Secondary Newsletter - End Of Year 2023

SECONDARY

MRNIGELDAVIS

HEAD OF SECONDARY

What an incredible year it has been for BSAK!

Reading through this booklet it is impossible to not feel proud of our wonderful school, its community, its teaching staff, and most importantly, its students.

It is clear that opportunities for world-leading learning in the classroom, and possibilities beyond the classroom, continues to set BSAK apart.

This year has seen a return to ‘Full steam’ BSAK - and what a year it has been!

What I take out of this truly impressive synopsis of the BSAK year, is that BSAK is BACK!

Our students are our greatest asset - the way they approach their time at BSAK is amazing, as are the opportunities afforded to them by our incredible staff, who care so much about each and every one of our students.

Every so often, it is really important for a school to reflect on whether what we do and how we do it, and what we stand for, are correctly aligned with what we want for our school. This booklet shows to me that we are definitely on the right track: world leading learning is vital to me - our students deserve the best in-class experience.

The Secondary Awards Evening demonstrated the abundance of talent we have. But just as vital are the opportunities to grow outside of the classroom - and the incredible amount of examples of this throughout this booklet shows that we are back to our best in this aspect!

Finally, and possibly most importantly, we want to develop the very best young human beings - with your help - ready to tackle their lives ahead, and make a truly positive impact in our world, and truly exhibit our school values as a lived experience.

Thank you all for your continued support - it means the world to us.

Please click on the image below to view the 2023 Secondary Annual Brochure

IMPORTANT! First days of term information for August:

Monday 28 August 2023: School for Year 7 ONLY (and all other students and parents new to BSAK) Year 7 will have an introduction to secondary school in the morning and lessons in the afternoon to find their feet. New students (and their parents) will come in for the morning only to meet staff and have a tour.

Tuesday 29 August 2023: School starts for ALL students (Years 7-13 are all in for all day).

ASSISTANT HEAD

Dear Parents,

I hope that you are all looking forward to your summer holidays and want to thank you for your support this year.

Recently I asked parents to complete a survey on the current MELS provision.

The key takeaways were as follows:

1 There were mixed priorities but Physical and Mental Health was the front runner for Year 7, 8 and 9. Study Skills took the lead in Year 10.

2 Many parents suggested that the dangers of Social Media and Digital Safety should have an increased focus.

Since these results the pastoral team have worked on developing suggested changes to the Physical and Mental Health unit and those proposed changes were presented to parents who attended the MELS working party on the 21st June.

Thank you so much to those who attended, your comments and feedback have already helped shape discussions that I have had with the pastoral and senior leadership teams. I am looking forward to implementing some of your suggestions on this topic and getting these changes ready for the 2024/25 academic year.

The Parent MELS working party also had some great suggestions for Social Media and Digital Safety which will be a focus of MELS in the early stages of next year. Within these lessons we discuss:

Digital Safety: for example age ratings, dangers of certain apps, legal implications of sharing images

Online Bullying: definition, scenario examples and consequences

Influencers: The danger of unrealistic life and body image on both boys and girls

For parents we are looking at ways to communicate solutions to some of your concerns, rather than simply highlighting the problem. This could include identifying dangerous apps and providing information on screening and safety tools through video demos. Thank you to those at the working party that suggested this, your feedback on the recent sessions was extremely helpful for future planning.

In regards to parent comments on inclusivity and anti-discrimination, this is something that we chose to focus on this academic year and I am pleased to let you know that new lessons and resources will be used from August. I hope that by educating our children more on subjects such as discrimination we will in time see a positive impact on their understanding, empathy, kindness and inclusivity. Our Secondary teachers have also recently been involved in training on how to facilitate these types of conversations by setting up a safe, respectful and reflective space that allows all children to contribute. On top of this we have partnered with a company that is providing our staff with access to videos from psychology experts as well as a huge library of peer videos on topics such as bullying and discrimination. Hearing the information from students their own age we hope will engage them more in these discussions.

3 Some parents mentioned the need for more content on inclusivity and anti-discrimination.

4 A few parents suggested that students do not see the benefit to MELS.

MISSEMMAHAND HEAD OF YEAR 7

As we come to the end of an incredible school year, it's important to reflect on the remarkable journey our Year 7 students have had.

We couldn't be prouder of how they have wholeheartedly embraced the numerous opportunities presented to them in secondary school. Whether it was representing the school in sports teams, showcasing their talents in musical productions, or participating in fierce house competitions, our Year 7 students have consistently demonstrated their dedication and enthusiasm. It's truly inspiring to witness their growth and maturity throughout their first year in secondary school. We look forward to seeing their continued progress in the years to come.

We are thrilled to announce that rehearsals for our highly anticipated school production of 'Oliver!' have officially begun.

The air is buzzing with excitement as our talented Year 7 students showcase their immense skills and passion. Amongst them, we are incredibly proud of Sam Boucher, who is representing Year 7 and has secured the lead role of Oliver. With Sam's exceptional talent and dedication, we are confident that this production will be nothing short of extraordinary. Stay tuned for more updates on this spectacular event next year!

This term has been filled with spirited house competitions, showcasing the diverse talents of our students. From welly wanging to drama, debate and pictionary, our students have enthusiastically participated and brought their competitive spirits to the forefront.

We are especially proud of our Year 7 representatives who fearlessly took on the challenge of representing BSAK in the Spelling Bee, where we welcomed students from other schools to compete. Their dedication and determination were truly remarkable.

Congratulations to all our students for their fantastic involvement in these events, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition throughout the term.

Year 7 had the privilege to visit The Louvre museum this May for the ‘Arts and Emotions’ tour. The day provided an enriching experience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of art and cultural heritage and we were very proud of the work they produced during the day.

SPORT

Despite the scorching heat, this term has been an exceptional one for sports at our school. Our Year 7 boys and KS3 girls had a fantastic opportunity to showcase their leadership skills and sportsmanship in the internal football leagues, where they formed their own 6-a-side teams.

The enthusiasm and teamwork displayed were truly commendable. Additionally, we witnessed thrilling matches in KS3 boys and girls basketball, as well as an exciting boys vs. girls netball game. It has been a joy to witness our students' passion and dedication to sports, and we are immensely proud of their achievements this term.

Well done to all our talented athletes!

A massive well done to our Year 7 award winners at this year's Secondary awards:

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

Ellie Goodenough - BSAK citizen of the year

Yousef Tawil - Resilience & Endeavour

Adrian Tahesh - Academic Achievement

As we bid farewell to a memorable year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all our Year 7 students and their families for a fantastic summer break. You have all demonstrated incredible growth, enthusiasm, and resilience throughout the year, and I couldn't be prouder of your achievements. Enjoy a well-deserved rest, create wonderful memories, and we look forward to welcoming you all back for an exciting year in Year 8. Have a safe and joyful summer break!

MISSLEAHHUNKIN

HEAD OF YEAR 8

Year 8 Shines Bright: Celebrating a Remarkable End to the Year!

As we reach the end of Term 3, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken together in Year 8.

As Year 8 comes to a close, we eagerly anticipate the exciting journey ahead as our students transition to Year 9, where they will have the opportunity to further explore their interests and select their GCSE options.

SAN FRANCISCO

In May this term, some lucky students from Year 8 students embarked on an extraordinary

English trip to San Francisco, immersing themselves in a world of literature and culture This unforgettable trip allowed our students to explore iconic landmarks, embrace the city's rich history, and deepen their understanding of English Literature. I have no doubt that this trip not only broadened their horizons but also created lifelong memories for all that went.

TRIP TO THE LOUVRE

Year 8 students had the privilege to visit the Louvre museum this May for the ‘Treasures of the UAE’ tour.

The day provided an enriching and immersive experience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of art and cultural heritage and we were very proud of the work they produced during the day.

It is with great pride that we congratulate the winners of the prestigious annual BSAK Sports Awards.

SPORTS AWARDS

In particular, I am very proud of the BSME U13 team for being awarded the Most Outstanding Team with individuals also picking up awards for Best Attitude and Player of the Year in their respective sports. Well done to all students for demonstrating remarkable sportsmanship throughout the year!

BSAK SCHOOL REPORT

On May 25th, a select group of students from Year 8 became BSAK reporters for the day.

They spent the day researching and collating information, interviewing peers and teachers and writing news article. I was so impressed with their ability to work calm under pressure and produce some fantastic pieces of work. We definitely have some future journalists in our midst.

OLIVER!

We are thrilled that the rehearsals for the upcoming school production of ‘Oliver’ have been going exceptionally well for our Year 8 students.

They have shown immense talent, dedication, and teamwork, as they bring this popular musical to life.

We can't wait to witness the magic they will bring to the stage and applaud their remarkable efforts.

ENDOF YEAR EXAMS

Year 8 students have also demonstrated excellent academic achievements in their end-of-year exams this term. They dedicated themselves to diligent studying, revision, and seeking support from their teachers, and they should be commended for their commitment to their studies. I have no doubt that this process will benefit them long term in their approach to their iGCSE studies. Well done, all!

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners in Year 8. Your hard work, dedication, and exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed. Whether you received an academic award, demonstrated outstanding leadership, or excelled in sports or the arts, your accomplishments are a testament to your talent and perseverance. Well done to each and every one of you for your remarkable contributions to school.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

YEAR 9 TUTORS

MRJULIANBRAMMER HEAD OF YEAR 9

This term has once again showcased all the things that make BSAK such a special place, whether is has been academics, arts, music or sport; the Year 9 pupils have once again made sure they are at the fore.

On a personal note, here I would just like to say how much I have enjoyed being these wonderful students Head of Year, it was an extremely difficult decision to decide to take a step back from the role and I am delighted that Mr Sonny Zimmer will take up the baton and guide the year group through Key Stage 4 and on to their GCSEs, he is an excellent choice.

I would also like to pay tribute to my excellent tutor team, they have the best interests of their tutees at the front of everything they do and for this I am hugely grateful.

Farida has been a dedicated, thoughtful, and caring year rep. An example to everyone about all that is good in BSAK, she is involved in everything, and I would like to thank you Farida, for your valuable and insightful guidance and support this year.

OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

Anders Farrington continues to excel in his Irish Dancing he participated in the Irish Dancing World Championships in April 2023.

END OF YEAR

EXAMS

delighted and impressed by the conduct of the Year 9 pupils in the End of Year examinations.

They showed maturity and integrity over the exam period and they should be proud of themselves for this.

YEAR 9 REP

George Roberts is a name you will be hearing about in years to come; already no. 12 on the UAE Golf Amatuer list and he has a huge future ahead of him.

TERM 3 EVENTS

MUSIC & LANGUAGES CABARET NIGHT A number of Year 9 students were involved in the Cabaret night in May, The students led the evening introducing each event in their curriculum language or native tongue.

We have celebrated Sports, Annual and Music awards in the last few weeks of term, it has been wonderful to see Y9 students being acknowledged for their achievements this year. Here are a few photos of the winners.

SECONDARY SPORTS AWARDS

trip to San Francisco…..they had such an amazing trip and I am still jealous!!

2023. This visit positively contributed towards their art and cultural appreciation.

SECONDARY ANNUAL AWARDS WINNERS

Whilst we have showcased many things that have happened this term; if I haven’t got a photograph or forgotten someone, it is not deliberate, and I apologise!!!

MRSSARAHNORAY HEAD OF YEAR 10

The term was kickstarted with a very successful week of Work Experience.

The students conducted themselves admirably and were true Ambassadors for the school.

I know that it helped students to think about future career paths which is brilliant motivation as they are now firmly into their examination years.

I know many of us as parents, had very different ideas of the career paths we were aiming for at this age, having an end goal, really made me feel inspired to persevere through challenging times, and I hope they can use this experience in a similar way.

WORK

ENDOF YEAR EXAMS

Our Sixth Form Prefects were on hand in assembly before the End of Year exams, with some motivational words of encouragement to help the Year group think about the most effective ways of using their exam leave and I know that students found their advice extremely useful.

Exams and the mental toughness to succeed in them, can be a huge challenge, but it is one that teaches students resilience to overcome challenges in all aspects of their lives in the future. Furthermore, practice of exam procedures will help them to feel familiar with and more confident in the important year ahead and I hope that students have been able to take this from the experience.

INTERNATIONAL DAY

SECONDARY AWARDS

Congratulations to all award winners this academic year and to these Year 10 students for winning the pastoral awards: Academic Achievement - Omar Tashamneh, Endeavour & Resilience - Ava McPherson and BSAK Citizen - Suval Sewbaran.

MOTIONGATE TRIP

It has been a busy term focused predominantly on the students' future pathways and reaching their goals As we approach the end of Year 10, my advice to all students is to spend time over the summer reflecting on their year. Their achievements and their challenges and what they hope to have achieved by the end of the next important year. It is all in their hands and we will be here to support them along the way. Putting the effort in early and being consistent in these efforts in all aspects of school life will ensure that students succeed and have a great year ahead! I am looking forward to seeing everyone refreshed and recharged after the summer. Have a great one!

MRMICHAELEDGAR HEAD OF YEAR 11

Congratulations to all of Year 11 on their achievements over the last five years.

The journey from Year 7 until now has seen many highs and few lows, including a global pandemic that they overcame with such resilience.

I am so proud to have been your Head of Year over this time and would also like to take this opportunity to thank my amazing team of tutors for their hard work and dedication to this cohort. We all wish you success for the future.

SUCCESS

represent the Emirates American Football league international tournament in Singapore earlier this term.

Well done to our Year 11 award winners at the 2023 Secondary awards - Ahmed Jallul - Academic Achievement; Mehr Siddique - BSAK Citizen and Lian Abu SneinehEndeavour & Resilience

Congratulations to Maya, for receiving the Mark Chadwick Mathematics Award this year.

MRSTEVEOAKES

ASSISTANT HEAD

I am delighted to reflect on my first year as Head of the Sixth Form at BSAK.

It has been an exceptional year with lots of new learning and countless opportunities.

The Sixth Form common room will be completely refurbished with a new kitchen and areas for students to socialise during their lunch and breaks. We are also converting two classrooms into a large study space to provide students with individual and collaborative working pods.

Team. BSAK students are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated and enthusiastic Heads of Year.

Both Miss Mell and Mrs Roughley play a vital role in supporting students through the Sixth Form and helping them with their future choices. I am also incredibly grateful for the work of our support team. Mrs Hutchinson provides world-class careers guidance to our students and I am already looking forward to the A Level results day so that we can share the Year 13 destinations. Finally, but certainly, not least, Mrs McGuire keeps the Sixth Form running smoothly and I know how grateful students are to have her support throughout the year.

I wish all of you a restful summer break and look forward to taking on the new challenges of the next academic year and supporting the ‘Class of 2024” to shape their own BSAK legacy.

MISS LOUISE MELL HEAD OF YEAR 12

It has been a busy term for the Year 12 students with all students completing university grade prediction exams / AS Level exams and BTEC students also focusing on completing their Year 12 assignments to the highest of standards.

We would like to congratulate the students on an exceptionally smooth exam period. They conducted themselves brilliantly throughout, demonstrating the same maturity and commitment to their studies that we have witnessed all year.

Now that students have been given their university grade predictor exam results and feedback from their teachers, we hope the summer will offer them an opportunity to reflect and to continue to make targeted progress in all their subjects.

In addition to this they will be embarking on Work Experience over the next few weeks, a chance to assess whether this area of interest is important for further study. I have also spoken in assembly this week about the importance of taking some time off to relax and recharge, as it will be another busy year next year.

An exciting year ahead awaits Year 13, with new Sixth Form facilities in addition to the student leadership opportunities available. I am looking forward to celebrating more successes, and working alongside this wonderful year group, in their final year at BSAK.

Hope you all have a restful summer break, safe travels and Eid Mubarak to those that celebrated last week.

MESSAGE FROM OUR NEW HEAD BOY AND HEAD GIRL ARHAM & MADELEINE

Since being given the Head Boy and Head Girl roles, we have been able to work with both the Senior Prefect Team and Student Voice Committee. The Student Voice Committee have been planning the upcoming International Day, including activities and learning opportunities to promote our cultural heritage.

Alongside the Senior Prefect Team, we were also able to speak to and welcome the Year 6 cohort who will be joining us next year. Through their transition week, we interacted with them, sharing their enthusiasm for the Secondary School.

Moving forward, we are both looking forward to being involved and contributing to BSAK’s community. We are hoping to have a significant impact this coming year, working closely with the Senior Prefect Team in order to create a fun and enriching environment and leave a lasting legacy.

MRSJANEROUGHLEY

HEAD OF YEAR 13

The Lifers celebration is a very special event for the students that have attended BSAK continually from the beginning of FS1 to the end of year 13.

This year we celebrated with approximately thirty year 13 students and their parents.

Some of the students gave speeches reminiscing about the special memories that have been made during their time at BSAK. It was lovely to see the special connections that have formed between students and parents within our community between students after so many years together.

YEAR 13 LIFERS CELEBRATION

YEAR13

LIFERS CELEBRATION

YEAR13

LIFERS CELEBRATION

YEAR13 LIFERS CELEBRATION

YEAR13LEAVERS LEGACY DAY

It is always an incredibly special day when we say goodbye to our year 13 students.

This year the students celebrated with a breakfast together and then an awards ceremony which also included videos and pictures of their time at BSAK.

Finally, the students took part in the traditional guard of honour.

This is an opportunity for our whole school community to come together to say goodbye, thank the students for their many contributions, congratulate them on everything they have achieved and wish them all every success as they move to the next stage of their lives. It goes without saying that we will miss the year 13 students, they have been brilliant and we wish our year 13 students all the very best!

YEAR13 LEGACY DAY CELEBRATION

YEAR13

LEGACY DAY CELEBRATION

YEAR13 LEGACY DAY CELEBRATION