Zambia Trip
By Sara Hughes Pacheco
Period poverty is a term that is used to describe a lack of access to menstrual products, education and health services related to menstruation. This issue affects women from all walks of life but especially affects those in low-income areas or living in developing countries. However period poverty is not just an issue of hygiene and convenience; it is a matter of human rights. Every woman and girl has the right to manage their periods safely, and without shame. But when they cannot afford menstrual products or have limited access to clean water and sanitation, their physical, emotional, and social well-being suffers. This has a greater impact on girls’ education and consequent career opportunities. When girls can’t attend school due to the lack of menstrual products available, they fall behind their peers and miss out on valuable learning opportunities. It is, therefore, integral to raise awareness on women’s issues and give everyone the chance to feel empowered. This is exactly what the Period Empowerment Team aims to do.
In June, after lots of sewing and planning, the team made their trip to Zambia to distribute 1000 bags to girls with limited or no access to sanitary wear from Mothers Without Borders, an orphanage based in Lusaka, and Tongabezi Trust School in Livingstone. The handmade kits they had been working on through the year included: three outer layers, three waterproof layers, extra layers for females to use to adjust accordingly to their menstrual cycle, a pack of underwear and toiletries.
All members can agree this was an eye-opening experience where they witnessed firsthand the profound impact of their efforts as well as the gravity of this global issue. Not only did the team teach the girls, as well as some boys, about menstrual hygiene and its importance, but they also gained invaluable insights into their lives. By engaging in conversations and simply listening to their experiences, the team was exposed to the immense stigma surrounding this deeply entrenched societal challenge, where the scarcity of menstrual products represents just one facet of this complex issue. Consequently, it became evident that confronting period poverty necessitates not only providing resources but also dismantling stereotypes, fostering sympathy, and advocating for change at the societal level – objectives that the team members were even more fervent and resolute in pursuing after this transformative opportunity.
As they reflect on their journey, the Period Empowerment Team recognizes that with each kit distributed, they have made another step forwards towards effecting positive change in the global movement to tackle period poverty. Not only has this impacted the lives of those they helped, but it has profoundly changed the lives of the Period Empowerment Team members themselves.
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September, 2023
Latest news and bulletin updates in our own Sixth Form
JESS SIXTH FORM GAZETTE
Year 12 advice + Year 13 advice Student executives + Swedish Vasa Shipwreck Upcoming Dates + Comic of the month
Amber Bettsworth + Cyrus Fotuhi
Ranya Khurana + Lena Nedeljkovic
By: Cyrus Fotuhi
Year 1 3 advice
As we are now officially diving into year 13 and subsequently IB2, there are many obstacles that will face us throughout our journey. However, by following these tips below, it should make you more organized or at least more confident!
Seek Help and Support: Don't hesitate to seek help from teachers, tutors, or classmates when you encounter challenging concepts or coursework. Form study groups to share knowledge and resources and lean on your support network during challenging times.
Balance Your Commitments: While IB2 is academically demanding, it's essential to maintain a balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Engage in activities you're passionate about and practice self-care to prevent burnout.
Stay Healthy: Prioritize your physical and mental health. Maintain a nutritious diet, get regular exercise, and ensure you're getting enough sleep. These habits can boost your energy levels and cognitive function.
Effective Study Techniques: Experiment with different study techniques to find what works best for you. Techniques such as active recall, spaced repetition, and summarization can enhance your retention and understanding of complex subjects.
IB Core Components: Pay special attention to the core components of the IB Diploma Program, such as the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements. Start working on your Extended Essay early to avoid last-minute stress.
Practice Past Papers: Practice solving past exam papers to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you'll encounter during IB exams. This can boost your confidence and improve your exam performance.
Manage Stress: Though a common feeling during IB2, but it's crucial to manage it effectively. Explore relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises. Additionally, maintain a support system of friends and family to talk to about your stressors.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with IB program requirements, deadlines, and any changes to the curriculum. Regularly check your school's resources and IB program updates to stay informed.
By: Amber Bettsworth
Year 1 2 advice
One month into the school year and 10 months to go for Year 12s, but only 7 months for Year 13s! Imagine how much you can learn in that time? But what if this piece can teach you, especially Year 12s, about what is coming up and how you can make an ‘academic comeback’. I wrote a similar article with advice from the former Year 13s to us and while some of it is similar, I think experiencing it firsthand allowed me and other Year 12s to be able to come up with a more updated way to manage IB.
Not to scare you at all, but in Term 2 and Term 3, you will most likely have multiple essays, IA’s or deadlines all due within the same timeframe and the only way to do that is through time management. Whether it is making a to-do list or powering off your phone to avoid distractions, it is important to find a way which works for you. Another top tip, which will help you with time management is getting on top of any small tasks in Term 1 before the workload is amped up; simply researching different university courses or doing some super curriculars like online courses or reading a book can prevent last minute cramming this time next year. For example, everyone I interviewed emphasized the necessity of doing the first draft of your EE before the summer which would put you in such a good position for Year 13 and allow you to focus on mocks. A final point of advice, away from an academics, is to get involved in everything. Term 1 always has so much going on, from the Drama productions to The Sevens, there are plenty of opportunities to get immersed within school life. Year 12 flies by and you want to be able to look back at it and see how you made the most of it.
September, 2023 JESS Issue #12
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By: Ranya Khurana
Meet our digital leaders!
A Since March of this year, Rahma Ammiche and Salim Al Rawashdeh in Year 13 have been working as the Digital Leaders in the Sixth Form Student Executive Committee. Both of them are avid Computer Science students who are passionate about equipping students with digital skills that are essential in today’s day and age.
Most recently, Rahma and Salim attended the induction day for students new to JESS, in order to guide them with how to use commonly used digital applications like OneNote and Microsoft Teams, as well as how to navigate the iSAMS student portal and access their timetables on the platform. By helping the students in this way, they were able to ensure a much smoother transition into the school’s digital ecosystem for them.
Over the course of the new academic year, Rahma and Salim are looking forward to collaborating with digital leaders in younger years to implement new initiatives. Through these initiatives, their aim is to promote and therefore improve digital literacy at JESS, hence making students at JESS more digitally aware. They have already had sessions regarding ChatGPT and AI literacy, and they want to make such new technology more accessible and understandable for students to create an optimal learning environment for all.
Rahma - who is continuing to lead the Girls who Code club this year as well - says that she hopes that by setting achievable and realistic goals throughout the course of this year, they will be able to work towards and achieve their target of improving the overall student learning environment in the school. Together, they are making significant progress towards their aim of making a positive impact on the digital space at JESS. We wish you all the best for your new initiatives, Rahma and Salim!
Unfortunately, the ship’s journey barely lasted a mile. The ship was top heavy, and a gust of wind managed to offset it. The Vasa was submerged in the Swedish harbor for 300 years before it was salvaged in 1961. The salvaging of the Vasa was an arduous process as the team had to avoid damaging the delicate hull of the ship. A Swedish crowd gathered in Stockholm 333 years after the ship sailed to see the Vasa uncovered. The preservation of the ship was an archeological feat as it had to be preserved with innovative techniques such as injecting it with polyethylene glycol to strengthen it and maintain the structural integrity of the wood. Today, the Vasa can be observed at its full size at the Vasa Museum (Vasa Museet) in Stockholm, Sweden.
Every year 1.5 million tourists visit Stockholm to marvel at the world’s best preserved 17th century ship. Seeing the ship this summer was an exceptionally special experience and worth seeing as an IB History student.
By: Lena Nedeljikovic
1628: The Vasa Shipwreck
The Vasa was a ship that was commissioned by King Gustavus Adolphus of the Swedish Vasa Dynasty. It was constructed between 1626 and 1628 in Stockholm. The Vasa was meant to be revolutionary and one of the most powerful warships of its time. It spans 69 meters in length and 52 meters in height with a capacity to carry 64 cannons with two-gun decks.
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The Vasa
Photo credits: Lena Nedeljikovic
The intricacies of the design
Photo credits: Lena Nedeljikovic
Upcoming Dates: University speakers
. 3 rd October - Dartmouth & Johns Hopkins
. 4 th October – Arizona State University
. 5 th October - Boston University
Other :
2 nd October – EE first draft deadline
. 4 th October – Year 13 parent - teacher evening
. 12 th October – Year 13 parent coffee morning
. 14 th October – Half term begins
23 rd October – Half term ends
. 31 st October - 2 nd November – SL English IO’s
. 1 st November – First draft submission of maths IA
10 th November – Final payment for Vietnam
. 12 th November – Diwali
. 1 3 th - 15 th November – Gold IA practice
22 nd - 23 rd November – HL English IO ’s
. 28 th November – Final draft submission of maths IA
31 st November – 2 nd December 1 st - 3 rd December – Rugby 7’s
. 8 th of December - End of term one / Winter break
Fun fact of the month – The average family in the US spends $700 in school supplies every year, adding up to $80 billion in annual sales!
Contact 10AKing@jess.sch.ae
September, 2023 JESS
Issue #12
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around every once in a while. You could miss it”.
- Ferris Bueller
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Comic of the month – brought to you by Alana Hava
