2021-22 Academic Enrichment
THE BRITISH SCHOOL AL KHUBAIRAT
MESSAGE FROM THE STUDENT DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
LOOK TOWARDS THE FUTURE... What is next beyond school and how you can create your future, both personally and through a possible career. Society
Open to Years
MedSoc
12-13
Wednesday 2:45-3:45
S3
Ms. Field and 20 Mr. Campbell
Psychology Society
9-13
Tuesday 2.45- 3.45pm
S8
Ms. Mell
20
Shazia Ameen Laibah Bashir Aaminah Assad Kiera Schwindt
Law Society
11-13
Wednesday 2.45-3.45pm
F4
Ms.Woulfe
20
Amna Zaffar Toby Shanahan
Entrepreneurship Society
10-13
Monday 2:45 - 3:45pm
S21
Ms. Eaves Mr. Tanvir
20
EPQ
Day and Time
Invitation Ms. Flemming Only
Locatio n
Staff Leaders
Capacity
Student Leaders
MedSoc
MedSoc is designed to help aspiring medical and dental students prepare an application that is as strong as possible for a university course leading to their chosen career. Whilst this application is submitted in Term 1 of Year 13, the hard work of making it as comprehensive and thorough as possible needs to start in Term 1 of Year 12, at the latest. By coming to MedSoc you will learn a bit more about what a medical or dental course entails, get the chance to learn about how the UK NHS works and hear from people, from practicing doctors to former MedSoc students now studying at university, what studying or working in this field is really like. Most importantly, you will get ideas and suggestions with regard to how you can take the initiative to start getting yourself ready – things to read, lectures to attend, online courses to complete, EPQ ideas and work experience suggestions. During Year 13, we spend much time giving advice on personal statements and also organize and run at least two practice interview sessions in the run-up to university interviews.
LAW SOCIETY Although you may be dreaming of becoming the next Harvey Specter from the show Suits, the reality of the legal industry is much different. Law Society will provide a more accurate description of Law at university, integrating you into the world of laws and legislations at this stage in your academic career. Throughout the year, Law Society will allow you to develop soft skills which will be essential in your further studies, regardless of whether or not you’re taking Law. Whether through mooting, negotiation exercises or case study workshops, the Law Society aims to prepare you for your journey at university. Engaging in social activities and improving advocacy skills are essential aspects of the society, which will enable you to become confident in your speaking abilities, thereby playing a crucial role in the networking you will inevitably partake in within your future career path. Transferable skills that you gain from the society will be an asset, especially if you’re unsure about what route to take at university, since we dedicate the same amount of effort to all members regardless of degree choices. It may further your interest, or lack thereof, in studying Law at a higher level.
PSYCHOLOGY SOCIETY This year’s society we have come up with a variety of topics to cover that will engage and be interesting for all students. Firstly we will start off with introducing the subject, ‘What is Psychology?’ in order for the students to gain a better understanding of the subject and take a more intriguing approach towards it. We plan on exploring topics such as Memory, Phobias, OCD, Schizophrenia and Social Influence. During these sessions, we hope that the students engage with these topics and are enthusiastic in the activities we will organise for them. Our intentions for this society is to make Psychology a subject to be taken further in the future, whether it’s for A levels or whether it’s a degree you want to pursue. We promise you that this society will be a wonderful experience for everyone and that we will allow students to communicate with us as a team and take in any of their interests for the future.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP SOCIETY Entrepreneurship Society gives students an insight into the skills and qualities that are needed to develop potential young entrepreneurs. These sessions will be led by the Business Ambassadors, students discussing key topics in the business world such as financial investment. There is a focus on the ‘Finance Investor’ competition in Dubai & ‘Market Watch’. In each session, we will be learning how to invest with guest speakers popping in to help us out through zoom. This is an interactive opportunity to participate in the Wharton Investment Competition and the Tiger Global Case Competition. If you are fascinated by markets, love economics, or just want a job that enables you to travel or be your own boss, then this business, investing and entrepreneurship club explores the hands-on parts of Business Studies.
EXPLORE YOUR HUMANITY... We all live together. How can we do this better and help each other? How can you inspire others and improve the world we live in? Society
Open to Years
Day and Time
Location
Staff Leaders
Capacity
Student Leaders
Model United Nations
7-13
Monday 2:45- 3:45pm
F4
Ms. O’Neil
20
Liyan Mustafa, Natasha Gower, Vinuth Ratnayake, Leonardo Contini, Danyal Jillani, Grace Cooper, Zeina Shuabi and Maryam Yassin
Global Social Leaders
10-13
Tuesday 2:45-3:45pm
S19
Ms. Whitfield
20
Natasha Gower, Hannah Baka, Ahmed Mohamed, Akio Shirali and Rachel Tomlins
So What! Humanities Magazine
7-13
Tuesday 2:45-3:45pm
S5
Ms. McDevitt Ms. Monaghan Greene
20
UAE Achievements
7-13
Wednesday 2:45-3:45pm
G14
Ms. Al Ghawie
15
Mental Health Committee
7-13
Monday 2:45-3:45pm
S19
Ms. Scheepers
20
Mya Thompson, Hamad Al Hebsi and Elsie Constantinou
GLOBAL SOCIAL LEADERS Are you idealistic? Do you care about human rights? Are you passionate about environmental justice? Are you an innovator? Global Social Leaders is an initiative created to give the youth an opportunity to create change in the world by focusing on the 17 United Nations Global Goals and providing solutions to fulfill them. At BSAK, our Global Social Leaders team has overseen numerous projects including Flip the Switch, Global Goals Competition and Recompute, Re-educate. All with the aim of encouraging students to proactively contribute to the future of the world. Every year, BSAK enters the international Global Goals Competition allowing us to present our ideas and turn them into reality. By bringing together hopeful minds, we strive to create positive change and lasting tangible progress to the BSAK community and beyond.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS Model United Nations is an incredible opportunity to get involved in the school community, offering valuable public speaking, organisation, and leadership skills. In MUN sessions you will learn how to debate independently, as a team, and immerse yourself in prevalent global issues, thus improving your ability to analyse and dissect arguments. You will be able to share your own views and convince others why you are right, but will also learn how to present a convincing statement for a side that is not your own. We discuss a wide range of topics from healthcare to human rights that contribute to developing a generation of open minded and well rounded intellectuals. MUN is a great opportunity to boost your confidence and get to know students you might not otherwise speak to; we highly recommend joining our club!
MENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE We as the Mental Health Committee are striving to educate and spread awareness about mental health to all students of BSAK Secondary School. It is a platform to promote care and support for students both in and out of the school community. We also want to make resources available for the community through activities, workshops, events and assemblies where students are able to interact and learn more about what they can do for themselves and others. Our goal is to create a safe and positive environment where students can gain higher morals and feel less stress and anxiety when facing difficult school and home life. Simply put, students who feel better can learn better. This leads to positive impacts such as intrinsic motivation and better academic performance. There will be a number of opportunities where students have the chance to relax, ask questions and be educated on the importance of taking care of your mental health. In conclusion, this society aims to help develop students’ levels of wellbeing and spread awareness on the importance of positivity with every experience.
UAE ACHIEVEMENT CLUB UAE's leadership, government and people are celebrating five decades of achievements. UAE Achievements will be discussing an aspect of the UAE development over the 50 years. Students will be making a creative and informative presentation. A large part of which will be a comparison between the civilization of the Emirates between the present and the past.
SO WHAT! HUMANITIES MAGAZINE So What? is BSAKs first Humanities publication, produced and run entirely by a student cohort and the subject ambassadors. The aim is to create a bi annual publication that covers a wide range of topics and themes related to both History and Geography, regardless of your area of interest and expertise we want to hear from you. You will develop a detailed understanding of important geographic and historical events that have helped to shape modern society as well as influences of important figures. You will create questions such as “So what? The water is running out” and create an article, comic strip, video, podcast; something of your choosing. This will help to develop research skills, presentation of an argument, write in a formal and objective manner and draw valid and sustained conclusions.
FOSTER INNOVATION... Almost everything we do involves innovation and digital technology. These clubs are for techies who want to learn more about and become involved with the BSAK’s technology strategy. Society
Open to Years
Day and Time
Location
Staff Leaders
Capacity
Digital and eSport Society
10-13
Monday 2:45-3.45pm
F20
Mr. Choudhury 10
Learning to Code
9-13
Wednesday 2:45-3:45pm
G7
Mr. Smith Ms. Moine
16
Monday 2:45-3.45pm
G9
Ms. Shaikh Ms. Fleming
15
Digital Creative 7-9 Club
DIGITAL AND ESPORT SOCIETY
More and more people are using technology than ever before- whether they are browsing, working, gaming or connecting with others. There is a huge need to promote ways to be safe and happy, while using technology to benefit you. This group will become a student leadership body who work with Heads of Years and the Secondary Digital Leader in trying to help the BSAK community achieve the above. We are calling for students who are concerned about the wellbeing of people using technology. You may have a passion for media/content production, browsing online, gaming (eSports) or just technological gadgets which you want to share. This year we want to contribute to the BSAK Tribune with content around eSport (gaming) and digital wellbeing/safety, create a set of digital wellbeing resources (videos/presentations) which can be shared with tutors in MELS and run a digital event/house competition.
DIGITAL CREATIVE CLUB The club will be combining creativity and digital technology to create communicative media. We are going through a digital transition century in which digital technologies are totally reshaping the way in which people live and learn, the way they work and socialize. You will learn a range of different digital skills using hardware and software to create amazing pieces of media.
LEARNING TO CODE The Computer Programming Society is a gathering of like-minded people who want to learn how to code, the skill of the future. In Computer Programming, we learn how to write programs using Python, look at the meaning behind technological buzzwords and explore the concepts of AI. Running every week we will be catering for both newcomers and students with prior experience in programming. This will enable students at any stage of their computer science career the opportunity to indulge in the wonders of creating cool programs. This club is highly recommended for anybody considering a degree in Computer Science and will appeal to anybody that enjoys Mathematics or has an interest in Computing.
BE CREATIVE... Expressing yourself is powerful. These endeavours allow you to communicate information, make a social statement and enjoy aesthetic beauty. Society
Day and Time
Location Staff Leaders Capacity
Art History 11-13 Society
Wednesday 2:45-3:45pm
S7
Ms. Zakka
15
Arabic 7-11 Calligraphy
Wednesday 2:45-3:45pm
S1
Ms.Zaghloul Mr. Satari
15
Monday 2:45-3:45pm
F13
Ms. Lowe
20
BSAK Tribune MFL Magazine
Open to Years
7-13
Contact Mr.Davies or student leaders if interested.
Student Leaders
Aman Fazil Liyan Mustafa Iona Connolly Youmna El Hennawy Shardhi Somaya
BSAK TRIBUNE The BSAK Tribune is our school newspaper - produced and run entirely by a student cohort. Over recent years, our issues have been published termly, covering a wide range of topics and themes - we pride ourselves on the freedom we give our writers. Whatever you're passionate about - whether it's discussing the latest hot button political events, a spectacular rocket launch or even just an underrated film the Tribune provides an accessible platform for students to articulate their passions and interests to a school-wide audience. This year especially, our team has introduced major changes in our structure, in hopes of revitalising the core passion for journalism that fuels our newspaper; so even returning writers will have plenty more to experience this year. The BSAK Tribune looks for those driven by passion and a genuine love for their interests, whatever they may be - and more importantly, the willingness to share that passion through potentially great writing.
ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY CLUB Arabic calligraphy is the artistic practice of handwriting based on the Arabic alphabet. Arabic calligraphy art is and has always been an important component of Islamic art. In the earlier days, Arabic calligraphy originally served as a medium for communication, but with the passage of time, it began to be used in architecture, ornament, and coin design. The beauty of Islamic paintings and calligraphy lies in their unique formations, symmetry, and variations. In this club students will acquire the skill of correct Arabic writing according to the rules of writing in Arabic calligraphy. Students will realize that Arabic calligraphy is an art and that skill must be acquired in order to practice correct and beautiful writing easily.
MFL MAGAZINE The languages spoken in the world today are different from languages spoken in the past. Although Modern Foreign Languages is generally associated with European languages such as French, Spanish and German, MFL is much more diverse and expands to every continent of the world. People who speak more than one language tend to have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enhanced concentration, ability to multitask, and better listening skills. Languages help us to preserve cultures, but also allow us to learn about others and spread ideas quickly. Joining MFL will give you the opportunity to not only learn about other languages and cultures within the school but also share your language and culture with others. Being part of such a diverse school, it will expose you to the huge variety within our community and allow you to learn more about your peers. Speak to Mr.Davies or student leaders if you would like to join!
ART HISTORY SOCIETY Are the foundations of our culture creatively constructed by a multitude of builders or are they, conversely, the result of a biological evolution? Why do art historians want works of art to have an identifiable author the way cops want crimes to have an identifiable culprit? Better yet, why do they continue to suspect the very concept of author the way criminologists suspect the notion of responsibility? Join the Art History Society for an opportunity to solve these enigmas by taking a closer look at the fundamental approaches that have been used to evaluate artworks by influential figures throughout history—and understand how these methodologies are still evolving and shaping our cultural infrastructures today. As we embark on this exhilarating journey through the different ways of seeing, we will gradually transition towards an interdisciplinary approach that allows us to examine other interrelated fields, such as museum studies (museology), digital art (NFTs, digital video art, internet art…etc.) and other contemporary issues that continue to dominate our cultural landscape. Students will demonstrate their capacity to articulate the historical development of art history as a discipline. In addition to that, they will equally acquire a deep-seated understanding of the historical foundations and systematic methodological skills required to address current issues in art historical scholarship and other deeply interrelated fields. And finally, members will learn to identify, differentiate and critically assess a wide range of art historical approaches and apply selected methodologies to the analysis of any work of art belonging to the art canon through the acknowledgment of a much broader scope of aesthetic and sociopolitical influence.
EXPAND YOUR MIND... Be challenged and question what you know, what you don’t know and what you could know that will change your life. Society
Open to Day and Time Years
Location
11-13
Wednesday 2:45-3.45pm
F18
Mr. Sterling
20
Caleb Patell and Akio Shirali
Science Olympiad
7-8
Tuesday 2:45-3.45pm
S7
Mr. Roughley
10
Dana Al Kaabi and Hind Amir
Science Club
7-9
Tuesday 2:45-3.45pm
S3
Ms. Egan-Smith
14
Mathematics Olympiad
7-8
Monday 2:45-3.45pm
F21 Zoom
Mr. Sinton
No limit
STEP- Sixth Term Examination Paper
11-13
Tuesday 2.45-3.45pm
S15
Mr. Murray
22
English Olympiad
7-8
Tuesday 2:45-3:45pm
F15 Zoom
Ms. Fischer
No limit
Islamic Club
7-13
Wednesday 2:45-3.45pm
F9
Ms. Al Hatti
15
Islamic Tajweed
7-12
Wednesday 2:45-3.45pm
F9A
Ms. Al Kurdi
15
Think Tank
Staff Leaders
Capacity
Student Leaders
Rhianna McPherson, Rayan Sharara, Dania Zehra, Aryaman Rakhesha and Ahmad Mussafa
Sarah Abdel Kareem and Isabel Darling
THINK TANK
The moon is the property of America. Climate change doesn’t exist. Taxes should be optional. Disagree? Think Tank is where you can tell us why. Think Tank is a club designed to be a safe space to share your opinion, provided you can accept criticism from those who disagree. We cover a range of topics predominantly political and ethical, you are free to share and hear others. In a community like BSAK with students of such diverse experience, it's incredibly illuminating to hear everyone's thoughts. It’s a club where we hope to have everyone feel confident to share their opinion. Being able to put your point across clearly and confidently, whilst listening to others, is a vital skill in any leadership role. The degree choices most closely linked to Think Tank would include English and all humanities subjects. Careers skills include law, politics, education and marketing.
ISLAMIC TAJWEED Learn the rules of Tajweed and practice applying them during our sessions. Learn the articulation of the Arabic letters and how to pronounce each letter in Arabic. We will learn some Quranic stories, interpret some surahs and stories for our Sahabah (Prophet Mohammed’s friends). We will also talk about the prophet Mohammed’s Hadith (sayings). Each week we will have fun engaging in a variety of activities and games including watching videos related to our Islamic and UAE calendar.
ISLAMIC CLUB
In the Islamic club we will arrange multiple Islamic activities, including presentations, painting, poems and role play. The UAE government has put an emphasis on inspiring young people to have their vision about the ambitions of the next 50 years, while supporting them to make quality national achievements in furtherance of the March of Development, Progress and Prosperity. The Islamic Club activities will be linked with the UAE 50th anniversary, such as Sahaba from the UAE, the history of Islam in the UAE and traditional mosques in the UAE.
ENGLISH OLYMPIAD
The International English Olympiad is a worldwide test that aims to rank countries and students based on their English knowledge. The Olympiad exam allows students to gain additional knowledge and prepare them for external exams they will take in future years. By participating in English Olympiad exams, students can improve their spelling, grammar and learning processes which as a result will benefit them in their English subject classes. Our aim is to have Year 7 and 8 students to compete in the UAE National Olympiad, representing our country and school in the worldwide results!
MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD For those of you who haven’t heard of the Olympiad, think of the Olympics but for academics. It is a Society which aims to foster an interest in the subject and improve the mathematical skills of participants, whilst gaining valuable experience in Maths. Starting after half-term, we will initially start working on developing your pre-existing Mathematical skills. Later on, the focus will be directed towards Logical thinking, Problem Solving Abilities, as well as branching out to different areas of Math. We would also like to note; you don’t have to be a genius in Maths to join! You just need to be passionate and dedicated towards the program. Anyone, regardless of skill level, is welcome to join.
STEP- SIXTH TERM EXAMINATION PAPER STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) Mathematics is a well-established mathematics examination designed to test candidates on questions that are similar in style to undergraduate mathematics. STEP is used by the University of Cambridge, the University of Warwick and Imperial College London. The society will look at problems from the papers and the mathematics behind the problems to aid students in their applications to university courses that have high mathematical content.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD If you are passionate about Science then you should consider joining the Junior Science Olympiad Society! The Junior Science Olympiad Club is perfect for any student that excels in Science and is keen on expanding their knowledge of the subject beyond the school curriculum. This society is most suitable for students who are passionate about Science and would like to further explore their interests. Through experiments and interactive activities students will be able to apply their new found knowledge to unfamiliar problems which will help students develop their problem solving and analytical thinking skills. Students who aspire to attend the very best universities should consider this as a fantastic extracurricular activity to add to their resume.
SCIENCE CLUB Science Club is ideal for anyone in years 7-9 that loves science. It is all about discovery, investigating scientific ideas and using experiments to find the answers, while developing the inner scientist in us all. Science Club encourages problem-solving and critical thinking using hands-on activities that are both fun and challenging. So, if you would like to extract DNA from a kiwi or make and investigate the properties of different polymers, including slime and custard balls, or maybe make a motor or try some forensic science, Science Club is for you.
REGISTRATION ON THE PARENT PORTAL 1) Your parents log in to BSAK Parent Portal.
2) Click on CCAs. 3) Sign up in Activities! Due to demand you are limited to two clubs.