2020/2021
THE BRITISH SCHOOL AL KHUBAIRAT
SECONDARY NEWSLETTER britishschool.sch.ae
SECONDARY NEWSLETTER CONTENTS P03 P04 P07 P10 P12 P15 P17 P18 P21
A Message From The Head Of Secondary, Miss Woulfe Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 A Message From The Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mr Thompson Sixth Form Poet Laureate
MISS TERESA WOULFE THE HEAD OF SECONDARY I speak personally when I say that this has been one of the most challenging years of my career to date but it has also given me experiences that I have never had to deal with and, like most people, I have survived. In a recent interview for our Head Boy position, almost every student spoke about the resilience shown by themselves and their peers to cope with everything that has been thrown at them this academic year. They also spoke about the importance of community and this is the one thing they missed during Distance Learning - the connection with people. Whilst learning has been different from what it normally looks like, I do believe that we have used the tools we have to ensure that learning and development has continued, albeit in a blended approach and for our Key Stage 3 students, in a way that was never intended in Secondary School. Despite all of this, I firmly believe that we have allowed our students to have an enjoyable experience in school and to connect with their peers, their community. What has resonated with me are the opportunities that have arisen due to Covid restrictions in place. Whilst we have been restricted in what we can do in school, this has opened up a host of new opportunities which we will continue to explore long after the restrictions are lifted. An example of this is our Drama and Music Departments who have been able to work with industry professionals throughout the year and our students have had access to these also. We have also got a rich resource of recorded lessons, demonstrations and performances that can be used for future year groups to inspire and support. What I am describing here is definitely some of our “Covid Keeps” and we will continue to utilise the benefits that have arisen as a result of this. At this time of year, we say farewell to many of our students and their families. Wishing you all the very best in your new schools or universities and I hope that you will always stay part of the BSAK community through our BSAK Old Al Khubairat Society (BSAKOAKS). Please do keep in touch with us and other alumni by clicking here: www.BSAKOAKs.org to join. We also say farewell to staff who are moving to a different school or back to their home country. Many thanks to the following staff for their contribution to BSAK during their time here, I wish them every success in the future. Mr Wakeling - Maths teacher; Mrs Roberts - English teacher; Ms Mitchell - Counsellor; Miss Mannion - University and Careers Advisor; Mr Lee - Media Studies teacher; Ms Mennaai - Spanish teacher; Mrs Wrynn - EAL support; Mrs Miller - LSA; Mrs Bambridge - LSA; Mrs Small - Lead Science Technician; Mrs Miller - Science Technician; Mrs Ruiz - Science Technician. I am delighted to inform you that we have filled almost all of these positions and will share the details of new staff with you at the start of the new academic term. I would like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to you all for the way you have supported our students and staff throughout this year. It has been challenging for our parent community and I appreciate the sacrifices and changes to your working lives that you have had to make. Wishing you all a wonderful summer break and here’s hoping that we can get back to some level of ‘normal’ BSAK life next year.
MR RUAIRI CARR HEAD OF YEAR 7 What a year it has been. I would like to say a massive congratulations to all of you, parents, pupils and staff. With the constant uncertainty of distance learning the Year 7 students have been nothing short of amazing, the resilience and endeavour that they have shown throughout the year has been fantastic. Their levels of effort have never wavered from September to now. You the parents have continued to support the school and your children throughout this crazy journey and for that I say thank you. Moving forward it is imperative that we get all of our students back into school from September. Students and staff will be working hard to make up for any learning that has been missed this year, and although we have offered an outstanding distance learning curriculum there is nothing quite like having the students in school and learning face to face. I will be continuing to be the cohort of students' Head of Year next year, and I look forward to watching them mature as they progress into Year 8. Please click here to read the Year 8 Pastoral Book. I hope everyone gets the opportunity to see friends and relatives this summer.
GET UP AND GO In May we introduced a Get Up and Go activity which allowed the Year 7’s to spend time away from their desks during form time.
Please have a restful, enjoyable and safe summer, and I look forward to seeing you all for a full return in September.
Social Distancing was adhered to and the students thoroughly enjoyed this outdoor experience with their tutors. Thanks to Mrs Mayall, Mr Sewill, and Mr Edgar for supporting this activity.
YEAR 7 2021/2022
I am delighted to inform you that Miss Louise Mell will be Head of Year 7 for the next academic year and she has shared the Year 6 Transition Week with you in this Newsletter.
Year 7 PHOTO COLLAGE
YEAR 6 INTO YEAR 7 TRANSITION This term our Year 6 students took part in a rather different transition week. Each class followed a timetable with mainly zoom lessons, with a few pre-recorded lessons. This allowed students the opportunity to meet new Secondary Teachers and have a short introduction to new subjects. I was lucky enough to join a few of these zoom lessons and I was very impressed to see how engaged and excited the students were, really making the most of their experiences. In addition to this, every morning the students took on some of our secondary staff in a 'Are you smarter than a Year 6?' kahoot quiz. The competition was rife with Mr Thompson, Mrs Davies and Miss Cooper securing wins, however on the final day the Year 6 students came back to beat Miss Woulfe, Mr Leppard and some of their new tutors!
On Thursday they had the opportunity to meet their new Form teachers and Form classes. They created their own superheroes, designed house facemasks, toured the secondary school and filmed a dance routine for the secondary Danceology competition. It was certainly a very busy week and the students demonstrated model behaviour. I am very excited to welcome our Year 6 students into Secondary school next term, and look forward to the year ahead. Miss Louise Mell, Head of Year 7 2021/2022
MRS SARAH NORAY HEAD OF YEAR 8 It has been a very busy term and Year 8 have clearly got into the swing of being back at School.
They faced many challenges along the way, from temporary closures, end of year exams and getting used to new safety measures, but they have handled them all with resilience and maturity and I am very proud of how they have conducted themselves throughout.
HOUSE COMPETITIONS PICTIONARY The House Pictionary Competition was nail biting from start to finish. At some point, every one of the six entrants took the lead, it really was anyone's game. After a tense competition Leila Zeidan 8CE was victorious in taking the title and clearly she was very happy about that! Congratulations to her and the other 5 worthy competitors, Jude, Ayush, Emily, Talha and Mohamed.
It was the first glimpse after a long absence of the familiar buzz surrounding BSAK House team events. Long may it continue!
The competition provided brilliant and much needed lunchtime entertainment for the students and staff watching.
HOUSE COMPETITIONS CAKE QUEST As many of you know from the Cooking Challenge in Term One during Distance Learning, we have some avid cooks in Year 8. Lucky Year 8 families! This talent was displayed once again in another brilliant House Competition that took place this term, where students had to mark the 50th year of the Emirates by baking a commemorative cake. There were some wonderfully delicious creations which also reflected the students love for the place they live. Well done to Amelie Popplewell, one of the finalists of the competition and to Saskia Eyck for winning the overall Cake Quest title! A fantastic achievement ladies, I only wish I could have tried some!
YEAR 8
MOVE SESSIONS
In my role as Head of Year, one of the things I have enjoyed most is being privy to the conversations the Year 8’s have whilst I am on duty at break times. One of the biggest topics of conversation has understandably been the lack of movement that the safety restrictions have meant for these students.
From listening to this feedback, I tried to seek a way back to some sort of physical activity for the Year 8’s, with socially distancing measures in place. Granted, this is not the same as kicking a football around or going for a stroll around the yard with your friends but the purpose was to give them an opportunity to have fun and most of all, move away from their desks.
They engaged brilliantly with Mr Sewill’s Boxing session which kick started the sessions brilliantly, they then sampled some of the iconic moves of Grease the Musical led by Mrs Mayall and enjoyed a bit of Celtic dancing thanks to Mr Edgar.
YEAR 8 ASSEMBLIES
We have been fortunate enough to have some of the brilliant Year 12 Prefect Team assisting Tutors in morning registration once a week this year. It has been wonderful to see these older students leading the tutor groups in some fun filled activities and also guiding them in regards to the demands of the school year. I am looking forward to the year group building on this brilliant relationship after the Summer and hope they are able to fully make use of their presence by asking them for advice on making the most of their last year in KS3 and discussing important topics like option choices.
As we approach Year 9, I would like to thank our Year Representative, Mohammed Khalifa for being such a proactive, enthusiastic representative for this Year 8 cohort. Your contribution to school meetings and year group assemblies has reflected your understanding of the importance of this role and your commitment to it. I also want to wish Areej Fatimah congratulations and good luck for taking over from Mohammed as Year Representative for Year 9. Areej is a mature, intelligent young lady with great ideas. I look forward to seeing the important impact she and the rest of the student representatives make next academic year.
GOODBYE & Good luck
At this time of year we must also say goodbye to some of our Year 8 Superstars
Amelie Popplewell, Zainab Khan, Maggie Joyce, Fadi Harfoush, George Moorhouse, Eugenie El Chayeb, Michael O’Sullivan, Salehah Khan, Saskia Eyck, Dylan Ashton, Harry Wise, Savanna Stewart, Linda Figari
Keep in touch and good luck to you all. We wish you all the very best in your next adventures and want to thank you for everything you have contributed to Year 8. Finally a big thank you and congratulations from me to all the Year 8’s for a really successful and action packed year. You have all grown so much into mature young men and women and should be extremely proud of what you have achieved this year. Please click here to read the Year 9 Pastoral Handbook. Have a wonderful, well earned Summer everyone and see you for more fun and games in Year 9, Inshallah!
Year 8 writing their end of year exams
MR MICHAEL EDGAR HEAD OF YEAR 9 Congratulations to all Year 9 students for completing what has been a decidedly unique year in their educational adventure. My thanks go to everyone for successfully completing the GCSE options procedure. Thank you so much to Shantel Hayman (BSAK Admin) for her hard work in this process. In previous emails, I have used sporting analogies to describe our journey into the GCSE's but I think it is important to be explicit about where we are now. In two years time, the GCSE process will be completed and you will be anxiously waiting during the summer holidays for your results in August. Please do not go into these exams with any regrets. The start of Year 10 is a perfect opportunity to implement the improvements based on your reflection from your most recent exams. Build on your strengths and improve your weaknesses in all your chosen subjects and work with your teachers to make progress. I am delighted to inform you that I will continue to be your Head of Year during this time and I look forward to witnessing your success. Please click here to read the Year 10 Pastoral Handbook. This was always going to be a different year filled with difficulties and uncertainty, however, 9CE dealt
with everything in their stride. The continual setbacks of being told they would return to face to face learning, to only be denied a week and sometimes a few days in advance was tough, but it was worth it when everyone, who was able to, returned to school at the beginning of term 2. Having not seen these students for almost a year made me realise how much I had missed having students in the classroom and that I was lucky to have such a great group of students to talk to every morning. I am proud of each and everyone of 9CE and look forward to the challenges that Year 10 presents us in September.
9CE CENTAUR
Wow what a year! I have been so impressed by the resilience, good humour and maturity of 9CH. This was
especially true when, despite the demands and oddness of the last 12+ months, I saw their dedication to their exams and the positive and collaborative ways they prepared. This year has also brought many great class discussions about getting older generally and growing up in these topsy turvy times specifically. I want to congratulate Leya in 9CH for recently performing in the Dubai Opera Peter Pan show. Leya has spent numerous weekends rehearsing for this performance and has recently achieved a Merit for her recent RAD Ballet Exam and a Bronze for RADA. Well Done Leya! This year has shown me that this is a special group of people and I feel very lucky to have witnessed them meet adversity head-on and come out the other side braver and stronger for it.
9CH CHIMERA
I have been so happy to finally see the students back in school this year after continuous setbacks. The students in 9GR have shown true resilience over the past year and I have been pleased to see that distance learning didn’t dampen their spirits. This loud and admirable tutor group has returned back to school with their many personalities still intact, along with a few great additions. There is never a dull morning with this tutor group! Each year I have been impressed with how the students have matured and I look forward to seeing them through their GCSEs next year. Well done for always being memorable 9GR.
9GR GRIFFIN
This has been a very challenging year, there is no doubt about that. We have all had to be resilient and adapt to change, but, I have got to say, I managed to start every day with a smile on my face, thanks to 9HY! They never complained about anything and followed every instruction that school gave them and the variety of characters and personalities in the group made every form time an absolute pleasure. On my last morning with them, I made it very clear that they were the best part of my day, every day, and that they will be so greatly missed. Thank you 9HY!
9HY HYDRA 9PE have been bundles of energy and stamina this year! They have shown resilience, strength and compassion ....this makes me a very proud form tutor. Winning the Dear 2020 competition was a magnificent start and once we returned to school the smiles and fun continued with the Mr. Men dress up for World Book Day, the Pictionary competition and showcasing our 'hip' moves for virtual Danceology.
9PE PEGASUS
It's wonderful to see students taking pleasure in contributing to the BSAK community and being together. Balancing this with their drive to achieve their best for their academic studies and exams is by no means easy. 9PE have proved themselves to be superstars! I wish them a very lovely summer and look forward to seeing them in Year 10 :)
Year 9: Unchartered waters. Since March of 2020 we’ve experienced online school and accompanying it, a lack of motivation and the absence of social interaction. It was obvious that the return to school was awkward, however after a few weeks of adapting, it became normal again... we were dressing up as smurfs, winning competitions, and playing Pictionary! I know, very normal. This year was completely unpredictable. With disappointing closures at times, we were never aware of what the next day would bring. It is important to thank our teachers and parents for their patience and support as this has been new ground for them too. This year has allowed us to feel the significance of the phrase ‘There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.’ While this year may have been tough, things are looking bright for the next. Stay safe, good luck and have a good summer holiday! Ali & Zara, 9PH
9PH PHOENIX
MR JULIAN BRAMMER HEAD OF YEAR 10 The last thing I thought when I penned my farewell to Year 11 twelve months ago after such a turbulent 3 or 4 months that I would be in similar position this year; but unfortunately we are here; COVID is still on the tip of our tongues and ‘distance learning’ or ‘hybrid learning’ are still very much part of our vocabulary. I have said it before and I make no apology for repeating it; Year 10 have never ceased to amaze me with their resilience and can do attitude and I have to say I have so enjoyed getting to know them over the last academic year. I hope that next year we can start to move back to a more ‘normal’ school day and I very much look forward to having proper assemblies instead of pre recorded ones….. but who knows?
END OF YEAR EXAMS The main focus this term has been the run up to the End of Year Exams which we have tried to replicate as close as possible to the GCSEs as far as procedures and conduct both of the staff and more importantly the students, so that they know what they can expect for their GCSE mock examinations and the real things next year. Miss Woulfe, Mr Foster and I spoke to the whole year groups and it was such a pleasure to congratulate them for their conduct; they were quite simply fantastic and looking ahead, this will really help reduce the stress of examinations next year.
YEAR 10 REFLECTIONS
I also took the opportunity to ask the Forms about their reflections on this year and it is my pleasure to share snapshots from each of the forms with you.
10CE | CENTAUR This year was a total roller-coaster. It may have been difficult at times with the new protocols, but we’re grateful for them keeping us safe and allowing us to come into school. This school has the perfect atmosphere, which helps make learning more enjoyable. There were many changes: we’ve had new friends come into school, and we’ve had old friends moving on to new opportunities. The school has also handled the COVID situation as well as was physically possible, considering the current situation. The balance between in-school learning and distance learning when times were crucial has helped to provide us students with the best educational experience, whilst remaining safe. All in all, the 2020-2021 school year was an exciting academic year. It was hard, but it taught us a lot. BSAK didn’t allow any distance to affect its standards; our enthusiasm for learning remained throughout the whole year.
10CH | CHIMERA This has been one of the toughest years for us, with the mix of zoom and distance learning. “Being a new student at BSAK and joining during the pandemic, I wasn't really expecting to experience what BSAK was truly like. All the school events, group projects, all the fun...but I was proved wrong! I have participated in multiple school events, made many new friends, and have had so much fun!” This year was tough but at the same time there were many successes….. Hard work always beats natural talent.
10GR | GRIFFIN
Throughout the past year, we have faced many challenges as a community. Whether it was a global pandemic or going to school on distancing learning, we kept moving forward, we were resilient. There was a whole travelling ban on almost all countries, we were told to wear masks every time we left the house. We were given the strict condition of social distancing. However, we reacted to these rules with respect. And as many of us were on social distancing and were given the responsibility of our own study and education, we moved forward with honesty and integrity. It is no doubt we faced many hindrances, however these challenges brought us closer together as a community and presented many positives as well. We saw the digitalisation of almost everything. We all were educated on hygiene and took better care of ourselves. We saw how we could now attend not only school but also jobs remotely. Just as we propelled through last year, we will do so again this year, however this time it can only be easier. Stay home, stay safe and don’t forget to have fun.
10HY | HYDRA This year we have learnt and gained an understanding from a lot of things. Since COVID started, it gave us the chance to try and start new hobbies and acquire new skills as we had more time to ourselves. This past year and a half as a distance learner has taught us to become more disciplined and independent when learning. Another thing we realized since the pandemic is to always make the best out of your situation no matter how good or bad it is. From learning at a distance, to learning in school, the year has been challenging, however I find that makes it ever so much more worthwhile. This year would count as one of our most beneficial years, both academically and socially. We have made so many new memories this year, and learnt so much while having fun, which was tough given the situation, but that was also what caused it to be special. Overall, we have found this year to be exceptionally wonderful and eye-opening at the same time, and we can’t regret any of it, just learn from it.
10PE | PEGASUS
This year has most definitely been one to remember. After the closing down of schools across the country, the way we received our education had changed drastically. Not only did we shift our studies online, but we also endured the process together so that when we came back, we were even stronger and more resilient than ever. This year has taken a toll on people's perseverance, serving as a reminder that nothing is permanent and that nothing comes easy. We as a school and as individuals challenged the barriers of struggle and thrived despite everything that was changing the lives of us all. We as a form are proud to have done so and as a school, even more so.
10PH | PHOENIX It has been a rollercoaster of a year but we have survived. Like the teachers, we have had to adapt quickly but think we have done pretty well. We have still managed to get our work done, see friends, meet new ones and have some fun too. We have learnt to be resilient and adapt and I think a better appreciation for what is important in life. I really hope that in September we will be back to 'normal' and all the other good things about school - sport, drama, house competitions will be back. Fingers crossed!
YEAR 10 AWAY FROM SCHOOL I would like to thank the amazing Year 10 Tutor team, they have been a huge support for your children, but I would publicly like to thank them for the huge support they have been to me. Finally, I want to say, despite the challenges, how much I have enjoyed this year. It is never easy getting a new Head of Year, but the students have been great, and they all have so much to look forward to next year. I would like to wish everyone a fantastic holiday, make sure that you recharge your batteries and I will see you at the start of next term. Please click here to read the Year 11 Pastoral Handbook.
Given the situation with COVID, it has been difficult for pupils to take part in Extracurricular Activities; but yet again, where there’s a will, there’s a way and it has once again been my pleasure to highlight these in my part of the termly newsletters. This term it is Zoya Khan and Oliver Summers who were selected as student reviewers on the hugely popular Best Bites Abu Dhabi Facebook Group; their reviews are great by the way and have been so well received by the members.
Well o e Zoya and Oliver
MISS NICHOLA COOPER HEAD OF YEAR 11 & ASSISTANT HEAD Before I say farewell I wanted to share a few snaps from the Head Start program. Whilst unfortunately cut short every single student that I spoke to enjoyed the time they had in school immensely. They had an opportunity to experience a snapshot into what life at BSAK next year will be like.
Year 11’s commented that the lessons were interesting, enjoyable and a great insight, not to mention they loved using the coffee shop for the first time! A huge thank you to Mrs Roughley and the Sixth Form team for managing to put together such a great opportunity even in these difficult times. Please click here to read the Sixth Form Handbook.
A FEW PICTURES FROM THE PAST
A special note to all those students leaving us. The need to close earlier than expected was a particularly hard way to say goodbye to BSAK. Never forget what you accomplished during your time here, and never forget the fun times! Keep in touch, you will be missed by all of us. Finally, even though every student is taking the next steps forward, my door is always open. I wish you the best of luck and hope to be teaching some of you for Biology next year!
“You're Braver Than You Believe, Stronger Than You Seem, And Smarter Than You Think”
Christopher Robin
MR ALISTAIR THOMPSON ASSISTANT HEAD As we finish the first (and hopefully last) complete Covid school year, it is easy to become fixated on the challenges that all our students have faced. We must however reflect on the silver linings and what our students have gained during this ongoing pandemic. Their ‘on the job’ training in problem solving, resilience and perseverance spring to mind. Adaptability and flexibility are amongst a few other character traits that have also developed. It is always our aim to instil of a positive mindset in our Sixth Form students - one that will continue to serve them well after they have completed the ‘guard of honour’ on their final day. We are so proud of them and they too, should be proud of their achievements in the last 10 months.
Whether it is cancellation of exams, online learning, or changes to the school day and facilities, there is no denying that there are countless ‘excuses’ they could call upon to provide reasons for their academic performance. Through the ‘mindset’ lessons we have discussed the positive impact of our students taking responsibility for any struggles they have encountered. “Excuses remove the learning” and to this end, we continue to highlight the benefits that honest reflection can have on performance. Preparations are already underway for this group to continue their journey in Year 13 and so we lay down the challenge to them to ‘raise the bar’ and ‘leave the jersey in a better place next year’. They will sit another exam series in September and the processes mentioned above will be fundamental to their success. I could not reflect on this year without thanking all the staff that have engaged and assisted with the Sixth Form students. The experience of the students very much depends on the huge effort from teachers, form tutors, support staff and the unwavering commitment of their Heads of Year. I thoroughly appreciate the ‘team’ effort of Mr Byrne, Mrs Holcroft (up to the end of term 2) and Miss Mannion thereafter. Their energy and desire to go ‘above and beyond’ for each student in their year group is truly remarkable and never taken for granted. I would also like to thank Mrs McGuire, our Admin’ Assistant, for her friendly nature and daily commitment to making our operating systems more efficient. Miss Mannion, our University and Careers Counsellor, has a calm ability to guide our students through their available university and career paths and will be sadly leaving us at the end of this term. In the words of the BSAK Sixth Form, she has certainly ‘left the jersey in a better place’ through her dedication to our students during her 3 years in the role and I would like to thank her very much. There will be a new look to the Sixth Form team next year with the addition of a new University and Careers counselor and Mrs Roughley, who will be our new Head of Year 12, and we all cannot wait to get started……..after a few weeks of rest and recuperation that is! I wish you and your son/daughter a restful summer holiday and look forward to the ‘Class of 2022’ rising to new challenges next year to shape their own BSAK legacy.
HEAD BOY & HEAD GIRL & SENIOR PREFECT TEAM This term saw our Year 12 students invited to apply for roles within the Senior Prefect Team. The number of applicants was unprecedented and after shortlisting based on application letters, staff comments and service throughout Year 12, 30 students were invited to a teambuilding session, and then 20 were shortlisted and invited to interview.
Head Boy
Aman Fazil
Head Girl
Isabelle Darling
Deputy Head Girl
Natasha Gower
Deputy Head Girl
Rhianna McPherson
Deputy Head Boy
James Taoutaou
Deputy Head Boy
Kesavan Prasad
Assistant Head Girl
Iona Connolly
Assistant Head Girl
Lara Parsons
Assistant Head Boy
Jad Al Khayer
Assistant Head Boy
Alasdair Owles
We wish them much success in their new roles
UNIVERSITY AND CAREERS UPDATE The 23rd of May was a nervous day for Year 12 students as it saw the start of the internal University grade prediction exam (UGPE) series.
Year 12 University Grade Prediction Exams
On reflection of the situation the Class of 2022 find themselves in, we have made the decision to hold another series of exams in September.
With cancellation of the 2020 GCSE exams, this was the first time our students had engaged in an exam session since their Year 11 mock exams.
This will not only allow the students to reflect on their performance in each subject to develop exam-specific targets, but also reflect on the revision strategies they employed and their overall process.
With school closures aplenty in the city, we were delighted to be able to conclude all the scheduled exam sessions and students received their results on the 20th June.
A second exam series will allow the students to take responsibility for their initial outcome and make the necessary adjustments over the summer to improve their attainment.
UNIVERSITY AND CAREERS UPDATE University Applications Update (inc University Application Preparation Week)
While Year 12 has given students the fundamental groundings in their subjects, there is still a lot of work to be done. It is our wish that when students return in August they will be able to focus exclusively on their studies. This is why we are giving students the last week of term to dedicate to university, college or career preparation. We are asking that students use it as an opportunity to prepare for university and their future plans. Although students will not have any taught lessons in this week, please let me stress that this is not an early start to their summer break-far from it!
When considering university options, it is fruitful that students research the locations and settings of the institutions, as well as the specific courses. I would also strongly recommend that students take their current estimated grades into account, as this should give them a realistic idea about their attainment next year. I would also advise that students discuss this preparation as a family, as it always helps to get advice from everyone involved in the process.
All students have been provided with an ‘Applying for University’ Handbook which will guide them on the preparation that they should be completing. The expectation is that students will use this week to: Finalise personal statements Conduct research on courses, institutions and careers Engage in super-curricular study and reading Enroll in online courses Complete Common App essays Ensure that students have their 5 university choices clear for the start of Year 13
On May 23 we gathered - socially distanced and bespoke masked, of course - the Year 13 ‘Class of 2021’ for their final celebration. Thankful for a relatively small year group of 100 students, we were able to gather in the Auditorium for a morning of reflections and awards celebrating their wholesome contribution to the history of BSAK.
YEAR 13 LEGACY DAY
Special mention must be made of the efforts of the Senior Prefect team who came into school the day before to help set up the room to make it feel like a very special occasion. I would also like to say a special thank you to the senior prefects who worked to produce the amazing yearbook, and further to Amelie and Blomme who then gave hours of their time in horrific conditions outside to hand out the hoodies when they - finally - arrived! Everyone was delighted to hear inspiring and emotional words from Mrs Holcroft, who of course guided the year group through most of their journey in the Sixth Form, along with wonderful speeches from Amelie and Vedant as Head Girl and Head Boy (who noted this was both their first and last address to the year group in person - a measure of how strange a time we have been through). Following our video of memories, which left few dry eyes even amongst the staff, we were absolutely delighted that we could bring back our traditional leavers’ walk down the main staircase this year. The Class of 2021 can have been left in little doubt how fondly we will remember them, and how much credit we give to them that they navigated this most bumpy of Sixth Form experiences with grace, resilience, endeavour and good humour. We were delighted to have been able to mark the departure of the year group, and we hope that despite the unique trajectory of their Sixth Form experience, they will look back fondly on their time with us. We will miss them very much.
Phillumeny: How the Rosy-fingered dawn seeped out from under the matchbox
Summer’s Maimer
Tell me the story of the room
Perhaps the heat set my heart aflutter,
With the letters on the walls, The ones never sent, And the church bells that wrung Through the night.
The notion of days getting lengthier. But one swallow does not make a summer.
Sleepless nights are blamed on them, You say they keep you up, So you turn the window away, And burn the letters, But, funnily enough, it looks Like the room of a Monk. Again you planted Roses in the terrace, Again they died after the first bloom, You screamed when they withered, Cried too, you tried to blame the weather But knew that the problem was you (Kind words aren’t water for plants). The dog dreams more in the summer, She will growl and cry in her sleep. The crows die more in the summer, Always two by two, and are met With hymns from the bells they fell Into. There is apostasy among the foxes. You don’t speak to them much anymore But try to write a letter after them nonetheless. Still, the words turn to birds, and sink with the Moon into what spilled over the side of the bath. Tell me the story of the room. With the lamps that stopped working. And the two crows flying left; With the warm air of morning, When you broke a mirror And buried it under my feet. Sara Sheikh, Year 8 Poet Laureate
For whilst the season brings the sun's shimmer, The whispers in their ears get grizzlier; Words are stronger than the strongest swimmer. The brew of insecurities simmer In the pools of our hearts, and daintier We wish to be, to end endless murmur. But matters not the brightness aglimmer, As does keeping our spirit jauntier. We warm whether the weather gets warmer. Beg don't cut out all the carbs and butter, To feel better in items skimpier. So become not your own body's maimer. Allow yourself through the chances slimmer To don an air of act most cavalier. When you birth a body and mind calmer, You're no longer another's conformer. Amna Zaffar, Year 12 Poet Laureate
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