Secondary Newsletter November 2011 English

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T H E S E C O N D A RY N E W S L E T T E R Secondary News from the Pupils and Teachers of The British School of Alicante

Unicef Diplomas

He ad o f S e c on d ary Me s s a g e The practice of charity means the voluntary giving of help to those in need.

It is an act of kindness to anyone. With the increasing number of people in the world today comes with the increasing number of poverty and hardships in financial and social status, and educational background. Being aware with these facets of life nowadays creates a sense of charitable purpose in each person, which in turn is translated into charitable deeds.

Over the past month Kings College students and staff have worked tirelessly in their goal to make a difference to the lives of a number of different people. It has also enabled students to have a greater awareness of the world around them in order to help and share what they have to those who are in need. These worthy ideals have all been achieved in a vast array of activities, from fun to reflective –

all of which can be seen and enjoyed in this month’s newsletter.

May I also take the opportunity to remind you all that we shall again be collecting for children and families of the Asociacion Humanitaria Americana through donations of clothes, food and presents at our GIVING TREE which will be situated at the office. If you would like to contribute please bring in your donation from Monday December 12th until Monday 19th December. Please wrap and label any gifts for children with Girl/Boy and age.

Stephen Green Head of Secondary

YEAR 7 PUPILS FROM FIVE SCHOOLS IN ALICANTE, INCLUDING KING´S COLLEGE, THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF ALICANTE WERE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A PLENARY SESSION IN THE TOWN HALL HOSTED

BY THE MAYOR The session was held to commemorate UNICEF, Convention On The Rights of the Child. Politicians were asked for explanations on the initiatives undertaken to ensure compliance with the fundamental rights of children.

One student from King´s College asked the Councillor for Education, Antonio Ardid, about the importance of public investment and urged him to give his view on what was most needed: more computers or more teachers.

The Councilman gave an overview of the major educational initiatives that are held in his area, but avoided answering the question!

The Mayor, Sra Sonia Castedo replied “The important thing is to continue investing in education; we must continue to promote education, but being realistic.”

Children from King´s College also raised the possibility of regular exchanges with other schools “to learn how other children learn”; an initiative that the council undertook to study with the directors of other centres.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUPILS On Friday 18th November, we went to the Town Hall in Alicante. We walked across a very big room with pictures of all the majors of Alicante. It was a beautiful building! We sat on some red chairs and the major started to talk. Then we started explaining our work about UNICEF and finally it was my turn. I was very nervous but finally I could speak well! We´d got a lot of presents too! Dani 7F I really liked to go to the Town hall! We talked about Children in education. There were a lot of journalists who took photos of us. I would not mind to come back again! Álvaro 7G When we went to the Town hall. We sat in a little parliament where we talked about UNICEF and the rights of the children. When we finished they gave us a certificate and presents. I think this is an interesting way to work and learn! Miguel 7G It was a very exiting experience! When the Local representative said that he liked our questions I felt my heart beating very quickly! Inés 7G

Ye a r 7 P u p i l s r e c e i v i n g their Unicef Diplomas Pag e 3

Student Council Questions & Answers for Sra. Elena Benito General Manager of King’s Group We were wondering if you could tell us a little about your role as General Manager and what you did before joining King’s Group?

At university I studied Economics and Business administration. However, I also studied Law as it was an area in which I was interested. After leaving University, I worked in Madrid for several years and also the UK for two years. I had been a financial director for Monsanta for several years before working for the mobile internet company ZED. I joined King’s Group in June 2011.

I currently work in Madrid where I have responsibility for several parts of the Group. This includes the five schools, finance, marketing, human resources and general services.

It is my responsibility to lead and manage the people who work in all of these areas.

What´s the best part of your job?

Without doubt, the best part of this job is visiting the schools and meeting the pupils. For any company dedicated to anything it is vital not to lose focus and always remember those most important. Meeting pupils like you gives me the opportunity to understand what you do and understand what you enjoy. Seeing you have fun is a great part of this job.

What makes King’s College education special?

It’s the people who work hard to ensure that every child is educated to be good people in the future. The harder they work, the more they inspire and enthuse the students. It is the level of dedication that they have which makes the education here special.

How does our school compare to the other schools in the King’s Group?

King’s College, Alicante is the second largest school in the King’s Group (Soto being the largest). It is also one of the nicest! Its location by the sea is wonderful and the fact that pupils have the opportunity to do so many exciting things here (such as diving) makes the location and the opportunity a special environment.

How do you see education changing in the next 10 years and how will it affect King’s College Alicante and its students?

I feel we are a progressive organisation that works hard to ensure variety, choice and opportunity. This will continue to be important to ensure that our education is appropriate.

However, we must never forget our traditional values of hard work. Without this we will never achieve. If you want to get the things you desire from life then you must work hard.

Are there plans for more King’s College schools either here or in other parts of the World?

You never know. We continue to work hard and as a result we develop and grow. Who knows what opportunities may arise in the future.

How important do you think the ´student voice´ is in shaping decisions for King’s College?

It’s the very reason why we have a student council. We always want to know what our students think. They may not have experience but they have important opinions which we always listen to.

As you are in a well respected and senior position within the King’s Group, could you tell us what you believe are the key ingredients for success?

Success is relative. For some having a happy family and healthy children equals success. For some it may be a professional who reaches the highest of positions. It could be in the role of a Doctor who has belief in what he is doing and who he is helping. You have to decide what is important to you and then work hard to try and achieve it.

What was your favourite subject at school and why?

I loved Maths. I was always good with numbers and it has continued to help me in my career as being able to read numbers and understand what they tell you can give the answers to progress.

We have, over the past year, been working hard on becoming an eco school. What one thing could you do today for the environment?

We can do lots on a day to day basis. Every little thing counts.

We must learn to value things more and not simply throw away and discount their use. We simply cannot continue to live with the same level of consumption. We must therefore try to live with less things. We do not need lots of things to be happy.

As we are in the library, could you tell me what you are currently reading?

I read a lot. I´ve just finished ´One Day´ by David Nicols and I´ve just started a book on leadership. I like to read something for fun and something which will enrich and develop myself personally. I really like to read comics too! I also tend to read one book in English and one in Spanish.

Our houses are Darwin, Gaudi, Columbus and Orwell. Knowing what you know about these famous people from History, which house would you want to be in?

It would have to be Columbus. I like to explore, travel and given his history I think he has possibly inspired many others to do the same.

What´s your favourite food?

Definitely, my mother´s Tortilla de Patatas!

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Children in Need On Friday 18th November, the secondary school students were involved in raising money for Children In Need. The students made cakes, crepes and waffles to sell at break time and we had competitions such as Penalty shoot out, guess how many sweets in the jar and a cake lottery.

By 11:50 the students has raised an incredible 300 euros!

Congratulations to Ă lvaro (7G) who won the sweets in the jar and to Madame Maire for winning the cake lottery! A great day was had by all and we can now help lots of unfortunate children to have better lives.

Sixth Form enrichment course at Ciudad de la Luz studios

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COOKING AFTERNOON Y10 AND 11 On Thursday 27th October, 20 pupils from Y10 and 11 took part in a cooking afternoon. These pupils obtained the top effort grades in Key Stage 4 and this was their reward for their hard work and effort so far this term.

Everybody had fun working in teams and learning how to make crepes, waffles, ice cream, croissants and a chocolate brownie. The food they made was so delicious that they was nothing left at the end of the aternoon! Well done and keep up the good work!

EMMA IS NUMBER

ONE Emma played in the Table Tennis Zonal's Championship. She won all her matches and was placed first. In this championship there were people from Madrid,Canarias, Castilla la Mancha and Comunidad Valenciana. Winning this Championship allows Emma to play the Estatal's championship in which she will compete against girls from all Spain. This will take place in Valladolid at the end of January 2012.

Good luck from all at BSA!

Remembrance Day Ceremony

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HALOWEEN

DISC

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Year 7 History trip to Sax and Biar Castles As part of their studies of medieval castles, Year 7 visited both Sax and Biar castles.

We arrived at Sax castle on a cold and windy day. Rosa our guide gave us a really interesting tour around the castle and we were even able to see the turtle shape in the rocks below. After a big climb up to Biar castle we set about thinking about the defensive features of the castle. We were particularly impressed with the view for miles around.

We then thought of the different ways that we would attack the castle. The students then followed up all their hard work with a visit to the sweet shop!

Back in the classroom we are doing more follow up work on castles and even designing our own models of the castle as homework projects.

COBIS : International Head Boy and Head Girl Conference Our Head Boy, Anis and our Head Girl, Laura attended the inaugural conference in Madrid for Head Boys and Head Girls from the UK and British Schools in Spain . Entitled ´The Communicative Leader´, the conference lasted 2 days and included lectures, workshops and social events.

Thank you to King´s College, Soto for organising and hosting this event.

Movember2011 During November each year, “Movember” is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

On “Movember” 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shave face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Mo Sistas are the women who register to support the men in their lives, raising funds by seeking sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

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November 18th, 2011

BSA’s Got Talent

PLAY VIDEO

Key Stage 3 Open Tennis Tournament Winners and Runners Up 2011 Congratulations to all our KS3 pupils who took part in this tournament.

Singles Year 7 Year 8 Year 9

Winner Alvaro P Arturo Ivan

Runner Up Emily Rory Carlos H

Doubles Year 7 Year 8 Year 9

Winners Victor and Loic Arturo and Alejandro Jamie and Gonzalo

Runners Up Alvaro P and Miguel C Roberto and Adrian Ivan and Tommy

Important Dates Thursday December 1st - Y11 Parents Meeting December 6th, 8th and 9th - School Closed Monday December 12th - Year 11 Mock Examinations Begins Tuesday December 20th - Carol Concert Wednesday December 21st - Last Day of Term One Thursday December 22nd - School Closed Monday January 9th, 2012- School Reopens First Day of Term Two

Glorieta del Reino Unido 5 Alicante 03008 Spain www.bsalicante.com info@kingsgroup.org