Secondary Newsletter Message from Head of Secondary Dear Students, Parents and the ISB Community,
I’m told that time flies when you’re having fun, and with more major events than ever before, Term 2 certainly has seemed to pass by in a flash! With our largest ever BGIC conference, the incredible Secondary production, residential trips for Years 7, 8 and 9, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and all the FOBISIA events — U13 Olympics, Drama and Mathematics, our students and staff have been working incredibly hard. Special mention and thanks must be extended to everyone who was involved in these events. Throughout this busy term, students have continued to excel academically. Our Term 2 reports for Year 7—10 and Year 12 show that all students are performing well, with large numbers of students hitting their target grades and very pleasing numbers of students achieving As for effort in all subjects. We look forward to continuing with an academically successful Term 3. Our Year 11 and Year 13 students completed their mock exams—their chance to practice for the international exams which start in May. Their results were very pleasing, suggesting that 2019 could eclipse last year as our best ever set of international results. In all areas ISB students have shown amazing dedication, tenacity and resilience this term—qualities that they will need to ensure success in later life. I’d like to thank all the staff at ISB for ensuring that students have a huge range of activities to take part in; and for their dedication to make sure that events run smoothly and showcase our students’ abilities. Looking forward to a successful final term of the year. Mr Stephen Kay| Head of Secondary ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
National Day & Chinese New Year Assembly
In February and March, the MFL Department once again took to the stage to lead the Secondary School’s annual celebrations of Brunei National Day and Chinese New Year. On Friday 15th February 2019, our Chinese New Year assembly started with a video filled with greetings from a range of world figures as well as some of our very own ISB staff. We were then treated to a range of artistic performances including the traditional fan dance, a K-pop dance and a virtuoso solo performance of ‘Invisible Wings’ by Mei Qi Yang in Year 12. Following this, we enjoyed a modern version of the fan dance by the Year 8 students followed by a Year 9 rendition of Mo Li Hua. As is traditional, our Year 12 students finished the spectacular show with an energetic lion dance. Two weeks later, it was the turn of the Malay Department to celebrate Brunei National Day with a performance full of patriotism and celebration of Bruneian tradition. With a range of performances; including a drama piece from our Year 9 students underlying the importance of family, a beautiful dance from our Year 10 girls and an unforgettable Malay rendition of Disney’s classic ‘Let it Go’. The assembly was a wonderful display of our students’ talents. Brought to a close with a patriotic rendition of the Bruneian National Anthem, the students and staff once again ensured that ISB marked the 35th National Day in spectacular style. As always, these celebrations owe a lot to the hard work of Ms Ayu Mee, Ms Yang Peng, Cikgu Farida, Cikgu Norazlin, Cigku Masz and Cikgu Mariah as well as all the performers for their dedication and hard work. We would also like to thank the facilities team and AV team for their support. Mr Nick Yarrow | Head of Languages ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Breakin’ Out! ISB students did their friends, parents, staff and wider community proud when they performed Breakin’ Out! in February. With a script written especially for ISB, Breakin’ Out! was adorned with Hip Hop hits from the 80’s to the present day and followed the lives of six students, from varying backgrounds and cultures. As usual, the ISB community came together to make it an amazing success. The journey from page to performance was long and intense at times but with a dedicated cast and crew of approximately 80 students and staff, we managed to make Breakin’ Out! the success it deserved to be. With truly wonderful vocals and funky dance routines and some outstanding acting, we may have made this year’s show the best yet! The feedback from parents and the community has been phenomenal. Well done to all involved! Mrs Dawn Smith | Head of Drama
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Our Talented Musicians It’s been a productive year for students in the Music Department with regular performances from the newly established Jazz Band and Pop Vocals group and exciting initiatives in Year 7 and 8 curriculum music. Evolving from the Year 9 Advanced Band, the Jazz Band comprises 20 members on flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, saxophone as well as rhythm section (piano, bass, drums). The group rehearses 4 times a week, often in conjunction with the Pop Vocals ensemble. Together, they are frequently called upon to provide entertainment at achievement assemblies and other large scale ISB events such as BGIC, the High Achievers evening, Winter Wonderland and the termly Music Department concerts. In Year 9, all 80 students are involved in the Concert Band programme. The year started with a workshop collaboration with advanced students from the Yong Siew Toh (YST) Conservatory of Music, Singapore, and on 30th January the students performed as part of the 90-minute Music Department concert. Attended by a large and enthusiastic audience, the concert included a wide variety of music with songs from Queen, The Greatest Showman, as well pop charts such as Havana, Uptown Funk and more traditional concert band pieces. The students are currently preparing for the next Year 9 performance which is scheduled for early June. In Year 7 and Year 8, all students have been focusing on singing as well as developing their skills on the keyboards, bass guitar, ukuleles and drums. They have been performing songs such as All of Me, If I Were a Boy, Demons and Apologize and selected groups and soloists for will get the opportunity to perform at the upcoming Music Department concert on Wednesday 24th April 2019. Mr Paul Edgeler | Head of Music
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
FOBISIA Drama Students have just came back from this year’s Drama Festival held in Penang, Malaysia. After touching down in Penang, we went straight off to Prince of Wales Island International School where we met the other 165 students and 25 members of staff from 12 international schools across Southeast Asia. Students formed eight companies which were responsible for the creation of eight pieces based on five classical Greek texts and incorporated ideas from renowned theatre practitioners.
ISB students participated in Stage Fighting; Mask work; a Drumming class; watched a Shakespeare play by the KL Players as well as being involved in a workshop led by UK company, Splendid. An intense but very rewarding few days culminated in a Gala ball on the other side of the island where students got to chill, eat and dance with all the many friends they got to make through the experience and received an ‘Oscar’ to reward their efforts. Mrs Dawn Smith | Head of Drama
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
FOBISIA Maths In Term 2, eight students from Year 7 and Year 8 travelled to Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur to take part in FOBISIA Mathematics competitions. The two-day competition involved many rounds whereby students worked individually, as a team of four, or head to head against other students. These rounds covered a range of dynamic activities; from code breaking in the KLCC Aquarium, relay races, duels and written tests. The ISB students demonstrated immense amounts of enthusiasm throughout the competition, from the initial ice-breaker activities to the energetic speed rounds. All students represented ISB brilliantly, collecting a staggering amount of ‘positive behaviour nominations’ throughout the competition; this incentive involved student nominations being placed in a prize draw, resulting in some prizes for ISB. Students and staff had a brilliant time and are already looking forward to next years’ competition. Ms Amy Buttery | Head of Mathematics
SEAMC Junior SEAMC Junior was held at International School Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam this year. Six students from Year 9 and Year 10 represented ISB in this competition — Li Wei Goh, Chloe Yew, SaiSann Lone, Mujin Song, Liam Curaming and Harith Hairul. All participants excelled in problem-solving tasks whether it was individually, in ISB teams or in collaboration teams with students from other FOBISIA schools. The students were excellent representatives of ISB and were engaged in different mathematical problems that they would not usually experience in lessons. A particular highlight was their Inspiration presentations, which were done in school teams. The topics covered were ‘Angles within different types of honeycomb’ and ‘The Fibonacci Sequence and Golden Ratio’. The students did an excellent job presenting to a set of judges and scored extremely highly in this category. The event allowed participants to form friendships and gain a further love for Mathematics, creating great memories. Mr Richard Wentworth | Assistant Head of Mathematics ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Maths Week Maths Week 4th to 7th March 2019 was celebrated with the entire school through a host of fun-filled Maths activities were organized by some Year 12 Maths CAS students. A variety of Maths activities were designed to challenge students’ Maths thinking and problem-solving skills. Maths topics focussing on Pi, Trigonometry, Algebra and Numbers were introduced over the course of the week during morning registrations, lunch times, KS3 Maths lessons and assemblies. Numerous inter-House competitions were injected in these activities to engage students more competitively. A Maths Dress-up Day on the 6th March 2019 marked the epic moment where everyone came and dressed in a Mathematics themed outfit. A fun and engaging week that excites everyone to think, talk and even dress Mathematically! Ms Nora Md Noor | Mathematics Teacher
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Year 7 trip to Miri Over 70 students from Year 7 left school on Friday 18 th January 2019 to begin their adventure at the Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort in Miri . Located deep in the Rainforest, students stayed in shared dorms and took part in an array of activities. Upon our arrival on Friday, we were greeted by the tour guide who took us on a tour of the resort followed by some fun in the waterpark. After dinner, students were taken on a night walk within the jungle to see what wildlife they could find.
The following day, we began our trip to the Niah National Park, students were guided around the Niah Museum before setting off on our 8km walk to The Great Caves and The Moon Cave. It was a long and tiring trip for some, but everyone was grateful when we arrived in the caves and heard the stories of how old they were and how they were formed. We then continued our walk to The Libau Long House, where we enjoyed lunch and a native dance performance from the locals. Upon arrival back at the resort, there was a BBQ dinner and a karaoke session before lights out. On the final day, we spent more time in the waterpark again which was a real highlight for most of the students! We have also had the time to enjoy a hanging bridge activity before our departure back to ISB on Sunday afternoon. Ms Kirby Dinnigan | Head of Year 7
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Year 8 & 9 trip to Temburong
At the start of Term 2, 60 students from Year 8 and 9 embarked on the Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam course in Temburong . Students experienced three days of team-building in an idyllic setting without access to their usual home comforts. Students were often outside of their comfort zone, whether it was when they were plucking up the courage to complete the trust falls, zip lining or interacting with new people. The three day experience was jam-packed with activities from 6.00am until 9.30pm but it was met with positivity and comradery by all students. The staff that accompanied the students were impressed by the positive attitude displayed at all times and the trip was very worthwhile! A number of students emerged from the camp with new friends and a bond with people they may not have spent much time with otherwise. The rock climbing, abseiling and low-ropes course ensured the opportunity to develop physical skills often neglected in today’s modern world. Additionally, students thrived when participating in the social service project that is currently being undertaken to support an elderly gentleman in the Temburong community. Students helped to build a wheelchair accessible driveway and felt a sense of accomplishment at doing something to help someone in need. What a fabulous and memorable trip! Mrs Julia Hillier | Head of Year 8 & 9
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award DofE is an internationally recognised youth award programme that is designed to help young people to develop positive skills through a series of challenging exercises. The award also helps to bring the youth together and determines what they are passionate about regardless of their background, identity and culture. On the 15th–16th March 2019, participants from the Bronze award went to the deep jungle of Temburong. The journey for this qualifying journey took them 2 days and 1 night, and the journey includes trekking, camping, river crossings, learning Iban language and traditional hunting equipment. The main objectives of the adventurous journey are to explore with full purpose, training and working together as a team to undertake a journey in an unfamiliar environment. Mr Hadee Pg Nazaruddin | DofE Coordinator
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Geography Field Trip
Year 9 and Year 10 Geography students participated in a successful fieldtrip. Our geographers had the opportunity to measure the impact of the waves at Berakas Beach and exploring Tanjung Batu Beach near Muara. The students collected data on beach profiles, wave height, wave frequency and various climatic factors at Berakas Beach. They worked together to learn how to use the equipment and accurately collect data. The students also visited Tanjung Batu Beach near Muara so they could investigate how coastal management techniques protect the area and provide tourist facilities for visitors to the area. The students will use the skills and data collected to prepare for their future IGCSE Geography examinations. Miss Georgina Fowler | Head of Geography
U13 FOBISIA Games The U13 FOBISIA team departed for Thailand in March hoping to match the previous successes of our U15 FOBISIANS. The team were well prepared for the games having completed months of training and taking part in numerus fixtures. After a relaxing and restful night in Kuala Lumpur, the team arrived in Phuket energised and enthusiastic to get started. Mr. Morley asked Cameron Smith, Year 8, to say a few words about the games: "On behalf of the team, I can honestly say it was an amazing experience with or without medals. But we did get medals; 159 of them, to be precise. This makes us the most decorated FOBISIA team in ISB history. The Girls team came 3rd in football and 2nd in basketball, and the Boys team came 2nd in basketball and 1st in football as well a ton of other medals from athletics and swimming which put ISB in first place for both. It is also important to mention that 44% of all ISB medals were gold. This was truly an amazing experience and we have made lots of friends because of it. It has further encouraged me to participate in more FOBISIA games in the future. I loved every moment including the accommodation and meal provided. The people there truly made it an experience to remember. Even when times looked hard, ISB NEVER put their heads down. It was certainly a battle but everyone played there part on the field, the court and the pool". A huge thank you to our sponsors 'Dynamic' and 'Mr. Potato Head', also to the fundraising parents and the PTA. Thank you to our travelling parents for their support whilst away, we certainly had the most and loudest support out of all the schools! Finally, a huge thank you to the coaches and teachers who have supported our athletes over the past few months. Well done everybody, not long until we go again! Mr Phil Morley | Head of PE
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Netfit in Brunei! We were extremely privileged to be invited to experience a netball session with professional netball player, Sarah Wall, from Australia . 25 students from the Secondary netball ECA participated in a Netfit session, a fitness training style developed specifically for netball by Sarah, which is currently taking Australia by storm! Students participated in 45 minutes of interval style training that involved lots of high intensity, dynamic work that is based on movements from within the game. Movements incorporated lots of fast feet, strength work and ball work and had the girls laughing, sweating and working hard, all at once. This was then followed by three short sessions of netball coaching, each one with a different focus for the game: defending, attacking and moving the ball down the court. One of these sessions was led by Jane Searle, former coach of the Australian fast-5 team, player and now coach for the Royal Bees. The girls have already started implementing what they learnt into their game play and it was amazing to see their development, even in such a short space of time. All of the students had a great time and it got us all fired up for Netball Funday! Mrs Julia Hillier | PE Teacher
ISB Parent Workshops Continuing our focus on transparency, communication and engagement with the community, two successful Secondary Parent Workshops were delivered by staff members this term. 36 parents attended the “Introduction to the BGIA award” workshop organised and led by Mr Matthew Hewitt for parents of Year 7-10 students. This interactive workshop included presentations from Mrs Jane Snell, “how BGIA links to CAS” and Year 12 students “the power of service and reflection”. Students have been undertaking a range of activities throughout the year and recording on their BGIA portfolios. During Internet Safety week, Mrs Carol Hancox led a parent’s guide to Internet Safety. The workshop supported the activities students undertook during Internet Safety week as well providing a forum for parent-teacher discussions and the sharing practical examples of the importance of online safety in an ever-increasing technological world. The proposed theme for Parent Workshops in Term 3 is ‘Student wellbeing’. We hope to see you there. If you were unable to attend a workshop and what to learn more, please access the resources on ISB Communicator. Ms Suzy Pugh | Assistant Head of Secondary ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Term 2 Achievement Assembly
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Upcoming events in Term 3!
Science Week
Unplugged Day
Earth Day
Eco Week Year 6 & 7 Waterpark Trip
Year 12 Mt KK Climb
IB Graduation
Year 13 Farewell Interhouse Gym & Dance
Year 12 Group 4 Projects
Hari Raya Assembly
Secondary Sports Day Rewards Day
ISB Secondary Newsletter | January - March 2019
Year 10 Service Trip
Jalan Utama Salambigar, Kg Sungai Hanching, Berakas 'B' BC2115, Brunei Darussalam Telephone: +673 - 2330608 | +673 - 2330023 | +673 - 2332613 Facsimile +673 - 2337446 Lot 4655, Jalan Panglima, Kuala Belait KA1189, Brunei Darussalam Telephone: +673 3347113 | +673 3347109 Facsimile: +673 3347109