What an outstanding term this has been! It always amazes me how much can be achieved in a few months and how quickly time flies.
Miss Teresa Woulfe
Year 7…………………………………2 Year 8…………………………………3 Year 9…………………………………4 Year 10……………………………….5 Year 11……………………………….7 Sixth Form………………………….10 Careers & University …………14
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A clear highlight is the report we received from ADEK following our inspection in October. To be rated as OUTSTANDING in all six categories is testament to all the hard work of students, staff, parents and governors - congratulations to you all. One of the Key Strengths quoted by ADEK is:
‘Children and students exceptionally positive attitudes towards learning, their welldeveloped understanding of Emirati culture, and their skills to be creative and innovative learners.’ As Head of Secondary, I witness this on a daily basis so I'm delighted that the inspectors were able to pick this up during their time in school. Outside of timetabled lessons, our students are given the opportunity to be creative and innovative through our ‘enhanced extracurricular provision’. A large majority of our students take part in at least one of these opportunities which is wonderful for their development. Within the timetabled lessons, I witness students who are focused and positive about their learning; despite what they may say, our students want to achieve their very best and be proud of their efforts. 1
This term had many highlights for me but I would like to pick out a few; U15 BSME Champions, National Day celebrations, Billy Elliot and Failure Week. When the U15 squad went into the BSME event they had the pressure of reigning champions and the expectations that this led to. The team did not let themselves down and fought hard to retain the title. Our National Day celebrations were truly impressive due to meticulous planning and creativity. The UAE Ambassadors alongside Miss Kadhum did a sterling job and were supported by the wider BSAK community. I’m proud to be the first Yola Competition winner! Billy Elliot was absolutely spectacular and if you were lucky enough to get a ticket you will have watched the culmination of months of hard work and collaboration between drama and music. For almost a third of the cast, this was their first experience in a school production and I’m hugely proud of each and every one of them. Failure Week was a chance for teachers to put themselves into the shoes of the students and experience what it felt like to be ‘stuck’ or out of their comfort zone. Many new talents were discovered during that week so watch this space!! Thank you all for your support this term and I look forward to continuing our 50th Anniversary celebrations next term.
It has been an extremely busy first term and seems like only yesterday we were welcoming the Year 7’s into Secondary on the 2nd of September. I have been extremely impressed with how quickly they settled into the new routine and with their focus and attitude during lessons this term.
7CH
7PE
7GR
7HY
7CE
7PH
Parents Evening
Success Outside of BSAK
Year 7 Parents evening will take place on
I am interested in celebrating successes that take
22 January 2019 at 4—7pm. Students will
place outside of the walls of BSAK and would
be required to make 5 minute appointments with
appreciate if students or parents could email me
their subject teachers to discuss progress,
with the details as and when
attainment and effort. Parents are encouraged to
they happen.
bring their child in full school uniform to this meeting so that discussions can be collaborative.
May I take this opportunity to
wish you all a wonderful,
Please follow us on Twitter to get regular updates of the day to day life at school @BSAK Year 7 2
restful holiday and my very
Mike Edgar
best wishes for 2019.
Head of Year 7
What an amazing first term we have had in Year 8 this year, the start of our 50th anniversary celebrations. The Year 8’s were front row when it came to welcoming His Excellency Patrick Moody FCO, the UK Ambassador for the UAE; Our students
Year 8’s welcoming the British Ambassador for the UAE
have shown their willingness to show the BSAK core values at every opportunity possible. I have been overwhelmed by the respect and inclusivity that is shown by the students on a day to day basis; the camaraderie between the students is wonderful to see. The boys and girls of Year 8 have displayed resilience and endeavour
Billy Elliot cast in full swing
during many sporting events this term in football, netball and rugby; as well as the
Billy Elliot
Core Values
that I have had the pleasure of watching
The effort and time that
The BSAK core values that
during this first term.
the members of the Billy
I have focused on in term
Elliot cast has been
one is honesty and
astonishing, but this is
integrity. In every
why the show was the
conversation I have had
best school performance
with any Year 8 student,
I have ever seen.
I believe they have
many, many wonderful musical performances
Learning Walks I am in the very fortunate
U14B Netball Team
shown honesty and integrity, and for this I say “Well Done Year 8!”
position that allows me to visit the students lessons on a daily basis and to see the resilience and endeavour that each and every student displays in every lesson amazes me every time I go into one Y8’s representing the U14 BSAK Rugby vs Millfield
of their lessons. 3
Mr Ruairi Carr Head of Year 8
There’s something extremely satisfying about reaching the end of term, having not only survived the pace and already exceeded so many expectations set in the 15 weeks since we started in September, but also being able to reflect on how much progress students have made in such a relatively short space of time! The pathway to GCSE the challenge!
Year 9 Students welcoming the British Ambassador to open our 50th Anniversary Celebrations
GCSE Options
There are so many highlights from Term 1; please
has truly begun and students are, as ever, rising to
continue to follow us @BSAKyear9 as I try to
There’s no doubt that Year 9 is already bringing its
capture as many students and their achievements
challenges for many students; organisation and a
as I can. Drama, Sports, Music and Academic
positive mindset are key in maintaining the
achievements have been prevalent throughout
standards they have set themselves. We have been
this Term - how on earth will they match this in
reflecting a huge amount on our future in the lead
Term 2? I feel extremely proud of all the students
up to making GCSE Options choices in February
and lucky to have such an inspiring group of
2019. Reflecting on their passions is the most
young people to work with - Well done!
important starting point and we have focused on this in our assemblies and Form time to really ask students to think about what their future holds. This is a big ask and we encourage as much conversation at home as possible about where students see themselves and what they desire from their future. BSAK Netball and Rugby 7’s Team competing at Zayed Sports City in October
Year 9 Form Representatives 2018/2019
Happy Holidays to all of you and roll on Term 2! Mrs Eleanor Hayward Lily Walter’s homemade soup kitchen
Ben Peckham singing @ the Unplugged gig
Head of Year 9 4
Year 10 have certainly started their GCSE
James Name Taoutaou James Taoutaou Alice Shenton Elisha Male Ella Macleod Benedetta Manetti Isabelle Darling Ryan MacCallum Kangzi Khan Liya Nasser Isabelle Clarke
year with much gusto; whether in or out of the classroom they have certainly been making their mark in our community. I have been impressed with the start of the GCSE year academically; I am a great believer in the adage if you look after your effort grades, attainment will look after itself. I have detailed the top 10 performers in the year group, they should be very pleased with their
Average4.7 Effort /5 4.7 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3
Co—Curricular
achievements, they have set the bar for everyone.
As I type this I have just seen the first performance of the Senior School production of Billy Elliott. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and was so proud of the Year 10 contribution from the lead, right the way through to the chorus; everyone should be hugely proud and I could see that they were having so much fun on stage.
5
Duke of Edinburgh I accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze practice expedition to Fossil Rock in Sharjah. It was an excellent trip and I was very impressed with the resilience and can do attitude of the groups. I said to the whole contingent that the Duke of Edinburgh Award is held in high regard as it's not easy and whilst some of expedition is not pleasant, you will look back and be very proud of yourself when you overcome adversity.
Sport There have been some amazing performances from Year 10 students on the sporting front and we have been represented across the spectrum of sporting events; Netball, Rugby, Football and Swim Team. The U15 BSME win was particularly exciting. I was lucky enough to see the Athletics, Netball and Football. What struck me was that whilst our students are fiercely competitive, they play their sport with a smile on their faces and are very sporting and understand the importance of fair play.
47th UAE National Day I cannot go without mentioning the wonderful individual performances in the National Day celebrations, a wonderful event showcasing some of National Day Celebrations at BSAK
the highlights of Emirati history and culture.
I have been hugely impressed by not only how much is done within school but how much the students do away from school therefore please can you send me photos with details as I intend to feature this in the
Music Award Winners Music Exam Certificates Issued during Assembly
next newsletter . For photos and videos during the term, please view the Year 10 BSAK Twitter page.
@BSAKYear10 A hugely successful and busy first term, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and enjoyable winter break. 6
Mr Julian Brammer Head of Year 10
It has been a busy term for Year 11! Registrations have included academic enrichment sessions that have been organised and led by the students, “Genius Sessions” that focus on increasing creativity and some fun with the weekly house competitions. These have included dance challenges, charades, Pictionary, wall sit and some sport!
IMPORTANT DATES 14 JANUARY - RESULTS DAY Students meet in the Auditorium where they will register and receive all their mock exam results, tutors, members of SLT and I will be present to hand out the results and have 1:1 refection meetings.
No results given back to students prior to this date.
16 JANUARY - PARENTS EVENING An opportunity to discuss the mock result with your child’s teacher in depth.
7 FEBRUARY - A LEVEL TASTER DAY An opportunity for your son/daughter to sign up to some A Level taster lessons to help make decisions regarding their final A Level choices
MARCH - FINAL A LEVEL OPTION CHOICES DUE & FULL REPORT ISSUED With study leave fast approaching teachers will write full reports for Year 11 in March. This allows students the time to act upon the feedback given to them prior to their GCSE examinations.
The Year 11 Leadership Team mentioned below have been integral to not only organising registration sessions but also organising and leading our first fundraising activity for Prom. The Year 4-7 Movie Night was a tremendous success raising….over 2000AED!!!! Form 11PH
Form Rep Mohamed Al Romaithi Katherine Poon Salome Gliddon
House Rep Anika Mehra
11HY
Alice Landerholm, Amelie Yazdabadi Adele Loridon
Eleni Dodds Blomme Wannington
11CH
Sarah Williams
11GR
Ella Turner
Rawan Elamin Ahmed Ayham Ansari Honey Vastenholt Ryan Ali
11CE
Marwan Ali
11PE
7
Zeina Al Dandashi
Christa Rezko
A few special mentions go to Mohamed Al Ketbi for the incredible poem he recited at Flag Day, Daniel Lind for some of his amazing art work, Katherine Poon for her enrichment session on AI and Jon Selvaraj for his winning performances at the House Music Competition, the Golf tournament and for playing in our very own 50th birthday celebrations. With the mock exams finished and the GCSEs fast approaching Year 11 have been focusing not only on academic progression but also on emotional wellbeing. They have spent time on positive affirmations, mindfulness, assertive communication and retraining the brain AWAY from negative self talk using cognitive behavioural theories. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact if you have any concerns in the
Miss Nichola Cooper
build up to the exams. Merry Christmas.
Head of Year 11
8
Mr James McBlane
Schools that are incredibly
get them to see failure, not as something to be feared
successful like BSAK are used
and avoided but rather as a critical stepping stone of
to celebrating their students
success. Naturally, we want our students to succeed
fantastic achievements and
and reach their potential, but we believe that the two
stories of success. What schools objectives are not contradictory. In fact, we believe don't talk about much is failure. that failure is absolutely critical if our students are to
'Failure' is almost a taboo word but it is rather than
succeed.
the antithesis of success - part and parcel of it. Loaded with negative connotations, we actively
Members of staff were involved, leading by example
avoid talking about it and failure becomes the
and bravely took on challenges, trying new things and
unspoken ‘F word’. We’re uncomfortable with the very idea of failure, and indeed as we move through life, we become more failure-averse and less inclined to step out of our comfort zone.
Failure Week In November we launched a Secondary School Failure Week. The aim of the week is to challenge students perceptions of failure and success and to
taking themselves well outside their comfort zones. Staff challenges were taking place everyday through Failure Week with a student vote deciding which staff would take on which challenge. Whether performing a dance for the first time, joining a rugby or netball session or learning an instrument, we hope that by staff getting out of their comfort zones the students may be encouraged to do the same.
9
PREFECTS In October we opened the applications process for the new Year 12 students to put themselves forward for a prefect role. The role has evolved over recent years, and the prefects are fundamental to the day to day operation of the school. The role involves break duties, assistance at open events and parents’ evenings and provides a pathway to Senior Prefect roles later in the year. It was very humbling to have over 70 applications from students, some of whom had only been part of the BSAK community for a matter of weeks, who wanted to take on this responsibility. They have taken to their roles with great enthusiasm, and have made a very positive first impression.
Further to that, mention must be made of Jasmine Laws and Tushar Mehra, the two Year 13 Senior Prefects whose major responsibility is to oversee the roles of the Prefects. Their hard work and management of such a large group of prefects has played a huge part in the success of the new prefects. Finally, the outgoing Year 13 prefects also deserve
We hope many of them will wish to continue in their mention for their tireless work and dedication to roles after the winter break, and that they can
BSAK during their time in post. They set a great
continue to develop their leadership potential over
example, not only to the current Year 12, but the
the coming weeks and months.
younger students in general.
ILM Level 2 Young Leaders Award 106 of our Year 12 students have begun our new externally accredited qualification in leadership. During this exciting programme the students will learn about leadership and develop their own self-leadership. The programme topics include, but are not limited to: what makes an effective leader, skills required for leadership, setting objectives, problem solving and making decisions, motivation, handling emotions and work stresses when things don’t go to plan, developing resilience, when and how to ask for help and building teams at work and developing and leading their own teams. This qualification is internationally recognised; by universities, colleges and importantly by employers who are looking for young people to help drive forward organisations. Those young people who can cope with the changing work and business environment and most importantly can demonstrate themselves as global citizens ready to impact our world for the better are in great demand and we hope that students leaving BSAK are prepared for their next stage of their 10 lives no matter what their next pathway might be.
Outstanding Achievement in Maths Christian Feghali (Year 12) has recently been awarded a grade beyond A* for being one of only three students out of over 21,000 entrants to score full marks on the AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics exam he wrote in June. This is a remarkable achievement for Christian and is an example of how a student can combine significant talent in a subject with an outstanding work ethic.
Articles publishesd in the 1st BSAK Tribune
Read all about it ...
Well Done Christian!
EPQ Update
it’s the BSAK Tribune
This term the EPQ students have been busy
This term marked a new Sixth Form academic
independently researching different ideas and
initiative with the publication of BSAK's first
topics outside of their curriculum subjects to
school newspaper the BSAK Tribune. The first
develop their evaluative and critical thinking
print was a special edition to celebrate the BSAK's
skills as part of their preparation for their visit
50th Year. The publishing team, supported by Mr
to NYUAD next term.
Wakerley and Ms Mohamed, is headed by Editor-inChief Year 12 student Inci Fassa and plans to
The Year 13 students have been busy
publish every six weeks through the school year. The
presenting on topics such as Does the British
first edition included content contributed by students
Army comply with social trends in gender
from Year 10 to 13 with articles on a diverse range of
equality? How have religious and political
subjects including current affairs, politics and
affairs influenced Spain's art from the 11th to
economics, science and technology, food, fashion,
the 20th century? And Nature Vs. Nurture: Are
music, travel and even our own school Agony Aunt.
Violent Criminals Born or Made?
The newspaper is entirely student led and is the brainchild of Inci and her team of 11 editors and designers who work together to compile contributions from across the school and then sub and design each feature page. The first edition was a great success and has inspired a whole host of ideas for future features so we now look forward to future editions of EPQ Lesson
BSAK Tribune going bigger and better. 11
Another success for the Debate Team The BSAK debate team had a massively
successful
weekend
when they attended the annual NYU debate competition. Students from BSAK were up against sixth form and university students from around the UAE.
Our amazing
Debate team took 7 places out of the top 10. The individual placings were:
BSAK Debate Team Success
Muhammad Hasan 1st place, Liam Patell 2nd place, Lucie Loridon 3rd place, Ahmed Salih and Aidan Requin Delfau tied 5th place, Teodora Lovin 7th place and Nyarko Obed Arthur 10th place. The two BSAK teams gained overall 1st and 4th places. A great effort by the BSAK Debate team!
Outstanding Performance In Media Cara Henry has received a prestigious award from Cambridge International Education to acknowledge her outstanding high achievement in the June 2018 exam series on her AS Media studies exam. The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards programme celebrates the success of learners taking Cambridge examinations in over 40 countries around the world and this is an outstanding achievement Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award in Media Studies for Cara Henry
for Cara and the school, being the first year of using this exam board. This is a real credit to Cara and just reward for all her hard work and dedication to Media studies.
Real Murcia Investor Group A group of Sixth Formers, along with Mr Byrne, have invested in a share-scheme in Spanish ‘Segunda B’ team Real Murcia. Advay Mohindra, leader of the investment group an A-Level Economics student, said “ This was a unique
opportunity for us to invest in a fun venture. As shareholders, we will now receive regular financial updates, which will help us understand more of the real-life applications of our Economics and Business courses. In future, we might even investigate the possibility of visiting the club”. 12
Mr Mike Byrne
Mrs Tamera Holcroft
Head of Year 12
Head of Year 13
The Sixth Form experience is fast moving and this term has been no Mr Alistair Thompson Assistant Head Sixth Form
different. As we enter the final week, there is a sense of satisfaction and pride that our students have accomplished much in a short time.
The results from the Year 12 Suitability assessments in week 4 were encouraging and demonstrated that many students had quickly adjusted to the rigours of their A Level or BTEC subjects. It all became real for the Year 13's too - the UK and US applications process has been extremely positive and over 90% of our students currently have desirable university offers “on the table”, have options of home status (if eligible) or are in the UK for interviews as a I write this article. In its second year, the addition of an ILM Level 2 Young Leaders Award to the Future Leaders Diploma for the Year 12's has added a new dimension. I have been extremely pleased with the commitment the students have demonstrated to all the pillars of this enrichment programme. Academically, there is no doubt that our Sixth Form students are under pressure from the beginning of Year 12. It is however important as a school that we stress the importance of 'play' and 'perspective'. The Common Room, whilst providing the opportunity to complete a homework assignment or carry out group work, also has capacity to allow our students to relax. It is imperative that our students strike the correct balance. The ‘weekly challenges' continue to provide a fun, yet competitive end to the week and I am looking forward to the 2nd Annual 'Silly Sports Day' and Christmas Dinner this week - especially the newly added staff sack race! We were fortunate to have James Shone visit our students and tell his powerful story of positivity and perseverance. This was a real grounder and allowed our students to gain wider 'perspective' on life. Resilience was the focus during Failure week and it was great to see the Sixth Form team get involved. Mrs Holcroft took part in a rugby session, whilst Miss Mannion swapped UCAS for a paint brush. The image of Mr Byrne performing his gymnastics routine however, will last long in my memory!!! Our students continue to be role models around the school campus and whether they are assisting the primary students with reading or sports clubs, volunteering at school events or selling charity cookies at the Senior musical performance or 'Billy Elliot’ production, the 'white shirts' are a constant presence and proving to be very generous with their time. A special mention however must go to the Year 12 BTEC Business students who professionally organised and ran a football tournament for the primary school. It was brilliant! I believe that the positive lifelong relationships between staff and students continues to stand BSAK apart. This can be witnessed by the number of returning students at half-term and during university holidays, who are keen to continue to feel part of the community. On a personal level, I was very proud to play rugby alongside many former students at Emirates Dubai 7s as part of the first ‘Old boys’ team. A moment of weakness also saw myself and Mr Byrne agree to play policemen in the recent ‘Billy Elliot’ production. To work alongside our students was a brilliant experience and something that removed me as far outside my comfort zone as I could possibly go. I have a newfound respect for the cast and staff that work behind the scenes to stage these productions. This has certainly been an action-packed 12 weeks and with the holiday upon us, it is important that each student now finds time to 'down tools' and celebrate the festive season with their family and friends. If you are travelling, I wish you a safe journey and if you are staying in Abu Dhabi, I wish you a restful and relaxing time. To those that celebrate it - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes. #onlyatbsak 13
CAREERS & UNIVERSITY UPDATE Year 13 students had a very
the UK for their interview. We
University, Abu Dhabi, for
busy and exciting term
wish them the best of luck, as we
students applying to the US.
finalising their applications
do with all of our students.
and applying to university.
Students who will have to attend
They worked extremely hard completing many drafts of their personal statements and this is evident with over 90% of
an interview for other degree courses such as Art, Nursing and Physiotherapy have also received interview practice.
There will be even more visits next term to expose Year 12 students to the many different opportunities available to them. Students have more choice than ever before and these visits
students having received at least
Additionally, we held a Home
aid them greatly when making
one offer and/or an
Status Evening to aid parents
decisions.
interview. Offers continue to roll
navigating the many fee status
in and the next step, in the
questionnaires that they have and
process, is selecting their “firm”
will received. University policies on
and “insurance” choices. Students fee status change on a yearly
We begin next term by hosting a Careers Evening at school on
Wednesday, 9 January. Professionals from fields such as
will receive guidance in making
basis and we hope to help to the
this choice.
best of our ability and knowledge.
Furthermore, over 20% of
We have hosted visits from nearly medicine will be discussing their
students have applied to
20 universities this term, including career paths, as well as members
universities in the US, Canada
The University of Warwick,
of the BSAK alumni who will be
and the rest of Europe. These
London School of Economics,
presenting on their experiences of
universities included Brown,
Imperial College, New York
studying abroad.
Harvard, MIT and the University
University Abu Dhabi and Bentley
of Amsterdam.
University. This gave Year 12 and
In early November, Oxbridge and Medic students had the opportunity to participate in a “mock interview” day both at BSAK and Dubai College. Many of these students are currently in
engineering, media, business, aviation, finance, law and
13 students the fantastic opportunity to speak directly to members of admissions teams to help them with their decisions and applications. We also hosted a Common App and Essay writing workshop, thanks to New York
Miss Christine Mannion Careers & Uni Advisor
I MPORTANT D ATES F OR T ERM 2
Mock Interview Day
Wed 9 January
Careers Fair
Sun 3 – Mon 11 February
Year 13 Mock Exams
Thu 7 February
Year 12 Team-Building Day
Tue 5 March
Year 12 UCAS Evening
Mon 11 March
Year 12 UC Applications Evening
14 Mon 18 March
Year 12 Parents’ Evening