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23 October, 2020 News from NLCS Jeju WELCOME TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of NLCS Jeju North London Collegiate School Jeju is privileged to have some of the best facilities and teachers in the world for the visual arts and indeed for all the creative arts. Some of the work of our talented students you will be able to see throughout this issue. This week has also seen the IGCSE Drama students performing their exam scripted performances for which they have prepared well and which were very much enjoyed by their audiences. It has been delightful this week for students to experience travel and all the benefits it can bring albeit virtually! It has been European Languages week and the presentations this week have been thought provoking and inspiring! Wednesday mornings are always stimulating for the students when they have the opportunity to be part of the lectures and presentations through Societies and Faculty Staff. We are approaching Diversity Week (w/c November 16) and this Wednesday saw the first of our visitors from the Embassies with the visit of the Singaporean ambassador, His Excellency, Mr. Eric Teo. He spoke to a number of Diploma students in Global Politics and Geography and was able to take a number of searching questions from the floor. He knew about the history of North London Collegiate School and its global reputation and so was keen to meet with our students.There were some very interesting conversations and discussions surrounding this event. Yours sincerely, Lynne Oldfield Principal
ART Welcome to our Visual Arts special!
North London Collegiate School Jeju
We are a very academic school and well known for our amazing results, university destinations and careers. We are unusual in Korea in also being huge supporters of all the Arts and our teachers are second to none. Our students often take Visual Arts at IGCSE and at IB and score very highly under the expert teaching of Ms. Sharon Kennington and her team. Ms. Krista Merrill ensures that a passion for Art is developed very early on in the Junior School and some may say it’s the most popular subject in School! Read on to meet some of our teachers and hear about the depth and breadth of this perennially successful and beautiful subject. We’re including lots of student work but to learn more just keep your eyes open around School and pop into the department. You’ll be blown away!
Sharon Kennington
Krista Merrill
Art in the Senior School - Ms. Sharon Kennington - Head of Visual Arts STUDENTS Ms. Sharon Kennington is our Head of Visual Arts in the Senior School. She tells us what led her to our School and throughout this section has contributed her expertise to various elements of Senior School Arts. All our teachers are exceptionally talented and experienced and bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and personal passions to their roles! “After studying Fine Art and Cultural studies, I worked in the fashion industry for 10 years, spending time in Paris, Lyon and Milan. For 5 years, I was also fortunate enough to live and work in Tokyo, where, in my spare time, I studied Suiboku-ga, Japanese ink painting. After the birth of my first son, I decided to teach and quickly specialised in teaching exam classes which I am passionate about as they give me the opportunity to share my knowledge of art, and cultural history. Prior to working at NLCS, I spent seven years in Cyprus with my family, working in an IB school and designing and building our family home which we intend to return to when we retire. Currently, I live in Jeoji house with my husband Mr Crebier and my youngest son Tristien. “
Art in the Junior School - Ms. Krista Merrill - Head of Visual Arts Ms. Krista Merrill is our Junior School Head of Art. Here she tells us how she came to Jeju and how she developed her passion for all things artistic! “I was first an art student in Canada, majoring in painting and drawing before I came to teaching. I put myself through university printing photos and processing film for a photographer in his darkroom. When I graduated from University I wanted to travel and save some money to do a masters in painting. Funnily enough, I went abroad with a program run by my University to teach English at a hagwon in Suwon, Korea. I did that for a year, fell in love with teaching and travelling and decided I'd return to Canada to do a teaching degree and postpone the masters in painting. A few years after training and teaching in Canada, I took another job abroad - this time as a primary class teacher in Bahrain. I met my husband there (JS Head of Humanities, Mr James Tipney) and together we shared this love of teaching and travelling. We moved on to international schools in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Jeju. I taught years 2, 3 and 4 as a classroom teacher and loved this. When we moved to Jeju the Junior School Art position tempted me back into the classroom. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to marry my love of teaching and art. Art is at the heart of the Junior School art programme. I believe strongly in sharing my passion, love of making art, looking at and responding to art. I hope my passion is contagious and spreads to all my students.”
ART JS Art Ambassadors
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Ms. Merrill and the Junior School leadership team have been appointing student leaders. These include Art Ambassadors who are responsible for promoting all elements of Art within the School. They were honoured in a special Junior School Student Leadership Assembly this week. Congratulations to - Alice Gwak, Jaeyun Park, Kate Han, Mingeon Lee, Song Shin
JS Art Curriculum The NLCS Visual Arts curriculum is built around the following Areas of Study:
Drawing Painting and Colour Printmaking Sculpture, Construction and Fibre, Clay and Ceramics
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North London Collegiate School Jeju
Junior and Senior Art Collaborations To assure the best possible art and design education, Ms. Merrill and Ms. Kennington have been working together to plan a number of specialist workshops for year 6 to enrich their learning. Over the past 3 weeks, all year 6 classes have visited the senior art department several times and received specialist instruction on how to use Photoshop.The specialist ICT skills were welcomed by year 6 who responded with enthusiasm, and an eagerness to learn. Both Ms. Kennington and Ms. Merrill were impressed with their intelligent questions and outcomes. The task involved developing a book cover, which combines two objects and is a continuation of the year 6 curriculum. Ms. Merrill said, “it is wonderful for the students to have this opportunity, they were so excited to come�. The collaborative workshops were formed after the success of the year 6 exhibition experience last June, where year 6 students had the opportunity to view and discuss artworks. Ms. Kennington and Ms. Merrill are already planning a print unit for after half term to introduce students to a range of advanced printmaking techniques. The initiative is part of a whole school drive that aims to create a more collaborative and cohesive transition within the school as a whole and so far, is proving a great success.
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North London Collegiate School Jeju
Meet The Teacher - Ms. Rachel Donaldson Ms. Rachel Donaldson is the newest teacher in our Art Department. Originally from Newcastle in the North East of England, she came to NLCS Jeju from the UK after studying Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh. Rachel was originally part of our Graduate assistant programme and was attached to the Art department working with Head of Department, Ms. Sharon Kennington and the team.There she was inspired by their passion for teaching and the students’ dedication to their work. She decided to follow a career in teaching and completed her IPGCE here in School. This is Rachel’s first year as a teacher here but she is in the lucky position of knowing the department well as it’s her third year! She loves teaching our amazing students - “It’s so good to work with students who have a passion for the subject and who are willing to work so hard. I want our students to know that it’s not just about technical skill but about creativity and love for the subject, too. I want to give them a skill base that makes them feel confident with whatever challenges they encounter!” Ms. Donaldson’s tip for students wanting to excel - “ Don’t be afraid to approach your teachers. Ask their advice and take inspiration from them!”
Rachel Donaldson
Elizabeth Collison
Crafting, Fashion, Creative Opportunities - CCAs and Bryants
North London Collegiate School Jeju
We are very lucky here at NLCS Jeju to have such a wide array of creative opportunities. Within the classes the number of styles, forms, subjects are endless - but the range available for CCAs and Bryants take it to another level. We offer opportunities to do mosaic art, outdoor sketching and candle craft - and, excitingly, various fashion-related courses. Mr Stephen Davidson, our Art teacher, is a talented knitter, crafter and tailor and he runs several CCAs such as Tailoring and Knitting. He tells us “In offering CCA activities and Bryants, I believe it's important to do something you are passionate about. Not only so you will enjoy doing them but so you pass this enthusiasm onto those students who take part. Knitting and working with fabrics are two of my passions as an artist. Many students here go on to the top fashion schools in the world and I think it's important for them to have some experience of making clothes as well. “
Stephen Davidson
ART The Role of an Art Technician - Mr Tim Draper At NLCS Jeju we believe very strongly in supporting our teachers with a robust network of Learning Assistants and Technicians. We’ll be introducing you to lots of these important people over the next few months - but nowhere are the roles so important as in the Visual Art Department. Both the Junior School and Senior School have Technicians as part of the team - this year we have welcomed Ms YounJi Kang to the JS role and Mr Tim Draper to the SS role. Mr Draper arrived on Jeju with his wife Ms. Cristyn Draper (Head of Music - JS) and his two young children. He has had a long and distinguished career as a photographer - specialising in Travel - but dabbling in weddings, fashion and real estate! Mr Draper explains what attracted him to the role.
YounJi Kang
North London Collegiate School Jeju
“This is truly one of the best jobs I’ve ever had! In my previous career, I have loved that every day is different - and it’s similar here. I can be assisting the teachers in class, working with individual students and helping frame and showcase their work. Some days I am organising the Art cupboard (an exceptionally satisfying task) or cleaning out paint trays! It’s a job where you are running around every day solving problems and finding solutions. You really think on your feet! I am very lucky with my colleagues - we are a great team and everyone pulls together. Everyone helps each other and it’s no exaggeration to say that we are like a family.” In his spare time he continues to paint, draw and photograph the beauty of Jeju. Here is a little sample of his previous work!
North London Collegiate School Jeju
ART Inspiring Names and Places From Our Art Team
We asked our Art teachers where they find inspiration. Here are just a FEW of their suggestions! Bonte Museum - Jeu Arario Gallery - Jeju The Laing Gallery - Newcastle Upon Tyne Tate Britain Tate Modern Gallery of NSW - Sydney NGV - Melbourne MONA - Hobart Museum of Contemporary Art - Sydney National Art Gallery - Canberra Seoul Museum of Art Dondaemun Design Plaza - Seoul Samsung Museum of Art - Seoul National Museum of Korea - Seoul
Our Success in the Arts - University Acceptances Our Class of 2020 were offered and accepted many Arts courses at some of the finest universities around the world. These included Boston University - Fine Art Columbia - Fine Art Columbia - Architecture UCL - The Slade School - Fine Art UCL - Bartlett - Architecture The New School, NY - Fine Art The New School, NY - Illustration New York University - Film and Television Northeastern University - Design Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London - Art New York University - Performance Studies Goldsmiths College, University of London - Fine Art School of Visual Art - Art University of Oxford - Fine Art Cambridge - Architecture Cooper Union - Art
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North London Collegiate School Jeju
IBVA - Portrait of An Art Student - SeungBin (Cindy) Min - Year 13 IB Visual Arts plays a particular role in the Art department as it often inspires younger students, and sets exemplary standards across the department. IB students enjoy having their own studio for the two years of the course as they develop from students interested in art to serious driven young artists. The department has particular strength preparing students for university, often nurturing their skills from KS3. Ms. Kennington has worked at the school for seven years and has seen the department develop from strength to strength. She explains “What I really enjoy, is recognising a real passion for art in a younger student and having the opportunity to support them as they develop into a young artist over their school career. So many of our students are incredibly successful in obtaining the most elite university places in the world. As a teacher, I often feel privileged to work with such ambitious and talented young people.” One of Ms. Kennington’s DP students, Cindy Min has been an art student since joining the school in Year 9. She is applying for a Fine Arts degree at a number of top universities and art schools. Cindy says ”Transferring to NLCS Jeju in Year 9 from a Korean public school, I had to choose subjects for my IGCSE subject choices. Though I always liked Art from a young age, I had never imagined that I would take Art as my major. However, my dreams for the future soon changed Encountering various materials and experiences provided by the school, I expanded my experiences and skills, and finally, I was able to achieve good grades in my IGCSE exam under the careful and meticulous guidance of Mrs. Kennington. Currently taking IB Visual Arts, I am experiencing completely different elements from my IGCSE studies. IB Visual Arts enables me to find my identity as an artist. I create artworks with my own personal theme and view of art, and each piece contains my personal message. Now, I am going through this exciting journey with the theme of 'Emotions'. I am grateful for the full support and guidance of the School as I grow as an artist.”
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North London Collegiate School Jeju
Arts Alumni
NLCS Jeju Alumni plays an important role in the Art department. When students progress on to university they keep in touch and often return to share their experiences with our students. Minji (Gabriella) Kim, returned recently to speak to Year 13 Visual Arts students about her time at UPenn, majoring in Architecture (including advice on preparing portfolios. ) She also shared her experience of campus life and the expectations of the course. Many of our students want to give back to the department. After 4 years at Stanford, Junha Hwang returned last summer and spent 2 months working with IB Visual Arts students, sharing her passion for art and design and leading the curation of the IB exhibition. Similarly, JunKyoo Han (Andrew), director of the Alumni Bridge team, has spent two terms on a gap year from Ringling College of Art and Design where he studies Animation. He helped the current students by sharing his considerable knowledge and advanced technical skills. JunKyoo shared his thoughts in a recent letter, “I was able to teach and inspire IB art students with a higher level of Art knowledge and techniques which I learned from Ringling College of Art and Design. Communicating with them allowed me to come up with new inspiration as an artist and made a new vision for my future. It was a great experience helping with the same curriculum that I learned so I could better understand students’ feelings and experiences and provide efficient guidance”. By the time students graduate from NLCS Jeju, they feel like part of a wider family. A family that we always look forward to welcoming back.
Classroom Art Enjoy a gallery of some amazing art from around the School
STUDENTS
North London Collegiate School Jeju
National History Day 2020 - Success! Thank you to Head of History, Mr. Dylan Loser who has shared details of more success for Year 12 student, Angelina Lee. He says “Last academic year Angelina filmed and submitted a performance about a Korean woman named Mandeok to the National History Competition. Mandeok is credited with being Korea’s first female business Tycoon, operating a hugely successful trading operation based on Jeju Island. In order to be successful as a merchant, Mandeok had to overcome the difficulties of being both a woman and a member of the lower class in 18th century Korea, a time period characterised by strict gender and class barriers. Angelina chose Mandeok as the subject of her performance as she felt that Mandeok was a perfect example of “Breaking Barriers in History”, which was the 2020 National History Day theme. Angelina revelled in the experience as it combined her three passions: history, feminism, and performance. Her performance received high praise and Angelina was awarded an Honorable National Mention.” Well done, Angelina! Listen HERE if you missed it the first time
EMBASSIES
North London Collegiate School Jeju
A Visit from Mr Eric Teo, Ambassador of Singapore We were delighted to welcome Mr Eric Teo, Ambassador of Singapore, to our School on Wednesday. Students Catherine Wu, Shine Lee and Minseo Cha showed the Ambassador and his First Secretary, Michelle Lim, around the School. They then joined a group of DP Global Politics and Geography students for a Q&A. Sytudents asked about topics such as heritage, history, business and tourism - and of course, the impact of COVID-19 on future travel and relations between Korea and Singapore.
Thank you to His Excellency, Mr Eric Teo and First Secretary, Michelle Lim for sparing time in their busy Jeju schedule. As Diversity Week approaches on November 16 we look forward to welcoming more visitors from around the world to really help contribute to our international education.
BOARDING
North London Collegiate School Jeju
Last weekend was a non Bryant weekend - but that does not mean there is nothing going on. In fact there was so much that our boarders were spoiled for choice. All the Houses ran individual activities both inside and outside the campus and other combined groups of day and boarding students were active. Some included Darangswi - Myths and Legends Forest Walk Jeoji House Boys and Girls - Jeoji Oreum, then to Gwakji Beach for boys Jeoji House Girls - Roller Disco and Sagye Beach area Noro and Sarah House Boys - Dansan Cycle Noro House - Screen Golf Mulchat House - Fishing Brandon Yoon, a Year 10 Mulchat boarder, is passionate about fishing! He suggested that a great way to relax and bond at the weekend would be for the whole House to take to the seas and go fishing together. He conceived the trip, worked out practicalities with the House team and organised the four boats (and a good price) for a fishing outing! Better still he (and two of his friends) also spent hours preparing the fish, battering and cooking it, and then served it all that evening! This is him at the front. What a great way to share your interests by teaching others to enjoy. Thank you, Brandon. Share your stories of weekend boarding fun with us!
10 YEARS
North London Collegiate School Jeju
10th anniversary of Mr. Oh The coming year marks the 10th Anniversary of NLCS Jeju! A lot of people have worked hard for this successful 10-year journey, and there are staff members who have shared the history of the school even before its opening. Mr. Seungchun Oh, Assistant Bursar, is one of them. Today is his 10th anniversary of joining NLCS Jeju and we had a great time to celebrate it. He shared his thoughts about this ten year. “I’m happy that I’ve been with good people here in NLCS Jeju for the past 10 years, and I’m proud of the school that has grown incredibly since it opened in 2011. It would have been impossible without many people’s efforts. I’m looking forward to seeing the school develop continuously both in size and quality over another decade.” Congratulations on your 10th anniversary, Mr. Oh!
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North London Collegiate School Jeju
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North London Collegiate School Jeju
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North London Collegiate School Jeju
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North London Collegiate School Jeju
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