www.islqatar.org
New sl et t er 10 Thursday, 27 June 20 19 30 JUNE to 22 AUGUST - SCHOOL CLOSED FORSUMMER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 25 AUGUST 2019
Academic calendar 2019-2020
Head of Sch ool , David Monk
As I reflect on some of the work that has gone on this year I am staggered by how much has been achieved by the ISL Qatar staff ? alongside of course maintaining an absolutely outstanding educational programme. It has been another incredibly busy, non-stop year, and I think everyone deserves a thoroughly good holiday! As not all of the work that goes on in the school is immediately visible, I thought this final Newsletter of the school year would be a good time to share with you some of the ongoing initiatives of the Primary and Secondary School during the 2018-2019 academic year: The following are initiatives from the Primary School: The ?Big Idea?leading developmental work To make authentic, meaningful connections between planning, teaching, learning and assessment via learner agency, personalised learning and feedback, under the umbrella of Evidence for Learning. Student Agency -
Developed student-initiated inquiries Increased student initiated action Increased committees of mixed ages Improved Teacher goal-setting Increased the number of guest speakers from ISL / Qatar /
outside communities - Involved students in the design of assessment tools and strategies Included the Mother Tongue teachers in the admissions process
Personalised Learning - Developed a Teacher Exchange opportunity - Added two additional MT languages (Russian & Turkish) - Increased student choice in the Celebrations of Learning, rather than everyone presenting the same way - Ensured thinking routines are visible in the learning environment
- Increased student involvement in identifying next steps for learning - Increased clarity and purpose of planning - Increased the number of parent workshops - Increased and improved the Teaching Assistants?access to training
Feedback - Ensured assessments, including the assessment tool / criteria, are sent home in a timely manner to inform parents - Increased the diversity of the forms of feedback - verbal, written, September conversations, Parent-teacher conference, Student Led conference, 2x 3-way conference and written reports - A report card collective was formed to research, and to survey parents, students and teachers regarding prior to making
recommendations for changes to be made to our reports - Ensured unit of inquiry assessments are sent home with student reflections within 2 weeks of a unit ending - Sought additional ways to share the process of learning, not only the product, with parents - Parent Advisory Group Meeting continued this year with sharing of ideas, plans, and parent feedback, as well as, additional members joining
Other - Math Skills Share took place with another school on the basis of reciprocity. - Parent Session on importance of Phasing language took place
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
- Transitioning from PYPto MYP: events, units of inquiry, pastoral
IDENTITY
PASSION
Meanwhile the following are a list of initiatives and developments carried out in the Secondary School: -
Extensive use of Google Classroom: This has promoted the use of formative feedback from peers and created a dynamic source of evidence from which teachers have been able to promote greater self-directedness providing students with a means of taking charge of their own learning.
-
The use of open-book testing: Is supported by educational research and in many subjects has resulted in: -more freedom and flexibility in constructing exam questions -an emphasis higher on order skills, de-emphasising ?cramming?or rote memorization -in-depth solutions -longer and more involved questions requiring greater integration of ideas.
-
Students in Grade 8 (MYP3): Have had the opportunity to collaborate and pursue service learning within the framework of the MYP community project. Three students were recognized at the end-of-year ?Celebration of Learning?for having generated new insights and demonstrated responsible action as a result of collaborative learning. School-generated resources created by the MYP Coordinator were used by teachers to facilitate student learning through the practical exploration of an inquiry, based on an identified community need.
-
Revisions to the options model: In both G9 and G10 changes have been implemented providing 2-year courses in Visual Art, Drama, Music or Design & Computer Science. Students can now also choose to follow 2 science subjects or Extended Global Perspectives (Humanities) or a 3rd language in preparation for G10, as a more coherent preparation for G11.
-
Mindfulness practices: Slowly increasing appreciation and understanding of how brain education and mindful practice can support self-regulation and well-being has led to an increasing inclusion of in-class strategies being used. For example, mindfulness sessions were delivered in G6-G9 Homerooms and an exam mindfulness practice session was provided for G10. In addition, daily mindfulness sessions were provided during Innovation Week.
-
Experiential learning: There have been a number of field trips, for example, the G11Drama, Design and DPtrips to London and G8/9 Football Trip to Liverpool and G8 Science Trip to Sri Lanka. Such trips continue to be successful on many levels, including team building, cultural exchange, and collaboration.
-
Academic follow-up: Extensive follow-up meetings with students and parents have taken place throughout the year.
-
Review of the IB Diploma programme: A review of the timetable has allowed us to increase the number of hours of study for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level subjects in the next academic year and consider providing DPstudents with a more flexible day.
-
Successful application to become a SAT testing centre: Our students will no longer have to travel to other schools in order to sit the USCollege entry SAT exams.
-
Successful MYPEvaluation: Five years after receiving its Middle Years Programme (MYP) initial authorization to offer the MYP (April 2013), the school embarked on a journey that has taken just over 9 months of research, reflection and reporting on every facet of its 11-16 years?programme to complete its first IB Evaluation. The evaluation ? a form of quality assurance - involved everyone at ISL Qatar responsible for the implementation and leadership of the programme; and ranged from an in-depth parent survey, student interviews and transcripts, a self-study carried out by every subject group and the three-day visit itself.
-
Extra-curricular activities: Model United Nations (MUN) and the World Scholar?s Cup (WSC) have again proved to be popular with our students. Each year our MUN students have played a bigger role in the community and reached more exalted heights. This year was no exception! Similarly our students have achieved remarkable success in the WSC, a record number of students being invited to take part in the Tournament of Champions that will take place at Yale University in October.
-
University placement: our highly energetic university guidance counsellors have been burning the midnight oil to ensure that each one of our G12 students have received exciting offers from universities and colleges around the world. Brown University and UC Berkeley have now been added to our impressive list of placements at top academic institutions.
I hope that this will give you some idea of why the school year has been such a busy one! Despite the excitement that is always generated by thoughts of the summer holiday, the end of the year is also a time when we will unavoidably have to say goodbye to many good friends. As well as wishing the graduating Grade 12 students the very best of success in the next stage of their life, we will also have to say farewell to the students and staff who will be moving on to new schools and exciting new destinations. For those leaving us I would share the words of the American writer, Richard Bach: ?A farewell isnecessary before we can meet again, and meeting again after momentsor a lifetime iscertain for those who are friends.? I hope that you all have a thoroughly relaxing vacation and look forward to seeing you in August. Yours, David Monk Head of School
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
IDENTITY
PASSION
Message f r om t h e Head of Pr i m ar y
Transparency is the currency of trust. Freda Lewis-Hall When I joined ISL Qatar two years ago, I was given an office with four walls. Today that office has become a common room for all to use. A round table with five chairs replaced the office desk and large computer desktop. The four walls have now become only two with two large windows replacing them. Those two glass windows have allowed me to see our school and students, as well as, to be seen by them, all day and at any time. As part of our open door policy, we now have an open window policy! The idea of flattening the walls of the classroom has infiltrated the walls of our office spaces. The windows are symbols of my belief that learning and children?s success is a joint venture between the students, parents, and the school. This year one of these windows has taken on a new role. The window has become places where Roula Ismail Head of Primary students pose their questions and other students pose their responses. By the students, for the students. The last question posed by a Grade 1student: ?Why do people pollute??was especially popular with students and the window was full of reasons why. I urge you to stop by and add your own ideas. As we reach the end of the year, I would like to celebrate with you the wonderful learning successes that your children have achieved this year. As partners in the education of the next generation, we thank you for your support and contribution to making our school a place for exciting learning to happen and a space where young minds can flourish. Hope you have a safe, relaxing, and happy holiday with your families, and loved ones.
PRIMARY YEARS NEW S
Farew el l w i shes f rom Ki m McDon al d, PYP Coordi n at or Ten years ago, I started working at ISL Qatar and it has been a pleasure to be part of the school?s journey over the years. It is quite amazing to reflect on how far we have come since the early days, Kim McDonald and I am very proud of PYPCoordinator my colleagues who have helped make the school what it is today. I take with me many memories (and seven rescue cats!) and I look forward to hearing about the school?s continued development. Thank you for your support and friendship. Wishing you all a wonderful summer. Kim.
DIVERSITY
New s f rom Grade 3 What will the Grade 3 students of 2029 find in the time capsule? Using their artistic talents, 2019 Grade 3 students decorated art aprons to be hidden in the time capsule. Time will tell!
UNDERSTANDING
IDENTITY
PASSION
PRIMARY YEARS NEW S
Grade 4 & 5 Tal en t Show Lara, Haya, Callisti, Layan and Talia in 4C took the initiative to organise a talent show for the G4 and G5. From idea to contact Mr. Robert, book the auditorium and make sure the technical equipment was in place - it was all done by the students. The show itself saw different acts; dancing, singing, comedy and piano playing. The organisers truly showed what taking action means.
Grade 4 & 5 Col l aborat i on
Grade 5 Don at es t o Bark i n Q
Grade 4C challenged themselves by teaching a Grade 2 class about fractions. Ms Simons' class came up to see us on the last day of school so that students could teach students. We learned to recognize fractions by using pictures, manipulatives and numbers. This was organized and executed by our Grade 4 class, taking action is an important component of the PYP. We are proud of our collaborative spirit.
It was an honour for the Grade 5 students to present BarkinQ with dog food and donations given by the ISL Qatar community. After the inspirational visit by BarkinQ as part of the PYPExhibition, Hania initiated a collection of food so that stray dogs in the industrial area in Qatar could be looked after over the summer.
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
Thank you so much to Hania, BarkinQ and the generosity of the ISL Qatar community. We have made a difference.
IDENTITY
PASSION
PRIMARY YEARS NEW S
Grade 5 Cel ebrat i on of Lear n i n g
This year's Grade 5 Celebration of Learning was a memorable occasion. We gathered to celebrate the achievements of our Grade 5 students and award them a certificate for completing the Primary Years Programme and the PYPExhibition. Representing Grade 5, Hailey Bisram and Meshaal Al Baker opened the event with their insightful and moving welcome. Sebastian El Fakih and Taline El Hajj gave engaging speeches about their Primary school experience and how they had grown and developed. The Grade 5 teachers, as well as Mr Monk, Ms Jeffery and Ms Roula, delivered heartfelt words of encouragement and inspiration. Thanks go to our wonderful Grade 4 MCs, Tayiba Muzaferija and Lara Barakat , who helped the whole event run smoothly. To end with a quote from one parent that really sums up the day, "Thank you for taking the time to arrange a wonderful celebration for our children." To view the rest of the Grade 5 Celebration of Learning photos, please visit this link next week: https://bit.ly/2ZWmNjL.
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
IDENTITY
PASSION
Message f r om t h e Head of Secon dar y Dear Parents, As we approach the end of another busy year at ISL Qatar, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful and relaxing holiday and draw your attention to some key changes that we have made this year. Our on-going focus is to seek ways in which we might help students develop greater self-directedness. This project will continue, no doubt, for a few more years. Here is one of our major goals in this respect: To explore further and implement a more holistic view of learner progress, capturing academic and social, personal and emotional learning; and skill development. (Effective feedback needs to focus students on growth, not grades.) Nick Botting Head of Secondary
Changes that have already been made to this end are: 1. Grades and levels of achievement have been removed from Interim Reports in G6-G10.
2. Student learner conversations now provide students with a formal means of reflection. This individual learning journey will be captured on their end-of-year report. These conversations have been scripted to support students in exploring their own learning, reflection and target setting. Increased student voice and choice continues to be apparent in the classroom, particularly in English and Individuals and Societies. Evidence of this on-going development is largely apparent through the impressive range of products that students devise and present/perform both inside and outside of the classroom. Looking ahead to next year, we have also been working on the following: The development of the G6-to-G8 learning framework and introduction/implementation of Project-Based Learning to provide learning opportunities and teaching methods that match the ever-changing needs of today?s learners. When we tell students to complete an assignment, we get compliance. A final thought: When we empower learners to explore and learn how to make an impact on the world, we inspire problem-solvers and innovators.
SECONDARY YEARS NEW S
Secon dar y Years Ar t t ravel s t hrou gh t i m e! We have been around the world and traveled in a time machine this year in Secondary Art! Wartime Germany has been visited through Kathe Kollwitz?s prints with Grade 10, Ancient Egyptian cartouches were explored with Grade 7, and Grade 8 being exposed to the communication behind Ancient Greek ceramics. Grade 9 discovered the Pop Art Movement, re-imaging and creating shoes in the style of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, as well joining East and West when Bauhaus met Origami. In the middle of all of this learning we were fortunate to have workshops from the Qatar based artist Charlene Kasdorf, showing us how to open up with textures and shapes in our art. The creative outcomes have been showcased at many exhibitions this year. The annual Diploma Art show was a roaring success with Veruska Stepanka?s intricate collages and Alex Van Coppenolle?s interpretation of a writers mind stealing the show. Katara?s Spark Collective saw a show displaying the highlights from MYPand DPartwork, showcasing numerous techniques and art forms, such as acrylic painting, sculpture, cardboard manipulation and photography. In Ramadan, the Art department ramped things up by organizing the whole school Art exhibition ?Talent?, with the joined forces of PYPteachers, resulting in a diverse and exciting show from students work from EC1up to Grade 12. It was a genuine pleasure to see everyone?s work together in one place, and be able to see the progression our students make during their creative journey here at ISL Qatar. The Visual Art Department is excited for the next year and the many places we will go when we visit the work of artists through their artwork.
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
IDENTITY
PASSION
SECONDARY YEARS NEW S FROM THEMYPCOORDINATOR: MS. HELEN JEFFERY
Grade 10 Cel ebrat i on of Lear n i n g Throughout this past year, the G10 students have completed an exciting, challenging, action packed, fun-filled year. They have met many different challenges, seized great opportunities, made many friends, learned at first-hand about different cultures and nationalities, joined after school activities, contributed to local communities, cheered many class-mates to victory, written countless essays, solved many Maths problems and spent many hours pouring Helen Jeffery over their Personal Projects. They are work-weary MYPCoordinator and in need of a vacation! I would like, on behalf of the G10 class extend special thanks to both their parents for their constant support and understanding and to all their teachers for their hard work in preparing these students for entry into continued learning whether it be at ISL Qatar or beyond; for their patience, understanding, and generous flexibility with regards to home learning deadlines!
urged each one of them to pursue their dreams. Mr. Botting?s annual ?Banter with Botting?included interviews with three students ? Yousra Kushkush, Alek De Lange and Mubarak Al Naimi - about their Career-Related Experience. The musical interludes were provided by the G10 students ? Dylan Furniss (electric guitar) and Moritz Cornielje; Allan Gomez (piano); Lara Jondi (voice) and David Paez (guitar). To view the rest of the photos, please visit this link next week: https://bit.ly/2FCN9PQ.
During this special celebration of student learning, students received their ISL Qatar Certificates of Completion. The two MYP Valedictorians ? Tanya Dwivedi and Sebastian Perez De Obanos ? reminded fellow students about the bright futures that lie ahead and
and a final word from me ? We are at the end of another very busy school year. On behalf of all my MYP colleagues, I would like to thank you for your support and working partnership over the past year of learning. Our best wishes are extended to all those families who will not be returning to ISL Qatar in September, 2019. We hope that you have a smooth transition to your new destinations and are taking with you many fond memories of our school and city of Doha. Sunday, 25th August marks the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year for all students.
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
IDENTITY
PASSION
On Thursday 27th June, we celebrated our seventh annual Grade 12 Graduation. This ceremony proved to be an emotional, vibrant and unforgettable event as our 45 graduates, resplendent in their gowns, hats and sashes, were recognised for their achievements and contributions to the school.
The Class of 2019 are truly internationally-minded, with 27 different nationalities from across the globe. Between them they have spent over 300 years at the school. They have a compelling sense of humour, are lifelong inquirers and have remarkable creativity and a vibrant passion for life. Having contributed so much, they will be greatly missed. We presented Lara Exton and Habeeb Buraimoh with their Valedictorian Awards in recognition of attaining the highest academic standards, making outstanding contributions to the school and for being exemplary representatives of the Class of 2019. Their speeches
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
were particularly moving as was the performance by Anna Zaffagni , Denys Bodnar, and Ashley Franzen and Mrs. Burkett?s memories of the Class of 2019. Ra'nna Mughal received the CASAward and Abdulla hin Abdulhadi Al Dahneem the G12 Learner Award. Samual Arthur Nyakiamo was chosen as the student who best epitomises the values of ISL Qatar and, in doing so, became the second recipient of the Nadim Makarem Award.
We wish the Graduates all the best for their future endeavors. To view the rest of the Graduation photos, please visit this link next week https://bit.ly/2IQJaRR.
IDENTITY
PASSION
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
From t he En gl i sh as an Addi t i on al Lan gu age Depar t m en t EAL Magazine, First Edition, June 2019 The purpose of this magazine is to provide a platform for EAL students to express their creativity, share ideas about their experiences in their EAL classes, and emphasise their pride in English language learning. The students have written stories, poetry, created videos, reviewed books, shared advice on language learning etc.. Click here to see the full magazine.
ISL Qat ar Li br ar i es
Li brar y Book s All library books should have already been returned, in case the book has been lost or damaged there are two options:
Pr of essi on al Dev el opm en t
The Worl d Caf e
1. Buy a new copy of the book and send it to the library.
Welcome to the World Cafe - the forum where teachers share their learning. Just as students go into their Student-Led Conference sharing their achievements and their growth, teachers came together on the afternoon of June 11th to make our growth visible to our community of learners. Teachers brought a combination of portfolios, reflective Colin Powell artifacts, annotated Director of Learning images, models, videos, journal entries, annotated student work and lesson plans. In partnerships, teachers explored teacher learning growth through the following questions: - In what waysdoesthe learning demonstrate agency and autonomy? - How might we see thislearning from different perspectives?What feelingsare connected to each perspective? - How doesyour experience connect to this learning? - In what waysisthisaligned with the mission of our school? We know that there is great learning benefit when we combine the responsibility to share with an informal, social setting. Wonderful expertise, passion and growth were shared and celebrated.
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
IDENTITY
2.Pay the QR200 fee. This is the standard fee across the school for lost or damaged library or literacy books. This covers the cost of sourcing the books in either the UK or US, the freight charge, and the processing and cataloguing costs. Pay it at the library. If you have any inquiries email the librarians: - Primary School, Ms Tina craventos@islqatar.org - Secondary School, Ms Blackwell kblackwell@islqatar.org
PASSION
SPORTS NEW S
QUESS 20 19 This year, The International School of London, Grade 6 football team won first place in the QUESS2019 schools league. The students were excellent in all areas of the game-winning all but one of their games. They represented the school with enthusiasm, respect and pride. Congratulations to the players and the coach Shaun Mistry!
Please note that in the next academic year ISL Qatar will no longer sell water in single use plastic bottles. We will encourage all students to bring reusable water bottles with them to school each day and will ensure that they have access to water stations that will allow them to refill their bottles. We will have an ISL Qatar reusable water bottle that will be available for students and members of the community who wish to buy one.
In t erest ed i n k eepi n g you r k i ds bu sy du r i n g t he hol i days? En rol l t hem i n su m m er cam ps arou n d Doha! For families staying in Doha over the summer there are a number of summer camps organised. Below are some to choose from.
Mad Science at Angry Birds, a daily combination of in-class discovery and exploration designed for children ages 4 ? 12. Click here.
Evolution Sports offer a range of camps for players of all ages and abilities throughout Doha. Click here for more details.
Bounce Fitness. Read more and register here. Early bird discount if you sign up before 30th June.
First Fit Training Summer Camp. Read more here. 20% discount for ISL UCMAS, click here. Special ISL Qatar discount applicable Qatar students. Camp Festival, click here. Use the discount code ISLS19 Legacy Sports and Events, read more here.
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
IDENTITY
PASSION
How t o get IAAF Worl d At hl et i cs Cam pi on shi ps 20 19 t i ck et di scou n t ? Qatar is organising one of the biggest sporting events in the world this year, the World Athletics Championships, 28 September to 6 October. ISL Qatar has received a special discount code for the tickets to the event, SCHOOL19. Please follow the given steps: STEP1: Visit the official website, click here. STEP2: Click on "TICKET" and create an account by username and password STEP3: Select your desired seats and input the discount code, SCHOOL19 (Please make sure to enter the whole code as provided, without any spaces) STEP4: Proceed to payment page Please note that you will be able to use this code to directly purchase up to 10 tickets per session through the website.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AND COMMUNITY ACTION NEW S
Fl ea Mark et f or t he Roof t op Garden
2n d Chan ce Don at i on During the ISL Qatar Market day in April some students decided to fund raise for the 2nd Chance Animal Shelter. Ms Lina Serafini came to school last week to accept the donation from the students. Ms Lina talked to the students about animals in Qatar and the work they do at the shelter. This is a great initiative and the students promised to continue to support the shelter in the future.
Four years ago a group of students together with a staff member, Dr Fernandez, decided to make a rooftop garden with an automated irrigation system. The question was if it would be possible to grow plants in the heat of the desert. We know the answer to that question now, it is possible. This year a group of students, together with Mr Julio, decided to take the rooftop garden to another level. In order to improve the garden they organised a flea market in the last week of school to fundraise for the extension of the garden. We are all looking forward to see what the development will look like next year.
Fr om t h e H R Of f i ce
Usef u l Li n k s
We are currently looking for candidates to fill the following vacancies: Teacher of Turkish Mother Tongue Teacher of Early Childhood Teacher of PYP& MYP Arabic Teacher Only applicants with a graduate calibre will be considered. Fluency in English is essential, Arabic is an advantage. Please apply through our website & provide references, contact details here.
DIVERSITY
UNDERSTANDING
IDENTITY
-
Parents Sign Up for the Library BYOD Policy Smartphone Policy Parent Handbook 2018
Follow us
PASSION