INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Helping the Environment
Trip to France
Skill for the Future
The British School of Alicante Monthly Update
Newsletter SECONDARY NUMBER 14 FEBRUARY 2010
Message from the Head of Secondary Change and Progress
Attendance
This term our senior pupils will begin, in earnest, the drive towards final examination preparation. Some exams, eg Language Orals and Coursework Elements will be completed within the next 6 weeks.
As well as monitoring Academic progress and Effort, the school also monitors and reports on pupil attendance. It is widely acknowledged in education that an average attendance rate of less than 95% can have a significant negative impact on pupil progress and attainment. An average attendance of 90% over five years means a total of half a year of schooling will have been missed. If it is as low as 80%, then the child will have missed a whole academic year.
It is vital that they plan, prepare and manage their study time effectively in advance and allow themselves rest periods and relaxation time. Mr Wicks and Ms Collingwood are monitoring very closely the weekly effort and progress of our senior pupils and other staff are helping to mentor and support pupils with their preparations. It is also essential that you, as parents, recognize that this time necessitates a period of intense academic activity and that behaviour patterns may change. You will need to provide your son/ daughter with a voice of reason and encouragement as well as gentle but firm prompting when energy levels run low. Our Y9 pupils have to deal with the prospect of progressing from a National Curriculum in Key Stage 3 to the rigours and choices for GCSE courses after the summer. This change starts now with option meetings and careers advice from Mrs Fisher. Our younger pupils will continue to make rapid progress this term as their confidence, knowledge and skills increase. It is also important to remember that as young adolescents, our pupils in Y7 and Y8 will go through many physiological as well as psychological changes in the coming weeks and months. This can cause changes in behaviour and friendships which we need to recognize and help them to manage. Change comes to us all. It is something we have to plan for as best we can through experience, communication and understanding. All progress requires change, but change itself does not always result in progress. We need to work together to help all our young people to cope with change in ways which results in progress and success.
Derek Laidlaw Head of Secondary School
Excellent attendance to school is essential in order to maximise academic achievement, and therefore we would appreciate your support in ensuring that absences are kept to an absolute minimum. Whilst we acknowledge that most pupils will suffer from illness at times, at BSA, we aim to establish a positive ethos in which excellence in attendance is celebrated and rewarded; those students with outstanding attendance will be recognised.
Establishing links with the local community and helping the environment
Tuesday, 23rd February all year 8 pupils spent the day in Aspe, Alicante taking part in the Reforestation Program offered by the town hall of Aspe. BSA pupils enjoyed a quick midmorning snack in a local park before heading off to ‘La Ofra,’ a favourite picnic spot and nature conservation area to roll up their sleeves and get involved in real planting of typical, native plants and trees. Firstly, pupils listened attentively to Señor Pérez Ballester’s presentation outlining the importance of projects such as this to the local environment to avoid soil erosion, conserve the natural habitat of wildlife and for the enjoyment of the community. There were 6 species of herbs, plants and trees indigenous to the area that pupils had previously studied in the classroom. Pupils had learnt both their names in Spanish and English, their qualities, growth patterns and something about how to plant and maintain them. Now it was their chance to put this knowledge into practice, and in small groups pupils assigned themselves roles to get on with the task in hand. Digging the holes was harder than some had anticipated but eventually everyone had prepared their areas ready for planting and each pupil planted at least one species, some pupils as many as 5 each! By the end of the day, BSA pupils were responsible for the planting of over 70 plants and trees and had hauled many buckets of water up a steep hill to ensure their survival! An excellent effort and a great day out. These green-fingered year 8 pupils continue this study in a unit of work in geography about Ecosystems in the area – and impressed Miss Turton by remembering lots of information about their field trip. Why not visit the area in the spring for a family barbecue and check out the progress of your saplings?
C. Castro
Carmen, Javier C., Luccia, Javier R. i Alex
Carlos R., Marina, Jesús i Jorge
Hem separat i hem donat exemples sobre els jocs antics i els jocs moderns. També hem posat els jocs a què encara juguem.
Primer vam fer un pla de tots els jocs antinc i moderns. Después vam dibuixar un arbre. Al capdamunt (és a dir, a la part de les fulles) vam col·locar els jocs nous i al tronc, els antics.
Adrián, Alba, Ernesto i Artem
Emilio, Roberto, Anastasia, Óscar i Tara
Hem investigat sobre molts jocs antics i moderns i quins eren els seus noms. També hem aprés l’existència d’alguns jocs antics que no coneixíem.
Primerament, vam fer un esquema fent comparacions dels jocs antics I els jocs moderns d’avui en dia. A continuació, els hem separat en dues pats i finalment, els hem representat amb dibuixos.
Claudia R., Eduardo, Mario i Fiona
Guillermo F., Claudia E. David M. i Saskia
We have separated and given examples about old games and modern games. Also, we have also mentioned games that we still play.
Jocs d’abans i d’ara Games from Then and Now
YEAR 9
If there has been an element in common with all infants –the ones from then and now-, this would be games and the instruments that normally come with the games, songs. These features connect nealy automatically the sweetest ages, and in the older ones evoke feelings, pleasure memories and, in some cases, even nostalgia. In Valencian’s class, Year 9B and 9M have made a reasearch and identifying work for four sessions about games from then and now. This way, each group has chosen the clearer visual way of making a diagram with pictures and words about this matter and all works have been very well structured. (Srta. Guio)
We have researched about many old and modern games and what were they called. We have also learnt the existence of some old games that we didn’t know existed.
We have used really live colours to give the idea it was something about fun, as games are. There is a lot of difference between old and modern games. Because of that, we have decided to separate them with a rope and making the roots in different colours. Hem utilitzat molts colors vius per a donar la idea d’alguna cosa divertida, com són els jocs. Hi ha molta diferència entre els jocs antics i moderns. És per això que hem volgut mostrar-ho separant-los amb una corda i fent l’arrel de diferents colors.
First we did a table with all the old and modern games. After we drew a tree. On the top of the tree (on the leaves) we wrote the modern games and on the trunk we wrote the old ones.
First of all, we did a diagram comparing old games and modern games from these times. Next, we have separated them in two parts and finally, we represented them with pictures.
We all have recorded ideas, in the beginning we did a simple diagram with lines, but in the end we have decided to do a diagram, different to all, with good illustrations, but the best of our work has been the information. Tots hem agafat idees, al principi vam fer un esquema senzill amb línies, però a la fi hem optat per fer un esquema diferent a tots amb bones il·lustracions, però el millor del nostre treball ha sigue la informació.
Si hi ha un element que haja estat comú a tots els infants –els d’abans i els d’ara–, aquest és el joc i aquells instruments que l’acompanyen habitualment, les cançons. Trets que s’associen de forma gairebé automàtica a les edats més tendres i que, en els grans, evoquen sentiments, records de complaença i, en alguns moments, també enyorança. A classe de Valencià, els grups de year 9B i 9M han realitzat al llarg de quatre sesssions una tasca d’investigació i identificació dels jocs d’abans i els actuals. D’aquesta manera, cada grup ha triat la manera visual més aclaridora de fer un esquema amb imatges i paraules d’aquest tema i tots els treballs han resultat molt ben estructurats. (Sra. Guio)
Pablo, Obdulio, David A. i Carlos J.
Guillermo B., Philip, Laura i Manuel
El nostre grup s’ha divertit molt fent aquest treball perquè ha sigue molt interessant i hem aprés molts noms de jocs.
Hem estat molt contents amb el resultat del nostre treball perquè tots hem participat per igual i hem discutit les idees molt bé.
Our group has had lots of fun doing this work as it’s been very interesting and we have learnt a lot of names of games.
We are very happy with the result of our work as we all participated equally and we discussed the ideas very well.
Trip
France My best moment…. my best moment was when we played hide and seek in the hotel and also when we went to Disney and it was snowing . Alejandra E Y10 my best moment was in the French café and we were playing international scrabble and doing magic tricks. We all laughed so much! Mme Maire
We went to France during the second week of February. We all had great fun. The first day, Saturday, we arrived in Paris by plane and went to Arromanches in Normandy. The second day we visited the museum of the Second World War in Arromanches and we also went to the American memorial to the victims in the 2nd world war at Omaha beach. We then headed to Dinan in Brittany and after having settled in our hotel rooms we went to the cinema. The next day we did a coastal walk and in the afternoon we went bowling. At night we went to a French café and played pool, pinball, and board games. Everybody had a go at ordering refreshments in French. On Tuesday we went to a typical French market in Dinard and we had a walk around the historic town of St Malo where we had a delicious meal. In the afternoon we went to le Mont Saint Michel and later took the high speed train (TGV) to Disneyland Paris. We were all very excited! On Wednesday we went to Disneyland Paris and spent the whole day there. It was amazing because it was snowing. At night we had dinner in a Mexican restaurant and the Y13 girls took some rock and roll lessons. On the last day we got up very early to go to Paris and spend the morning there. The Sixth formers had free time on the Champs Elysées while the rest of the group visited the Eiffel Tower. Finally we went to the airport for our flight back to Alicante. We were all very sad to be going back. Overall it was a perfect trip and we all enjoyed it very much. Claudia F and Miguel Ángel Year 12
my best moment on the French trip was when we spent the whole day in Disneyland Paris and I went on the roller coasters like the Hollywood Tower Hotel or Space Mountain. Gustavo Y10 My best moment during the trip to France was on the 4th day when we went to Disneyland. We laughed a lot because my friends and I got stuck in the Nemo Rollercoaster. That same day it began to snow. It was excellent, a great day! Lara Y12 My best moment was in Bretagne. After bowling we went to a French café and played pool. Maria G Y10 During our trip to France we had lots of fun, especially in Paris. The day we went to Disney was the best in my opinion. Although it was freezing cold and I couldn’t feel my feet, it was amazing. The Rock and Roll coaster and Space Mountain were the best 2 rides. As we were going from ride ride to another we got stuck in a snowstorm. I had so much fun! Verena Y10 The trip to France was amazing! We had a lot of fun! We did lots of different activities like coastal walking, going to Disneyland, visiting Omaha Beach, etc. The organization of the trip was perfect (in my opinion) and this boosted our entertainment giving us the chance to live new experiences. My best moment was in Disneyland as we had a very good time although I didn’t find Donald duck. In conclusion, I had a perfect experience and I made lots of friends. Vive la France. Guillermo y12 In my opinion it has been an exceptional trip. We have learnt, we had fun and we shared wonderful moments and experiences with our friends and teachers. Thanks to Mme Maire for all her works during all these months. We’ve spent some wonderful days! Claudia P Y12
SKILLS IN YEAR 7G COMMUNICATION SKILLS Luisa, Candela, Gracia, Luis and Yong Xuan • Srta. Guio made an assembly of communication skills and she made examples of communication. • We had a communication board to get tickets and then earn merits. • These are different types of communication skills, they are talking, listening and writing. • In communication skills you should: develop your language, to read a variety of texts, to manipulate gammar, to communicate with a variety of audiences, interview effectively, etc.
CREATIVE SKILLS José Luis, Iara, Takuma and Sarah • • • • • • • • • •
The list of things we did in creative skills are: try new techniques generate ideas and explore possibilities ask questions to extend our thinking connect our own and others ideas and experiences in inventive ways question our own and other assumptions try out alternatives or new solutions and follow ideas through adapt ideas or circumstances change In the two weeks of creative skills, we used the skills above to work and achieve different targets and goals using them in a original way. In History we made our castles in groups, so we had to link everybody ideas. We also use them in Art and Drama every week.
PERSONAL SKILLS We think that personal skills are based on: • Appreciate other for the different roles they play Ex: If two people want to play different games, first you play one and then another one. • Treat equipment with respect Ex: If a teacher lends you a ruler, don’t bend it and use it for what is used • Work well as a team and with others Ex: If a teacher puts you in a different groups that’s not with your friends, you don’t have to complain and just make new friends • Approach each task with enthusiasm Ex: If a teacher sends you to do a task you shouldn’t moan • Plan your time and homework Ex: Don’t leave homework for the last day and try to do it as soon as possible • Be punctual Ex: Come at 9.00am to form and don’t come late
Lunchtime Philosophy Club This week’s topic was “The Philosophy of Emotions” which was suggested by club member Yongmin. The club debated the following statement by Arnold Bennett about how emotions are a part of knowledge: “There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. To the cognition of the brain must be added the experience of the soul”. A lively discussion resulted in a general agreement that this statement was true, but also the formation of a definition of the Steps to Knowledge by Yongmin. Step 1 – Do and Don’t (we see what is possible and what is not), Step 2 – Order (we are able to arrange ideas into an order) Step 3 – Selection (we are able to select what information we need from that which we have) Step 4 – Conclusion (we are able to draw our conclusions as to what is correct) Step 5 – Remember (we place these steps in our memory) Step 6 – Experience (when we use these steps we apply our emotions to feeling what is right) Step 7 – Revelation (we have a real understanding of what is true or correct which is based upon a cognitive and emotional response). The club meet each Monday in English 3. We would be happy to accept new members.
Best of Art
Football Sala – Cadete Team (Year 10) The school team is making good progress in the local league. Victor is the top scorer with 10 goals so far. Games are played on Saturday mornings and any boy in Y10 is eligible to play. If you would be interested in joining the squad please see Mr Laidlaw.
Resultados Won L ost Won L ost Won
10 - 0 2-4 3-1 1-5 9-2
Scorers Victor (5) Craig (2) Toby (2) Roque (1) Gustavo(2) Craig (2) Alvaro (1) Craig (1) Victor (5) Javi (2) Alvaro (2)
Football Competition Photos
Goal F 10 12 15 16 25
Puntos A 0 4 5 10 12
Diff +10 +8 +10 +6 +13
3 3 6 6 9
March Dates
Dates for your Diary Thursday 4th March: Y12-Y13 Parents Meeting Wednesday 10th March: Sports Day Thursday 18th March: Y11 Parents Meeting Friday 26th March: Book Fair Monday 29th March: School Concert (Provisional Date)
Sports Day. March 10th, 2010 Sports Day will take place on March 10th and all secondary pupils should attend.
Latest news: http://www.bsalicante.com/news.php Menus: http://www.bsalicante.com/monthly_menus.php Calendar: http://www.bsalicante.com/school_calendar.php School Telephone: 965 106 351 Email: info@bsalicante.com