NEWSWEEK
North London Collegiate School Jeju
WELCOME TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
22 January 2021
Image from the last few years shows
DANCE MEET STUDENTS & TEACHERS AWARDS
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A Letter From The Principal Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of NLCS Jeju We are able to have greater capacity on campus now due to the additional precautions we have put in place. However, I would ask that everyone ensures that they continue to follow all precautionary measures and take care about who they are in contact with and where they go off site in order that we continue to keep our community safe. Sadly, this does not allow us to open our campus to our parents and to the large numbers of visitors we would normally expect. However as you will see we continue with our Parent meetings and Information Sessions in a virtual environment through our expertise in screening many different types of events. The Options Information Session today is an important example and it has allowed our parents to be engaged fully in the process along with their children in Year 9. Our Parent Academy next week had hundreds of parents join in in the first hour we opened for sign-ins. We have been able to select a format to welcome you all. The exceptional Co-Curricular provision is an essential part of the NLCS Jeju experience and I am delighted that we are recommencing Bryant this weekend albeit slightly differently with the Junior School attending this Saturday (Jan 23) and the Senior School next weekend (Jan 30). In the newsletter this week you will see many examples of our excellent provision ‘Beyond the Curriculum’. I would also like to draw your attention to the many Gap and Grad Assistants we have in school who play a full part in this and bring their skills and talents to this programme. We have some new arrivals into this programme. It is also delightful to have some of our alumni also contributing to these programmes and also working to support learning in the faculties. Lynne Oldfield Principal
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Campus Capacity from 25 January This is a 2 day rota for Junior School Date
Years groups on Campus with normal class teaching Junior School
Monday 25 January 2021 Day 1
Reception , Year 1, Year 6, Year 4
Tuesday 26 January 2021 Day 2*
Reception , Year 1, Year 5, Year 2, Year 3
Campus Capacity from 25 January This is a 2 day rota for Senior School Date
Years groups on Campus with normal class teaching Senior School
Monday 25 January 2021 Day 1
Senior School Years 7,10 and 12 with Year 9 boys
Tuesday 26 January 2021 Day 2*
Senior School Years 8, 11 and 13 with Year 9 girls
*After Day 2 the rota begins again with only the above year groups in school. When a student is not in school they will continue with online/distance learning.
PARENTS WINTER CONCERT ACADEMY
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Parents Academy is back. We have been disappointed over the last year not to be able to hold our sessions in Seoul, Busan or Jeju. We hope that we’ve been able to keep you informed with our newsletter, social media, regular communications and more. But we’d like to reinstate our Parents Academy - online. Next week we will be holding three sessions Tuesday Jan 26 1.00 - 2.30 - Senior School Wednesday Jan 27 1.00 - 2.30 - Junior School Thursday Jan 28 1.00 - 2.30 - Chinese Parent Community We are trying to ind the best ways to connect so register with details HERE. Please contact our Parent Relations team with any questions. Please note that numbers may be limited.
Senior School
Junior School Seyfried Sung (School Council Chair)
Chinese Parent Community
DANCE!
North London Collegiate School Jeju
This week the spotlight is on our Dance department. We are incredibly lucky to have a great network of teachers, alumni and students who make this subject so special here. As well as being educational, it has fantastic health benefits and it is fun - whether it’s part of the School day or an extracurricular activity. Dance is taught throughout the School from Year 5 up to Year 13. Students can elect to study Dance at IGCSE and at DP and for several students here this has led to a career path or an interest for life. Read on to hear more.
Image from the last few years
Dance on the Curriculum
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Every student is given a chance to dance at NLCS Jeju. It’s a wonderful counterpoint to more deskbound study! As part of the Arts department the links between dancing and music, visual art and drama can all be explored and developed. The School takes great pride in the Arts and encourages all students to perform. Before Year 5 Dance is taught by Class teachers and PE teachers as a key part of the curriculum. Years 5-6 - Students will learn the fundamentals of dance through action, space, dynamics and relationships and explore these through different styles. The focus at this stage is on collaboration, exploring spaces, learning what our bodies can do. Students are taught to use their imaginations, to lack inhibition and to share their great ideas. Years 7-9 - Our KS3 students have one lesson a week and the focus is on three areas • • •
Choreograph Perform Evaluate
They improve their skills and their techniques, their individual style and movement. Problem solving is key! Students will also focus on some professional pieces which they watch and analyse. These include Street dance and Cultural dance. GCSE Dance - This can be an intensive and challenging subject as a GCSE (note - it is not an IGCSE like most other subjects.) Students examine 6 professional dance pieces from the world of contemporary, urban or contemporary ballet. They take a 90 minute exam in Choreographic Theory and balance this with a practical element involving choreography and performance as a solo and a duet or trio. Each section is filmed in Year 11. IBDP Dance - Taking Dance at IB allows students to benefit from small classes and individual attention. They can really explore their subject and be as creative as they want. They can focus on Jazz, Urban, Global, Bollywood, Ballet, Korean dance and so much more. Teachers support and guide the students and help them become independent dancers. Another part of the DP is a written World Dance Studies Investigation (2,500 words at HL.) Here two types of dance are used to make a comparison between the familiar and the unfamiliar. Contact our Dance team (below) to find out more about any of these levels.
DaEun Kim Year 13
North London Collegiate School Jeju
One student who is coming to the end of her DP course is DaEun Kim. She has loved Dance at NLCS Jeju since joining as a Year 8 student. DaEun has been accepted with an Early Decision to Emory in the US. She will study Dance Movement Studies at this prestigious university. DaEun says “Dance is really helpful for all communication. I’ve found Dance to be academic. It involves analysis and research skills as well as being practical. “ DaEun loves Contemporary and Jazz (“Influenced by Ms. Sangster!”) and also Urban and Hip Hop. She urges younger students “Perform as much as you can. Watch older year groups. Go backstage and see how they work. It’s harder when you are studying online but it is possible. Use your personal space effectively and explore YouTube for things that appeal to you.”
North London Collegiate School Jeju
DaEun Kim
Minha Kim Alumni Volunteer Grad
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Minha Kim is a Fourth Year student at Stanford in the US. After graduating from NLCS Jeju in 2017 she went to the US to balance a Major in Mathematical and Computational Science with a Minor in Dance. As one of our first students here at NLCS Jeju Minha always loved Dance and always took advantage of the facilities in the developing subject. She took her GCSE (there was no IB Dancve offered at that time) but credits after School activities and personal work with creating and nurturing her passions. She formed her own group - Maum - and they performed at Arts Week and in other sessions. One performance was Perfume (inspired by the novel) in conjunction with Branksome Hall - where the students choreographed, directed and performed themselves.
North London Minha says “ I just love Dance! My parents were initially worried that it would detractSchool from Collegiate Jeju my studies but I was able to prove to them that I could balance things! Dance relieved my stress and let me find myself outside our quest for grades! I have found it so helpful at Stanford to be able to step out of the classroom and into the studio. “
Minha says to all students interested in pursuing a similar path. “See Dance as part of your life. It will enrich you - and can never harm your chances. A fun part of School for me was creating dances with friends.,The resources and facilities at NLCS Jeju and the encouragement of the teachers really helped me.Take advantage of it! Join with friends across the years.Take inspiration from other dancers and friends. Don’t think it’s too technical - just enjoy it!” Minha won’t make dancing her career as Maths has her heart - but she says “I will ALWAYS dance!”
Minha Kim
A few other honourable mentions to NLCS Jeju alumni
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Jiwon Oh - Class of 2020 - Currently in London. Studied at LABAN and then auditioned and got into ‘The Place’ in London where she is now doing her BA Hons in Dance Performance. Jiwon says “I’m on my BA course at The Place (London Contemporary dance school), studying Contemporary Dance. Dance class at NLCS Jeju is where I was first introduced to the genre of contemporary. I’d never imagined pursuing a career as a dancer before then. Participating in performances and workshops including student-led projects and the Arts Week visiting artists sessions gave me so many opportunities to be creative and deepen my passion for dance.”
Seung Eun Kim (Sia Kim) - Class of 2018 now at NYU Tisch studying Drama. Sia says “Performing arts was the highlight of my life at NLCS Jeju. Dance has led me to so many opportunities. Being the Dance Society’s Chair, leading House competitions or other special events gave me leadership opportunities. Working as a choreographer gave me a chance to develop my responsibility and creativity. Moreover, being involved in ensembles and many concerts allowed me to make many friends, which helped me adapt to the new environment when I first came to NLCS Jeju. Dance also allowed me to look at the bigger world of Performing Arts and connect to physical theatre, which was the most significant influence on my choice of University and major, Drama. I am very thankful to NLCS Jeju and to Mrs. Taylor who opened the world of dance for me.”
Jessica Oh - Class of 2019 - at Rochester studying Dance
Final Dance Alumni Fact! Jisu - now famous as Lea in ITZY, studied for GCSE Dance here until she left at the end of Year 10!
Meet The Teachers
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Our department of Dance teachers are incredibly passionate about what they do. They come from varied backgrounds and all have different styles which gives our students an amazing breadth of talent and variety to learn from.
Stella Taylor - Head of Dance One of our Founding Teachers, Ms. Stella Taylor has been at NLCS Jeju since 2011. She joined from NLCS London where she taught for 6 years after her PGCE at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Throughout the last ten years Ms. Taylor has also been the much loved Housemistress of Geomun and she considers herself very fortunate that she has been able to be both part of Boarding and a fledgling Dance department where she has helped shape a healthy, successful programme. “Dance is part of the Arts programme here at NLCS Jeju. This is wonderful as it means we can crossover with Music, Drama, Visual Arts - we can learn from the teachers and the students and share ideas.�
Meet The Teachers
North London Collegiate School Jeju
High points for Ms. Taylor include Arts Weeks and partnerships with visiting companies such as Trinity Laban Conservatory of Dance from Deptford in London. She has also loved watching the students grow over the years both in Geomun and in her classes. The last year has been a challenging one - and more so for practical elements but she says “ The world of dance has really opened up to us on Jeju. So much is streamed now - we have access to performances and classes online that we never had before. Being on Jeju is like being in a big city in normal times. Everything is available to us! I’d urge all our students to watch some Korean contemporary companies like the Laboratory Dance Project“ Ms. Taylor’s Ambitions • Get more boys to dance! • Demonstrate that developing the creative side of your brain will benefit you in every aspect of your studies and future career. • Help to promote Dance as a valuable part of the curriculum!
Stella Taylor
Natalie Sangster
NorthLondon London North Collegiate School Collegiate School Jeju Jeju
Ms. Natalie Sangster is in her second year at NLCS Jeju. She, too, combines her role as Dance and Drama teacher with that of Housemistress of Jeoji. As a former boarding student herself she loves being in House and forming special bonds with the Jeoji girls! Ms. Sangster has an amazing background as a dancer and performer in her home country of New Zealand. She has been a dancer since she was five and has specialised in ballet, jazz, hiphop and contemporary over the years - as well as musical theatre. As part of various choruses she was in Mamma Mia, Chicago and West Side Story to name a few! Natalie danced through her school and university years as she took her BA in Theatre Studies with a Minor in Dance at Waikato University in Hamilton, New Zealand.
North London Collegiate School Jeju
She received a scholarship for Leadership and Dance. Afterwards she danced professionally, modelled abroad and also ran her own business. This commercial knowledge adds an extra edge to her talents as a teacher. After four years in a school in New Zealand High School teaching Dance and becoming Head of Dance, she came to NLCS Jeju. “You don’t have to be a dancer to do dance! Our students are amazing - they are open to trying everything. They can make loads of progress as there is no right and wrong in this subject! Dance can involve problem solving, research and creativity - and the movement is a great balance to rigidity of classroom academics.” “Don’t be afraid to try! I’d like to see more students taking Dance. Take a subject you really enjoy.And definitely broaden horizons - K Pop is great but there is so much more to Dance!”
Natalie Sangster
Paula Johnson
North London Collegiate School Jeju
We are so lucky to have had Ms. Paula Johnson here for a year on sabbatical from her home city of Vancouver, Canada. She has brought an amazing energy to our School and is a huge favourite with all our students. She has extensive qualifications and teaching experience earned in Canada and the US - and was attracted to NLCS Jeju in Korea. “The global pandemic has made this a very different experience, “ she says, “but I wouldn’t change it. The students are awesome! They are so joyful!” Collaboration and group work are central to Ms. Johnson’s classes. “I always try and put something fun like street dance into the warm ups so students engage straightaway. In the group work I see the magic happen! It might sound like a cliche but I really believe that you should dance like no one’s watching. Students are safe in the dance studio - they can come in and be creative.”
Ms. Johnson has two big dance projects she is engaging in this year 2021 Dance 365. “Every day I dance. It sounds simple but every day is different and I take inspiration from all around me - places, people, colleagues, students. I make videos and share them. I am not afraid of cameras any more! Students can send me their inspiration - send me songs or thoughts and I’ll make up a dance. I’m working on a rugby dance for Mr. Cranwell!” The second project is The Journey which will become a Bryant. It’s historical, personal and international and will involve students making a film in Vancouver and our students will be collaborating.
Paula Johnson
Ms Johnson’s Top Three Tips
House Dance! One final highlight of the Dance calendar is House Dance. Last Autumn all our Senior Houses took part in the House Dance competition which was Livestreamed to the whole community. It’s a fierce competition and each House fields a wonderful team of dancers who plan, choreograph and practise for weeks beforehand. This year Mulchat were the winners but all dances were amazing. Make sure you sign up for the 2021 competition!
Image from the last few years
STAFF BABY
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Congratulations to Mr. Thomas Carter Stead, Senior School teacher. His wife, Hilah, gave birth to their first child, Willem (Wim) Cove Carter-Stead on 29th December. Please welcome this beautiful boy to the world and our NLCS Jeju community.
UNIVERSITIES Early Decision and Early Action University offers and acceptances are coming in. US universities have announced some of their Early Decisions (a binding offer made earlier than normal). Not every student goes for these as some like to keep their options open. Our offers so far are amazing and include • • • • • • • • • •
Emory - Business Emory - Performing Arts Emory - Economics Carnegie Mellon - Art and Natural Science Carnegie Mellon - Electrical/Computing Engineering George Washington - Public Policy University of Chicago - EconomicsDr NYU - Business and Political Economy Northwestern - Theatre Johns Hopkins - Behavioural Biology
BABIES
North London
Early Action offers are non binding but very attractive and can include scholarships and Collegiate School Jeju bursaries. Our students have been offered places at • • • • • •
Rutgers - Camden College of Arts and Sciences Virginia Commonwealth - Neuroscience (with scholarship) School of the Art Institute of Chicago The New School - Communication Design (with scholarship) Bard College - Politics Berklee College - Contemporary Writing
We’ll keep you updated over the next few months and we hope that some of our Class of 2021 will share their stories with our community.
University of Queensland Lecture Series The Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences of the University of Queensland will be giving a series of online lectures to our students.The lectures will take place on Wednesdays in February at 4.30. All students are welcome - especially those who are interested in careers in Pharmacy, Medicine and Medical Research. Venue will be confirmed - and please contact Ms. Tannis Waugh in the UGC or Ms. Kym Prichard, Head of Biology. Discovering and developing new pharmaceuticals: introduction to medicinal chemistry and high throughput screening – Dr. Ben Ross (3 Feb) Human cancer and cancer drug discovery - Prof. Sarah Roberts-Thomson (17 Feb) Interprofessional care of patients: introduction to new models of health care – A/Prof. Neil Cottrell (24 Feb)
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Mental Health First Aid Certification Our teachers are always learning, growing and developing in many areas - both academic and pastoral. Over the last week several have become holders of the Mental Health First Aid Certificate which involves sustained sessions online on many aspects of mental health protection and many new developments. Please contact Ms. Kate Sommerville if you have any questions.
STUDENT AWARDS
Well done to Juyeon Ma, Year 12, who has been a member of the Youth Cultural Corps for more than five years. This involves guiding foreign visitors at historical sites (such as Gyeongbokgung, Hanok Village etc.) Juyeon took part recently in a national competition involving presenting the guided tour online and she was awarded the excellence award. This is great news and another example of our students going the extra mile! Share your stories with us!
TEACHING AWARDS
North London Collegiate School Jeju
The Dedicated Teacher Awards is a chance to acknowledge a teacher that you admire and appreciate. The competition is open to all teachers and their students the world over. Why not nominate a teacher who has really inspired or encouraged you? You can find out how here‌
BOARDING Our lovely boarding team HM Gemma Stevens and AHM, Jessica Laughton rewarded Mulchat Girls for finishing their Mock IGCSE exams. Our House staff always go the extra mile for their students.
JUNIOR SCHOOL ART Some beautiful art from our Junior School. Head of Art, Ms. Krista Merrill has shared some lovely Year 5 watercolours. She says “Year 5 artists have been exploring watercolour to paint from observation. They are working to understand colour in the natural and visual environment. Students were encouraged to experiment with various watercolour techniques to develop a greater awareness of colour, space and value and how this medium operates.They have also been exploring how an artist can use colour expressively and how different colour possibilities and applications can set a mood for their work.” Here is a small sample of the work. We can’t wait to invite our whole community in to see them in person!
MUSIC
North London Collegiate School Jeju
ABRSM News These exams have now gone online.We are pleased to offer support with exam preparation through our lessons, accompaniment rehearsals, recording sessions as well assistance in uploading and completing all the necessary paperwork. Please have a look at what the school is offering to support students taking the exams. With no Grade V theory requirement (until May 1) it could be the best time to take these exams! Contact Mr. John Herbison with any questions and check this LINK
Image from the last few years
SURVEY
North London Collegiate School Jeju
JDC/JEINS have asked that the schools provided details of a questionnaire that they are promoting for parents to participate in. If you would like to participate please follow this link http://survey.panel.co.kr/jejuschoolsurvey Unfortunately the company used has only provided this survey in Korean so we cannot offer the opportunity to those who do not speak Korean.
Image from the last few years shows
JUNIOR SCHOOL Sophia Kim and Jiho Lee doing Dance Class online Year 4 Click Here for Junior Dance Henry and Anna
North London Collegiate School Jeju
JUNIOR SCHOOL Christmas Ballet pictures
North London Collegiate School Jeju
North London Collegiate School Jeju
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