the Co-Founder of Youth for Climate and has met with countless world leaders/ attended the global COP climate conferences before, but also the fact that only a few years ago, Adelaide was a student here in Hanoi (and hence was sitting in the same place!).

This, together with the UN Under-Secretary-General, Mr Hochschild’s sincere statement - “You can be the change.”, has reaffirmed my belief that young people can and will always be valuable contributors to climate action. I know that I speak on behalf of all Climate Action students in the room that night when I say I could not be more excited for the second meeting of Hanoi Youth for Climate Action, which will be held at the Green One UN House!

Thu An I was fortunate to have a wonderful opportunity to take part in the Youth Climate summit at UNIS with students from other schools in Hanoi. I was very excited since it was the first offline summit we could take part in, due to the unfortunate COVID-19 circumstances and the cancellation of our New York trip. It was such an amazing opportunity for me to discuss my solutions regarding Vietnam's current environmental situation to Mr Fabrizio Hochschild. We are also planning on having our second summit at the UN headquarters in Hanoi. Last time I visited the site, I was only able to have a quick tour, but this time, since I will be able to actively share my thoughts on climate change with my peers, I am very looking forward to another enriching experience.

Participating at the Youth Climate event in UNIS was a great opportunity for me and other students from many schools in Hanoi to discuss one of the biggest issues that humanity is facing in the 21st century. Not only we received a great chance to talk about environmental problems, brainstorming new ideas and discuss to come up with a solution, but we were also grateful to be able to present our views to sir António Guterres.

It has been one of the most amazing and noteworthy experiences for me and I’m looking forward to the next conference that will happen in the UN headquarters.

Ngoc Anh Duong

Being able to be a part of the Youth Climate event at UNIS was truly an honor for me. At the event, I was able to collaborate and discuss ways of solving environmental problems with students from different schools. It was very interesting since all of us have very unique experiences and opinions on this matter.

Moreover, meeting Adelaide Charlier, a youth activist, was very empowering as I am able to see the power that we can hold as individuals. After the event, I truly feel inspired and hopeful of the future as the younger generation takes action.

Thanh Mai

Angela Lee ESPRIT April 2021 | 31

The school was awash with every colour as books were brought to life by an abundance of incredible costumes. Characters from all genres descended upon the school and there was an energetic buzz around the building.

INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

BOOK DAY 2021 TAKES BIS HANOI

BY STORM

This year’s theme was ‘The Reading Spectrum’, aimed at promoting non-fiction and poetry, alongside the already well-loved fiction. The focus of the day was to broaden children’s reading horizons and for all children to explore new types of texts that they may be less familiar with. Our explosive headliner was the performance poetry showcase.

32 | BIS Hanoi

Sharing the love of fiction books, the children presented a favourite book/character and inspired their classmates with a list of books they now want to read. Children across the age ranges were exploring new texts in a variety of different ways, including speaking and listening presentations, snuggle up and read, book reviews, a bookmark competition and the classic - story time.

Our inquisitive fact-finders delved deeper into a variety of non-fiction texts. Classrooms were brimming with new knowledge and children were eager to share their new learning. Teachers shared books on topics that were new to the children.

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The children excitedly absorbed the new information, asking inquisitive questions to deepen their understanding.

The children excitedly absorbed the new information, asking inquisitive questions to deepen their understanding. Teachers expertly demonstrated how nonfiction can be both informative and enjoyable. The success of the day has established non-fiction as a staple of the reading diet.

Perfectly performed poetry echoed down every corridor as the children delighted in reproducing some of the most well-known poems.

The children worked incredibly hard throughout the day to learn and re-enact poems, delivering electric performances. Teachers were wowed by the quality all the way from F1 to year 6. There were

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so many poetry superstars that we could have the very next Julia Donaldson or Michael Rosen here at BIS. Reading sits at the heart of both learning and enjoyment. Although it is one whole year before we have Book Day again, the children now realise that every day is Book Day and reading is for life.

Ms Jasmine Reilly Primary Teachers & Mr Oliver Wray English Leaders

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INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS ACADEMIC SUCCESS

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We provide an environment that is physically safe and one that that nurtures and supports your child emotionally too.

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WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

34 | BIS Hanoi

History will show Vietnam to have been one of the safest places to have lived during the global pandemic. Its government has displayed decisive leadership and applied learning organically to its management of the virus. Vietnam has largely remained open and we have not had to endure a tangible fear of getting ill nor the gruelling lockdowns visible across the planet for months on end, and for that we are truly grateful.

We are, however, an international community and the impact of not being able to travel home outside of Vietnam for some time has been difficult. We hope that the arrival of vaccines into Vietnam will allow for our community to reconnect with their loved ones back home this summer as physical contact with families is integral to wellbeing.

Within school, we continue to support the wellbeing of our community. The recent cluster of COVID-19 cases required us to move seamlessly to a virtual school and to revert to stringent protocols to mitigate the risk of contagion. We were prepared on both counts.

Students were wholly supported and engaged exceptionally well with a brief virtual school experience and the school was able to more than comply with government health directives.

The winter season presented extremely high levels of toxic air but our air purification units were able to keep air quality within our buildings to safe levels. We have plans in the pipeline to further improve air quality, particularly in the sports hall.

Joma, our new caterer, has continued to listen to feedback and improve the range and quality of its food provision. Your responses on the recent parental survey showed higher levels of satisfaction with school catering. We are thrilled to hear too that Joma has signed up to the global food standard ISO 22000 which supports food hygiene and will be looking to make further progress to secure the standard.

Finally, safety is an important part of wellbeing and our parents overwhelmingly view BIS Hanoi as being a safe school for your children.

We provide an environment that is physically safe and one that that nurtures and supports your child emotionally too.

Jay Graham Deputy Head of Secondary

ESPRIT April 2021 | 35

INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

BROADENING HORIZONS DURING CAS WEEK

This was a chance for students to engage in some direct, meaningful service and they all said that they enjoyed being outside and connected with nature.

36 | BIS Hanoi

At BIS Hanoi, we value learning outside of the classroom environment and traditionally arrange a residential trip for Year 12 students to Mai Chau as part of their IB CAS programme. However, due to COVID-19, this cannot take place this academic year 2020-2021.

Therefore, our IB team devised an alternative four days off timetable that aimed to foster similar skills to those acquired during the residential trip, particularly team building and community service.

Students enjoyed a variety of different activities throughout the four days. One of these was a trip to Dragon Valley, a farm that runs

completed an ‘activity’ and a ‘creativity’ workshop, which included activities such as kickboxing, Korean cooking, Tiedying, ultimate frisbee, yoga and many more. The week culminated with a BBQ with Year 13 students to celebrate the end of their trial exams and our Year 12s finishing BISCAS. Victoria Black History Teacher CAS Coordinator

in conjunction with Blue Dragon one of our charity partners. Here, students were given different tasks such as moving compost, planting cabbages and seeds. This was a chance for students to engage in some direct, meaningful service, being outside and connected with nature. One student reflected on this day “It was not only an amazing opportunity for us to work in Dragon Valley (a place for Blue Dragon children to heal their trauma) but also to get to know each other”.

Alongside a day trip outside of school, students also participated

in a number of activities centered around their critical thinking and life skills. One of these was completing three different interdisciplinary projects, which required students to independently research different cross curricular topics and links to TOK. After this, students were engaging in some indirect service, such as advocating for a cause, which they enjoyed as it was a chance to be creative.

Time was also spent on university preparation and life skills, and considering how to be a respectful person.

On

the

final

day,

students ESPRIT April 2021 | 37

INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT

At BIS, we believe in the importance of giving. We are proud of the community’s efforts to support others in need, and will always continue to work to make a difference to people’s lives. From our youngest children to our oldest students, parents and staff, we all know the importance of doing our bit to help. What fantastic efforts we have seen this year!

Whole-school successes included our work for the Tet Shoeboxes Project who provide New Year gifts to children and young adults in orphanages in Hanoi and further afield. In January, students enjoyed 38 | BIS Hanoi

a non-uniform day, bringing monetary donations or offerings of different toiletries to add to the gifts. Thanks to our families’ generosity, we collected all the requested essentials, as well as 11 million VND to purchase additional items to brighten the Tet period for some of Vietnam’s children.

The school community joined together to support those affected by the 2020 floods in Central Vietnam. A staggering 100 million VND was raised by BIS. These funds were donated to Blue Dragon, who organised repairs to houses and provided home essentials as well

as chickens and equipment needed to restart fishing businesses. They used donations to ensure children affected could return to school by paying fees, purchasing stationery and even providing bicycles to those who live far away.

Our charitable work could not be done without the support of the Friends of BIS, who help to collect, sort and organise special events.

On top of this, the group cleaned, ironed and stitched over 100 items of school uniform from our lost property cupboard. These items were gratefully received by children and families at Son Thanh Primary

School in Quang Tri Province. What an excellent way to support others, and also save old uniforms from going to waste!

Speaking of reducing waste, BIS have also worked to lessen their environmental impact. Year 1 students held a Toy Sale - selling previously loved toys to others - to fundraise for Operation Smile, and students from across the school created eco-bricks from plastic bottles and unrecyclable plastic waste. Furthermore, Bao in Year 12 worked alongside three other pianists to organise and perform a concert at Hanoi Opera House to raise money for bamboo planting, which has a positive impact on the environment. Through donations, they were able to raise 112 million VND for this worthy cause.

Another campaign to mention is LA FUSION, a charity art exhibition organised by Phuong Hoang and Phuong Linh in Year 12. These students organised and led art workshops and the created pieces were sold to raise 250 million VND to support three charities.

It is wonderful to hear that families’ lives and homes are being rebuilt thanks to our support. Students are showing compassion and initiative, organising their own events and campaigns to support causes close to their heart. Our charitable efforts are a prime example of how our school community can have a fantastic impact when we come together.

Our charitable efforts are a prime example of how our school community can have a fantastic impact when we come together.

Keep up the excellent work, BIS! Niobe Shaw Year 4 Teacher Head of Primary PSHE ESPRIT April 2021 | 39

INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED CITIZENS WELL-BEING IN OUR COMMUNITY

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

LIVING OUR STRENGTHS DAILY

Secondary teachers and students have been developing their understanding of each other’s strengths. During January’s teacher INSET days, staff considered how to better embed VIA Character Strengths into our various subjects as well as more deeply into BIS’ life skills programme.

The highlights have been innumerable. In Sixth Form, students have focused on understanding how they could reach their SMART goals by using their strengths. For example,

40 | BIS Hanoi

a student whose strength is teamwork may focus on creating study groups in order to better prepare for their final exams, since working together will help them achieve their academic goals.

Another student high in humour would do well to ensure they have connections with their friends and time to express their humour in their study plans. We have found when students are able to work to their individual strengths, they are more successful in achieving their goals.

Walking around Secondary, you may notice classroom doors covered in artwork depicting students’ nationalities, houses and top five character strengths. We hope that through these daily reminders of who we are as individuals and as a form - and the strengths we each have - will enable students to see how they are unique and valued as a person and within a class.

Our focus on VIA Strengths has crossed over into various subjects.

Some teachers have even grouped their table groups by strengths,

ensuring there is a real mix on each table. This demonstrates that when we can be our strongest, most authentic self, working together and using each other’s strengths, great things can be achieved.

Our week-long Women’s Day celebration saw students identifying strengths in well-known women, as well as in those who have been influential in their lives.

We read lovely messages about the strengths they see in their mothers, aunts and grandmothers who have played such an important role in

students’ childhoods. It is amazing how strong and powerful it can be to focus on what strengths the people around us have.

We are continually striving towards a community that is strength-spotting every day! Which strengths did you see today? Did you tell the person?

Lori Fairbairn Careers And University Guidance Counsellor

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We hope that through these daily reminders of who we are as individuals and as a form - and the strengths we each have - will enable students to see how they are unique and valued as a person and within a class.

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ESPRIT April 2021 | 41

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Hoa Lan Road Vinhomes Riverside Long Bien District, Hanoi 44 | BIS Hanoi

Tel: (84 24) 3946 0435 Email: bishanoi@bishanoi.com Website: www.bishanoi.com