NTERNAL EXAMINATION INFORMATION
In the last issue I reflected on the achievement of BSAK during the ADEK inspection. To be judged by the British Schools Overseas (BSO) as OUTSTANDING in all categories is very humbling but also fills me with huge pride as this really does reflect how much our BSAK community goes above and beyond what education is all about. During the BSO inspection, the team were able to observe lessons and talk to students both formally and informally. Once more, the team reflected on how highly motivated and collaborative our students are:
‘Students show great respect for their teachers and each other. Collaborative working was a strength observed in many lessons.’ After the spring break, myself and Mr Leppard will be presenting the inspection findings to the students through a series of assemblies; they deserve to hear what has been said about them by independent observers. Apart from inspection, this term has been a celebration of so many things that make BSAK the school that it is. Our U13 students were crowned World Champions at the World School Games in Dubai. 34 of our musicians represented BSAK superbly at Young Musician of the Gulf (YMOG) and were winners in many categories including Duets and Trio performances. Our Academic Scholars were able to present assemblies to all year groups about ‘Finding Your
Passion’. This ranged from interest in finance to psychology; the message was clear and consistent, find something that interests and excites you and there you will find your passion.
Year 7
2
Year 8
4
Year 9
6
Year 10
8
Year 11
10
Sixth Form
12
Careers & University
17
The Sixth Form Model United Nations (MUN) Team went to DCMUN in Dubai and walked away with Best Delegation which is a fantastic achievement. House Competitions have continued to engage students from all year groups showing a real sense of pride in their nominated House. This term’s winners will be announced at the end of Epic House Week. Given what has been outlined is a fraction of what has taken place this term alone, I was delighted to pick up the Best British School in the UAE Award at the SchoolsCompared Awards in Dubai, alongside the award for Best Post 16 in the UAE. This was a perfect end to a perfect term. Congratulations to all of the BSAK community who have contributed to this success, these accolades belong to us all. Wishing you a very happy break with your families.
99 Year 7 students participated in our Activity Days during trip week. They experienced
Archery,
Abseiling,
Building a trebuchet, Kayaking, Survival skills and ‘The Club’s Wibit. They all had a great time and as ever, represented the school with
outstanding attitudes
and behaviour.
Congratulations to all the Year 7 students involved in the victory at the World School Games. This was a first time achievement for BSAK and was a just reward for the hard work, effort and determination of this team. It was inspiring to see our students throughout this 4 day competition and see such great endeavour and resilience (part of our school values).
A highlight of the term for Year 7 were our daily
During
visits
Awareness and Life Necessities were some of
to
support
the
Special Olympics
last
week. This was an amazing event and BSAK were really able to make a difference in one event with our adopted nation, Peru. Having reached the final of the women's volleyball, the Peruvian team went 1 set down to their opponents Russia. This was when the BSAK Year 6 and 7 students arrived and helped to change the mindset of the Peruvian team through their continuous and very loud support. Peru fought back valiantly and won their Gold medal to rapturous applause from the stands. The Peruvian Ambassador thanked BSAK personally for our support and Dubai 1 TV Sports
Channel
also
reported
on
this
comeback
victory. It was also a lovely MFL moment when our students start chanting in Spanish "Yes, you can
do it" in the final set. Click here
Term
2,
the lesson topics
Globalisation,
Community
covered as part of the Moral
Education and Learning Support (MELS).
These
lessons are prepared and led by form teachers.
Term two has seen the Year 8 students
continue
to
exceed
expectations in all aspects of school life. In particular I would like to say well done to those students who have received Bronze Certificates for achieving over 75 house points already.
During Trips Week a number of Year 8 students accompanied by seven members of staff pushed themselves out of their comfort zones by trying new and exciting activities at Wadi Adventure in Al Ain. We conquered our fear of heights, tackled the white water rapids, learnt how to surf and completed many more activities. The resilience and endeavour these students showed was amazing but even more impressive was the empathy and care that they showed each other, supporting each other through the most difficult of activities.
Al Ain, UAE
During this term we have looked at States and
Governments, who makes up a Government?, the Government in the UAE and responsibilities of a good Government.
The students now have to form their own government in groups with each person assigned a position and say how they would govern the school and ensure equality for everyone.
My final message to Year 8 students, parents and staff, please have a very enjoyable, peaceful and restful holiday and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 3.
This term has seen students both struggle and succeed. As in life, students
are
faced
with
tricky
decisions and tough challenges; the lows of failures and the highs of success. But what counts the most is what they learn from it and how they reflect and grow. I've really felt that this term has seen growth through all of these challenges that they've faced and I hope to see them For many, overseas trips were a real highlight for them and both the
continue to grow and learn in the
skiing trip and Tanzania trips were a real opportunity for the
remaining term of Year 9.
students who travelled to spread their wings and soar! From the recounts of everyone's experiences they again experienced highs and lows; triumphs and
tribulations. I was lucky enough to
accompany the Community trip to Tanzania and thoroughly enjoyed the company of the Year 9's on the trip.
We have recently been having further discussion and training in the correct use of Social Media; Think Before
You Post. It is so important to work together with students and the parent community to keep students safe and educate them about the consequences and dangers of misuse of social media but also talk about how it affects all their lives; the images they have of themselves and each other and the way it affects our relationships.
My name is Rayan Rajput. My age is 14 and I am in Year 9. I went to Tanzania from 9 th-16th of February. My experience was outstanding, as we went on safari, tree planting and much more but what really made my experience was the safari. On my first trip, we got lucky, we saw the big five: rhinos, leopards, lions, buffalo and elephants. It is important to know what to do and not to do. Below are my top tips: 1.
Pack a sunhat and sunscreen, it can get really hot and always stay hydrated.
2.
Have binoculars, it is really useful as it’s hard to spot animals in trees, they’re well camouflaged.
3.
Do NOT get out of the car; this is extremely dangerous as elephants know that an object with two limbs has been hunting them for a very long time.
4.
Do NOT FEED THE ANIMALS.
5.
Also, it is important you remain quiet and do not point out the animals.
The Year 9's have thoroughly enjoyed researching, discussing and presenting their findings on UAE Heritage this term. This has extended into what we preserve and why and the importance of heritage in our own cultures. We have covered aspects of UAE Governance, extending our knowledge and understanding of the way the UAE governs and then comparing it to both the UK and US systems.
In addition to this, we have been
covering important topics such as safety on Social
Students should be focusing on their studies.
Media and, moreover, how they - as teenagers -
Although they have selected their GCSE Options
behave online. This, in addition to responding to
and are beginning to focus on these, they should not
important issues arising on GCSE options, has
lose sight of all of their subjects; showing diligence
meant for a busy term!
and focus in all areas of the curriculum is paramount.
It has been a wonderful but busy term for Year 10 who are preparing for
their
work
experience.
Students have had the opportunity to write CVs and cover letters. Some have been successful in gaining their own placements with companies they are interested in. Please do ensure that if your child is still waiting on a placement that you direct them to Mrs Hayman for The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze
I mentioned in my last Newslet-
assessed expedition took place in
ter that I would ‘showcase’ mem-
Khatim towards the end of term in
bers of the year group and talk
extremely challenging conditions.
about what they do out of
Everyone should be praised for
school. This term we will look at
their resilience and perseverance
Izzy Darling, Cassie Gottschalk,
in
Fay Al-Qaimi (all 10PH) and
completing the walks.
Monty Walsh (10HY).
further advice.
Izzy, Cassie and Fay are all hugely talented sportswomen; but this term I want to highlight Izzy because she competed in the New South Wales Under 17 swimming championships; the highlight winning the 100m Backstroke. Cassie represented the UAE at Netball in the European U17 championships, the highlight being beating Northern Ireland, probably the most impressive win ever for the UAE. Fay continues to be central to the continued success of Girls football at BSAK at both U16 and U19, but is also playing outside school for the Regional Sports U18 Team from Abu Dhabi. Monty Walsh is a very talented Bassoonist and represented BSAK at YMOG once again this year (incidentally with Liya Nasser and Joe Hughes from Year 10). What I would like to focus on is that we are so proud that he plays in the National Youth Orchestra of
Ireland.
At the end of a hugely successful and busy second term, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and enjoyable break. Year 10 have done themselves proud this term. Well done to them all and well done to the parents and teachers who support them.
As the exams get closer and revision pressure mounts for our Year 11 students it is important that we pay close attention to stress levels. During registration the students have focused on the “Need for Sleep” as part of a larger programme designed to promote emotional wellbeing at this important time. These few sleep conclusions and sleep tips may help you to support your child at home
by
ensuring
they
are
getting
the
recommended 8-10hrs sleep per night.
Eat healthily, avoid spicy food before bed Small, healthy snack before bed, no large meals late at night Drink Hot milk Regular sleep-wake times Regular bed-time routine Comfortable room temperature Maintain healthy weight Warm bath 90 minutes before bed Lavender scent can help Breathing exercises - Click Here Morning light exposure Exercise
The focus of registrations this half term has been to help the Year 11’s make their Sixth Form option choices. Students have had time to discuss with each other, their form tutors and have 1:1 meetings with either the Career Advisor or a member of the Sixth Form team.
Shortened sleep and napping at weekends is associated with obesity and poorer school performance Decreased sleep is the link between electronics and obesity Sleep timing is important – keeping a routine is important
Exercise and Caffeine before bed time Eating a large meal before bed Hot/cold bedroom TV, reading before bed Mental stimulation before bed (arguing, debating) Light on in the room Avoid technology (FB, phones etc) Please also refer back to effective revision techniques and revision tips in my communication home on the 19th February.
After a very successful unit on Peace and Conflict, Year 11 students have moved onto the topic of Universal Culture. They have had the opportunity to research the different cultures within our school and discuss how social media, tourism and migration have affected different cultures.
They have been an absolute pleasure to work with! I would like to take a moment to congratulate the students below who have made up the Year 11 Leadership team this year. I have been incredibly impressed by their commitment this year. I have been able to give them full responsibility for arranging academic enrichment, house competitions and creativity sessions. They have all developed their leadership skills and have been integral to the planning of The Prom and the fundraising events that were needed this year.
Katherine Poon
Anika Mehra & Ethan Collings
Salome Gliddon
Zeina Al Dandashi
Alice Landerholm, Amelie Yazdabadi & Adele Loridon
Eleni Dodd & Blomme Wannington
Sarah Williams
Rawan Elamin Ahmed & Ayham Ansari Honey Vastenholt Lewis & Ryan Ali
Ella Turner
Christa Rezko
Marwan Ali
Congratulations to the following students for achieving remarkable average effort scores for their final Year 11 Report.
Student Name
Average Effort Points
Student Name
Average Effort Points
Katherine Poon
4.9
Alishba Abdullah
4.6
Alice Landerholm
4.8
Eleni Dodds
4.6
Deevya Swain
4.8
Hiba Sultan
4.6
Jonathan Selvaraj
4.8
Lara Najjar
4.6
Sarah Williams
4.7
Malak Ahmed
4.6
Daniel Feghali
4.7
Alex Charalamidou
4.5
Ella Turner
4.7
Amelie Yazdabadi
4.5
Kartik Raina
4.7
Jana Al Armouti
4.5
William Hargreaves
4.7
Marwan Ali
4.5
It has been another successful term for BSAK students outside the classroom.
Outside the plethora of students attaining
BTEC
graded certificates in guitar, violin, piano and
Priestley
vocals,
be
Aluminium design challenge. Their design was in the
extended to Saleh Akasha and Christian Innis
theme of Kinetic Art, a structure designed to move in the
for winning the Duet and trio-bound at the
wind. 86 teams entered nationwide and they came
annual
second in their category.
a
huge
Young
congratulations
Musicians
of
must
the
Gulf
Engineers,
Jonathan
and Richard
Greenwood,
Tomlins
Jessica
entered the EGA
competition in Bahrain. Furthermore, Rushil Dasgupta represented BSAK in the Senior division at the World Scholar Cup, and won 7 gold medals and 3 silver medals in categories such a debate and collaborative writing.
MUN Conference, Dubai College A delegation of 8 BSAK Sixth Formers spent a weekend in January attending Dubai College's MUN conference and came back with various awards. The weekend was filled with moderated and unmoderated caucuses, parliamentary debate and discussions about foreign policy. There were six different committees, which each debated 2 different topics-from militarization in the South China Sea to the economic effects of AI. At times passions flared: in one committee the debate led to the UK declaring war on our Head Girl, who was playing the role of China. This experience was a great opportunity for the students to research, to write, and to speak infront of up to 100 people. Our students, however, did not only benefit academically, but they were also able to make friends and memories with likeminded people from all over the UAE. Congratulations to Liam Patell, Lucie Loridon, Aidan Requin-Delfau, Rushil Dasgupta, Joel Raymer, Teodora Lovin, Robin Harker and Karthik Raghu
Our Year 12 EPQ students visited the NYUAD library in January to develop their academic research skills and have an opportunity to access a plethora of online journals. Some of the current topics our students are researching include:
Nature Vs Nurture
Comparing feminism in the East and West
The role of palliative care in the UK
Third Culture Children
Should we reintroduce the Death Penalty?
At BSAK, we are always looking to develop our Sixth Form curriculum so that we provide an essential balance between academic success and the skills that students need to become self-sufficient in life. With so many of our students aspiring to study at overseas Universities and Colleges, this term we have implement a new ‘Life Skills’ scheme.
The Life Skills programme takes part in Sixth Form MELS (Moral Education and Learning Skills) lessons and the aim has been to prepare our sixth formers for the next stage of their lives, thus making the transition to university or the workplace, a smooth and happy one. The extensive programme incorporates lessons that focus on personal development, such as nurturing confidence, resilience, emotional wellbeing, conflict resolution, perseverance and the ability to build relationships. Other lessons have focused on the development of domestic skills, such as: how to budget, how to manage money effectively, basic sewing, how to launder and how to iron.
Alongside this, our Life Skills programme has also given students the opportunity to attend seminars on topics that aim to support their overall wellbeing. This term, we were immensely fortunate to be able to host Dr Teresa Arora (PhD CPsychol AFBPsS Sci) as part of our guest speaker series. Dr Arora is a Scientific Sleep Specialist who is also a Professor at Zayed University. In her lecture, Dr Arora discussed the fundamentals of sleep and how imperative a healthy sleep pattern is for academic success and a healthy lifestyle.
Coupled with our Future Leaders Diploma, our Sixth Formers really do receive everything that they need in order to thrive once they leave the familiar sanctuary of BSAK!
Our annual Teambuilding Day at the City Golf Club was a fantastic experience for the Year 12 students.
Placed into random teams in their houses, the students faced a number of challenges through the day that tested their ability to work together to solve problems.
There were some hiccups along the way (getting stuck in a human spiders’ web, for example) but the camaraderie and team spirit that was fostered was great to see.
In the end, one of our Phoenix teams ran out the winners on the day.
Experiencing a different culture with people that don't
“Going to Tanzania was probably the best experience of my life”
have the basic necessities of life was heart wrenching, but so humbling. It made me realise how much we have, and how much we take for granted. Doing hard labour for 8 hours on the second day was the hardest thing I've ever done but I am so glad I did it as I helped the community, giving them things they deserve. It was amazing and the rewards were intangible. The smiles on the children's faces were much more rewarding than anything else that we were given.
‘I miss it more and more every day, and I wish I could go back’ Chloe Batty - Year 12
With interviews completed, and the vast majority of university offers already made, the ‘Spring Term’ has been full of highs and lows for our students. The ’carrot’ is now firmly dangling and it is no surprise that the useage of the library and “Learning curve” has increased, with the focus of our students switching to exam preparation. All the departments are thoroughly entrenched in completing courses, making the final touches to coursework and initiating the revision cycle.
It is by design that both Year 12 and 13 students will begin exam leave on May 12th, and it is our hope that the Year 12 group will become swept up in the wave of academic focus demonstrated by the ‘Class of 2019’ throughout April. Whilst the challenge that lies ahead for the Year 13 students is very obvious, I cannot stress enough the significance of the ‘University Grade Prediction Exams’ for the future aspirations of our Year 12 students. The results of these assessments will form the basis of the UCAS predictions after the summer holidays and each Year 12 student should approach these exams as if they were writing external exams. When I reflect on standout moments of the term, it is a challenge to highlight just one. Taking receipt of an award for the ‘Best Sixth Form in the UAE’ at the recent SchoolsCompared Awards on behalf of the Sixth Form team ranks very highly.
The interesting appearance, colour and tastes of the omelettes made during the “university survival’ section of MELS certainly left a lasting impression…...on my heart. It’s amazing how some students interpret a ‘pinch’ of salt!!!! My top moment however was the teambuilding session that formed the second round of the recent senior prefect selection
process. The leadership, teamwork and communication skills on display, coupled with
the excitement and energy in the room made me very proud and acted as reminder of the talent throughout the current Year 12 class.
The pace has been unrelenting since the start of January and it is important that our students now manage their time over the holidays to continue their revision whilst recharging their batteries before the final push in April and May.
Have a very well deserved holiday.
In March, we hosted an UCAS and US application
evening. These provided parents and students with valuable information on the application process in both countries. We started off this term with a very successful
Careers Evening. We had over 20 professionals from fields such as engineering, media, business, aviation, finance, law and medicine. They discussed their career journey and gave our students an insight into their
careers and the world of work.
Students who attended were delighted with the advice and feedback that they were given.
Year 13 students are now in the process in choosing their firm and insurance choices. Students were very successful in the offers that they received and are now focusing on studying hard to achieve these offers. Additionally, many of our students have received scholarships from US and Canadian Universities such as Northeastern, Toronto, Case Western Reserve University, University of Delaware and Rutgers University. At BSAK, we encourage our students to take the route that best suits them and this includes apprenticeships. We are very proud of Tom
Page who has gained an apprenticeship with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Manchester. We provide guidance to suit individual students’ needs and look at options to best meet their career aspirations.
Universities have continued to visit BSAK and we have
hosted
Warwick,
Manchester,
and
The
University of Ohio. Additionally, we have hosted US Sports, an organization that provides information on how to apply for sports scholarships in the US. These visits really expose students to different opportunities available to them and often offer amazing
advice
with
their
UCAS
personal
statements or Common App Essays. All of our Year 12 students have had an appointment to discuss their career and university aspirations.
Furthermore, Year 12 students have
been busy working on their CV and Cover Letters and the majority of them have secured work placements for the Work Experience Week at the end of Term 3. Next term, all Year 12 students will have more individual appointments to start their personal statements and to discuss the research they have conducted
regarding
their
future
aspirations. Universities will continue to visit and we will hold many more information events. We are looking forward to another amazing term.