SummeRISe - Issue 111

89 Thursday, Thursday 8 September 21 May 2016 2015 Issue 111 GENERAL GENERAL

NURSERY

KG FS

PRIMARY PRIMARY

SECONDARY SECONDARY

Student and Staff Orientation Highlights

PARIS SCHOOL CLINIC

DATE

EVENTS September

Sunday, 11 September—Thursday, 15 September

Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha

Thursday, 15 September

Nursery Curriculum Information Session

Sunday , 18 September

All Students Return

Sunday, 18 September—Thursday, 22 September

Curriculum Information Session

Wednesday, 21 September

Peace Day

Thursday, 22 September

Nursery Red Day

Sunday, 25 September—Thursday 29 September

Arabic B writing Week October

Sunday, 02 October

Hirji New Year

Sunday, 16 October

Professional Development Day

November Sunday, 06 November

Parent Student Conference

Wednesday, 09 November

Open Day

Thursday, 17 November

School Holiday

Sunday, 20 November

Professional Development Day

Message from the Principal RIS Priorities, Inspection, Accreditation and the National Agenda Dear Parents, I would like to extend my thanks to those parents who attended the information meetings this week.

Mrs. Khan (Vice Principal and Head of Primary), Mr. Plant (Deputy Head of Secondary) and I were extremely encouraged by the level of parent support demonstrated at the meetings. To speak to over three hundred parents at the start of the school year, share our expectations and priorities gives me hope that together we can achieve great things for the children whose care you have entrusted to us.

Given the success of these meetings and to further this open channel of communication, I would like to repeat the process, albeit with a slightly different format on a regular basis.

I suggest we keep the times the same: 08.00 and 13.30.

The date will be the last Monday in each calendar month.

Therefore the next meeting would be Monday, 26th September.

RIS Next Steps/Priorities 2016-2017      

Share outstanding teaching practice across the school- consistency Consistently provide more opportunities for pupils to develop their critical thinking skills Further embed curriculum initiatives Improve attainment and progress in Islamic education and Arabic Further improve progress of students with SEN Council of International Schools Accreditation 2017

  

The National Agenda/ Coincides with the UAE’s 50th National Day (2021) Long term national indicators to measure performance outcomes in each of the national priorities Education, healthcare, economy, police and security, housing, infrastructure and government services.

A First Rate Education System - Average TIMMS and PISA scores, Upper Secondary Graduation rate, high quality teacher and effective leadership.

The Vision is to be united in: - Responsibility, Destiny, Knowledge and Prosperity





I am confident that with your support, we can make Raffles International School a very special place for your children to develop and grow, on our journey, ‘Towards Excellence’.

Michael William Clack Principal

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

Message from the Dean of Students In recognition of the 2021 Vision linked to the Happiness Index within the UAE, where the country has been set a target to be amongst the top five countries in the world where individuals feel happy and satisfied with their lives. At RIS we very much aim to make sure that your children feel ‘happy at school’. We cannot do this without your support and guidance for your children at home. Please read the very interesting article listed below in relation to the well-being of your child and how you can support the welfare of your child at home.

Tips for Raising a Happy Child – Did You Know?

1. Healthy Eating  Mood swings and even depression in children are often the result of a heavily processed-food diet. In fact, the greatest concentration of serotonin, which is involved in mood control, depression and aggression, is found in your intestines, not your brain.  This is why your child's intestinal health can have such a profound influence on their mental health, and vice versa – and why eating processed foods can harm your child’s ‘gut’ flora as this can have a profoundly negative impact on their mood, psychological health and behaviour.  The simplest way back towards health and happiness is for your children and adults alike, to focus on WHOLE foods—foods that have not been processed or altered from their original state; food that has been grown or raised as nature intended, without the use of chemical additives, pesticides and fertilizers.

2. Eating on Time  If a child goes too long without eating, it may lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels that lead to irritability. Children need to refuel their growing bodies on a regular schedule, so try to keep your child's meal and snack times consistent.

3. Regular High-Quality Sleep  Too little sleep not only makes children prone to being grouchy and having mood swings, it also negatively impacts your child’s behaviour and attention. In fact, as little as twenty seven minutes of extra sleep a night has been shown to have a positive impact on children's mood and behaviour.

Children aged 5 to 12 need about 10-11 hours of sleep a night for optimal mood and health. To help your child get a good night's sleep, get the TV, computer, video games and mobile phone out of your child's bedroom, and be sure the room is as dark as possible. Even the least bit of light in the room can disrupt your child's internal clock and their pineal gland's production of melatonin and serotonin.

4. Free Play  Unstructured playtime is essential for children to build their imagination, relieve stress and simply be children. Yet today, many children are so over-scheduled that they scarcely have time to eat dinner and do homework, let alone have any free time for play. Free, unstructured play is essential for children to manage stress and become resilient, as well as reaching their social, emotional and cognitive development milestones.

5. Express Emotions  Children need to yell, cry, stomp their feet and run around with excitement. This is how they express their emotions, which is healthy for emotional development and will prevent a lifetime of internalizing negative emotions. Encourage and allow your child to vent and express this emotions in healthy ways.

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

6. Make Choices  Children are constantly being told what to do, so giving them the ability to make choices goes a long way towards increasing their happiness. Try letting your child decide what to wear or what to eat (within reason), or give them a few choices for activities and let them decide which one to do.

7. They Feel Heard  Your child knows when you're not really listening to them (such as if you're 'talking' to them while surfing the Web or watching TV). Yet a child's happiness will soar when they feel like their parents are truly listening and respond to what they are saying. Not only will you feel more connected to your child, but you'll also build their self-confidence and happiness.

8. Unconditional Love  Above all else, children need unconditional love, and they need it consistently. If your child makes a mistake, let them know you still love and support them regardless. Your child will grow up confident and happy knowing you are behind them every step of the way.

9. Be Happy Yourself  If you're stressed out and unhappy, your child will sense this and also feel sad and worried in response. You are your child's first role model, so lead by example by embracing the bright side of life.

This article was brought to you by Dr. Mercola, a New York Times bestselling author, 5th September 2013. Mercola, J. "9 Secrets of Highly Happy Children?" Retrieved September 7th 2016. http:// articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/05/secrets-of-happy-children.aspx Dean of Students Mr. Gary Williams

Dear Parents and Students, On Thursday, the link for the Teacher Led ASAs will go live on the website for you all to sign up.

They will start on the week of Sunday, 18th September.

Team Trial’s have started this week and will continue after EID. Please check the Communicator for further updates from me.

I will be initiating a “Team Parent” for each team. Their role will be to support fixtures and to inform other parents on the team of any changes. Please let me know if you have any questions. alyshac@rafflesis.com PE Teacher/ASA Co-Ordinator Alysha Clements

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

A warm welcome from the Learning Support Team to our RIS family. As a team, it is our goal to help our students in becoming more confident and an independent learner. We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure that our students achieve their highest potential. We recognise that in order to be successful in school, our children need support from both home and school.

We have a team of 4 Learning Support Teachers which comprises of: Ms Faryal Saeed – Head of Learning Support and Year 6 Learning Support Teacher (faryals@rafflesis.com ) Ms Bryony Lynch – Secondary Learning Support Teacher (Bryonyl@rafflesis.com ) Ms Kiran Ahuja – Year 4 and Year 5 Learning Support Teacher (kirana@rafflesis.com ) Ms Sweta Sheth – FS, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 Learning Support teacher (swetas@rafflesis.com ) Open communication between the learning support team and parents is essential. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

‘All children with special needs just need a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them’ Faryal Saeed Head of Learning Support

Dear Parents My name is Gail Gallagher and I am very pleased to be the new Primary School Counsellor at Raffles International School. I am from Northern Ireland and have more than 10 years’ experience working with children and young people. I have a Bsc Hons Degree in Psychology, a Diploma in Social Work and a Masters in Social Work. I have experience working in Child Protection, Family Support, Foster Care and most recently as a Counsellor in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team. As a school counsellor I can offer support to children on an individual basis or in a group with other children. I will also be running lunch clubs which any child can join. If you would like to know more please contact me on 04 427 1200 ext 1291 or by email at gailg@rafflesis.com.

School Counsellor Gail Gallagher

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

Dear Parents, Grandparents and Extended family, “Education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment in its youth.” UAE Vision 2021.

The United Arab Emirates vision 2021 has education at it’s base very clearly and unambiguously. Within the eight targets outlined in the National Agenda, Pre Primary education sits at the foundation. The target laid out in front of us is to ensure that 95% of children in the UAE attend pre-primary education, making Early Years’ Education key to realising our national goals. The demand for a proficient pre-school environment for the children of working mothers promises returns for the children, the UAE economy and for the development of society in general.

Amongst the targets outlined in the vision, the UAE National Agenda also stresses the importance of high quality teachers, ensuring that 100% of schools meet this objective.

Professional pre-school experience means highly-productive adults 1. UAE education budget is pegged at AED 8.2b in 2012 2. 45% earmarked for early learning years and primary education Pre-school education is at the heart of education itself. Early childhood is a crucial stage of life in terms of a child's physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. Growth of mental and physical abilities progress at an astounding rate and a very high proportion of learning takes place from birth to age six. It is a time when children particularly need high quality personal care and learning experiences. To be effective, an early year’s curriculum needs to be carefully structured. In that structure, there should be three strands: provision for the different starting points from which children develop their learning, building on what they can already do; relevant and appropriate content which matches the different levels of young children's needs; and planned and purposeful activity which provides opportunities for teaching and learning both indoors and outdoors. There is significant research to show that cognitive development is highest during the first four years of a child’s life. The brain is forming essential neural paths to enable a child to function independently and begin to absorb new information. Children benefit immensely when interacting in a quality preschool which is content rich with appropriate information and materials.

In keeping with the UAE vision 2021 to create a futuristic, purposeful and proficient education system, the Montessori philosophy in our classes starts at the root by encouraging children to be independent, and to learn through a carefully prepared environment.

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

The learning in the class is designed to meet the needs of the child, allowing them to develop at their own pace and build an awareness of others. Our curriculum is nurturing the ‘whole child’ in a structured approach with total child-centered teaching by:     

Allowing children to make choices for their own learning, thus encouraging independence and self-initiative.

Respecting each child’s uniqueness and in turn inspire each child to develop to his/her full potential.

Providing an atmosphere that nurtures an early enthusiasm for learning and develops a strong work ethic.

Allowing plenty of uninterrupted time for the children to work with the materials in their own unique way, independently or in small groups.

Fostering children’s curiosity and creativity by empowering them to ask questions, try new ideas, problem solve and think for themselves.

The Montessori Curriculum supports the introduction and practice of concepts closely meeting the benchmarks within the EYFs charter. Within the Nursery, the school follows the Montessori curriculum with the framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is used in our Nursery to meet the Early Years Goals in the 7 areas of:       

Personal Social and Emotional Development (Self Confidence, Managing feelings and behavior, Making relationships) Physical Development (Moving and handling, Health and self-care) Communication and Language (Listening and attention, Understanding, Speaking) Literacy (Reading, Writing) Mathematics (Numbers, Shapes, space and measure) Understanding of the World (People and communities, The world, Technology) Expressive Art and Design (Exploring and using media and materials, Being imaginative)

Going hand in hand with brain development is structure. Over the next few months, our focus in the classes will be just that. Children need to learn the basic routines and know what is expected of them.

Structure is vital for the young preschooler and we will make sure that your children thrive in a loving, structured environment, helping them recognize and anticipate familiarity gives the child a sense of security and belonging. Once the children are settled into the structure and routine of the nursery classroom, it will then build a solid framework for their future school career.

With parental support and involvement, we look forward to a fun filled, productive year.

Garima Kapoor Assistant Head Early Years

GENERAL

NURSERY

Busy with building blocks

FS

PRIMARY

Cycling is fun

SECONDARY

Role play in the Early Years

Creative Play Enjoying Sand Play

Exploring with drums

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

PRIMARY SCHOOL Dear Parents, UAE national Agenda , Vision and Direction As we enter the first term in school, already there is a sense of excitement within the classrooms. Children are busy with many activities and tasks linked to the curriculum and are enjoying getting to know their new teachers.

UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda emphasizes the development of a first-rate education system, which will require a transformation of the current education system and teaching methods. The National Agenda aims for all schools, universities and students to be equipped with ‘Smart Systems’ and devices as a basis for all teaching methods, projects and research. There will be significant investments to promote and reinforce the numbers within preschools as this plays an important role in shaping children’s personalities and their future.

Furthermore, the National Agenda has set as a target that our students rank among the best in the world in reading, mathematics and science examinations, and to have a strong knowledge of the Arabic language. With this in mind, we at Raffles International School will be encouraging our students to read regularly within our school and ensuring that reading is given the highest priority at RIS. We have invested in purchasing brand new books for each year level ensuring that a range of titles are provided for your children to fully experience a range of genres and styles.

I would encourage you as parents to promote reading as much as possible at home questioning your child about the story, character and plot, allowing the child to develop their understand of the text.

Teaching the skills of comprehension develops a child’s skills on inference and deduction ensuring that your child has grasped the meaning of what has been written.

We are encouraging the use of electronic devices by purchasing Ipads which will be used along with Apple TV’s in all Year 1 and 2 classrooms. This is to promote and encourage the breadth of different learning styles within the classroom. Children enjoy learning through different media and this allows teachers to use a range of tools to further enhance their teaching methods. Furthermore, children are able lead their own learning and discovery through presentations and research.

The Arabic Department are working hard to make sure all students are able to access the Arabic curriculum and through collaboration I believe we can make the Department further grow from strength to strength. I would encourage our Emirati parents to communicate with your child’s Arabic teacher and to promote the Arabic language at home.

I look forward to the months ahead with a more focused drive on excellence for all our children unlocking their potential to become life long learners. I very much encourage you all to be part of our exciting journey with your children and to support us with our vision.

Jasmit Kang Deputy Head of the Primary School

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

Jasmit Kang Deputy Head of the Primary School FS2 News The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.

Maria Montessori A warm welcome from the FS2 department. It has been a great start to the new academic year. The children are settling down into their new environment. They have been introduced to their peers and I can already see new friendships forming. A lot of circle time activities have assisted in this process.

The children have been introduced to a variety of grace and courtesy exercises during the first week. All these exercises support them to become a part of the society and supports independency. These exercises are, in turn getting them ready to handle didactic Montessori materials with ease. Constant repetition of ground rules throughout the second week will guarantee respect for each other and the materials.

The first idea that a child must acquire in order to be disciplined is the difference between right and wrong.

Maria Montessori

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

Along with grace and courtesy exercises, children have been introduced to a variety of practical life exercises. These exercises develop concentration, gross and fine motor skills, encouraging independence within a child. The children will continue to work with these exercises while being introduced to other areas of the curriculum. A Montessori classroom is a prepared environment to encourage students to learn independently and at their own pace.

Through constant repetition and free choice, the children will build up these skills and will experience success.

The first topic of study in class will be ‘All About Me’ and will be commencing in Week 4. This topic will give them an opportunity to have increased self-awareness. They will be able to compare similarities and differences amongst their peers. An understanding that people come from different parts of the world and can be different, will be another aspect of their discovery.

Thank you to all the parents for their understanding and support during the crucial transition week. Let us work together towards a year full of enrichment, fun and learning.

A recap of a few reminders to ensure a smooth year ahead:  Independence -The children are encouraged to put their bags, snack/lunch box, diary and water bottle away themselves. The class room assistant and myself will be as vigilant as possible to monitor the children and making sure that the children settle into their new environment as smoothly.  Welcome Pack—You will have received a ‘Welcome Pack’ and your child’s diary from school. Please follow the information provided in order to access and download the Communicator, which every parent at RIS is encouraged to do. Please fill in the important information page in your child’s diary.  Our specialist lessons - The time table will be sent out in your child’s diary by the third week of school as all the specialist lessons will be in ‘full swing’ by that time. During P.E. days your children are required to come to school in their P.E uniform (Black shorts/trouser and a maroon top)  ‘Healthy Eating’ - We are a nut free school and encourage healthy eating. Therefore please do not send in cupcakes, chocolates or crisps.  Communication - Two main modes of communication are via e-mail or the diary. If you require to meet with me, please communicate with me via email saiman@rafflesis.com  Label - Please make sure that school items belonging to your child are clearly labeled. Please provide us with any spare sets of clothes which can be used in case of water spills or accidents. Please provide your child with an ‘Art Smock’ for Art classes and a hat for play times. These items remain in school unless specifically requested by yourself to send them home.

Wishing all the Muslim families a very Happy Eid. FS Team

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

Year 1 News Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment. Maria Montessori The children in Year 1 are settling into school life, familiarising themselves with the Montessori classroom. Year 1 is an important milestone within their life. We aim to help them become more independent and life long learners. It is a time when children begin to develop their initiative, independence, decision-making ability, creativity, early literacy, numeration skills, the desire to learn, the ability to relate to others, verbal communication skills, and feelings of self-worth. What young children learn in their fifth year will have a major impact on successful learning experiences in school, on their personal development, and on future success and participation in life and society. During the first weeks of school children have been introduced to the topic ‘All About Me’ where they explore and find out things about the body.

For an easy transition, it is important to bring your child to school on time to establish a firm foundation in routine. It is vital that a swift good morning and goodbye is completed at the door to ensure a smooth transition.

Gentle reminders:First period starts at 7:50am, please make sure your child is in school before this time.

We are a nut and chocolate free environment and would like your support by sending in healthy foods to school.

I would like to wish, all who celebrate, a very Happy ‘Eid. Year 1 Team

Year 2 News The year of 2016 has been declared ‘The Year of Reading’ in the UAE. We in Year 2 are excited to play our part for this national initiative. Our aim is foster an environment where reading for enjoyment is part of our everyday routine. We take part in Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time every day. This is a time when students are encouraged to bring in a book from home to read in their class for ten minutes every day. We hope this will encourage our students to become part of the generation of book lovers that the UAE aim to inspire.

Year 2 Team

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

Year 3 News It has been a very eventful week for students and teachers this week. The children have settled into their classrooms. The children are familiarising themselves with their new surroundings, class mates as well as their specialist teachers. Thank you to the parents for making the first week a successful one. The children are trying very hard to remember all their routines. The children have had fun meeting with their old friends as well as getting to know their new friends from all around the world. Year 3 is looking forward to learning new and exciting things as well as having fun this year.

Year 3 Team Year 4 News We have had a great start in Year 4. In the first week we focused on getting to know our students and establishing our goals with different activities both academically and otherwise. The forthcoming year has a number of interactive events and activities to offer. We are very focused on developing the ‘whole child’ here at RIS. We have seen much enthusiasm from the students with regard to establishing classroom routines and developing new relationships with the teachers and fellow classmates. They are whole-heartedly embracing the brand new academic year and we hope to see this enthusiasm continue throughout the year. During English lessons we have been making predictions in stories. We are focusing on fictional stories and we have looked at many of the features such as characters, settings, description using adjectives, adverbs, dialogue and paragraphs.

In mathematics, we are starting to focus on place value, number recognition, ordering and sequencing of numbers. Students have become confident in understanding the value of numbers. We have worked on ordering numbers from smallest to largest and vice versa.

In science, we are developing their knowledge linked to the human body. We have discussed the functions of our body and we are learning about some of the major bones in the body. The students have been introduced to Exoskeletons and Endoskeletons.

Year 4 Team.

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

Year 5 News It has been a great start for Year 5 Students as they have been able to spend time getting to know their classmates and their teachers alike. Year 5 students have been able to reflect on school Core Values and integrate critical thinking into their learning. Students were also able to use their Core Values knowledge to form class rules, share ideas and discuss examples of how they can set short term goals for this year.

As part of our International culture here at Raffles, Year 5 students were able to participate in the Brown Bag activity. This encouraged students to choose five items from home that are special to them. Students were given the opportunity to present their important items to their class mates and share a part of their life and identity. Many students shared what they aspire to be when they grow up and discussed personal photographs of their family members during special events. Everyone showed enthusiasm when learning about each other, use excellent listening skills as well as asking meaningful questions about certain objects.

Students will be able to complete their diagnostic assessments and begin to identify their personal strengths and areas of improvement for this academic year. Year 5 are eagerly looking forward to enhancing their learning experience by undertaking some exciting topics in their subjects of science, mathematics and English. We will continue to update you on child’s progress throughout the academic year.

Year 5 team

Year 6 News The UAE National Agenda, which was developed by over 300 officials from 90 federal and local government entities, includes a set of national indicators in the sectors of education, healthcare, economy, police and security, housing, infrastructure and government services.

Within the education section, UAE is poised to provide a first rate education system to all. At RIS, we have a shared responsibility to work towards these targets. These include fostering students well being and happiness which will enhance learning.

As part of Year 6 unit on UAE, we will be incorporating the National Agenda within our lessons. Our students need develop their present awareness of the local culture and the aspirations of the UAE. By the time they graduate from school, we hope these goals will be achieved.

In Year 6, There will be more emphasis on reading and writing Arabic and developing our childrens knowledge and understanding related to UAE culture and economy. Field trips will be organised to reflect the same.

We endeavour to have a cohort this year who will be able to reflect, innovate and become global citizens.

Year 6 Team

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

SECONDARY SCHOOL Message from the Deputy Head—Secondary School

The UAE National Agenda, Vision and Direction As clearly stated in the UAE Vision 2021, “education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment in its youth” (1). This clear statement sets forth the importance of developing a first-rate education system in the UAE and supports all that we are aiming to achieve in the Raffles International Secondary School.

It is very important that students and parents are well versed with the targets set for schools in the UAE as well as the 8 key indicators (listed below) that focus specifically on creating a first-rate education system.        

Average TIMSS Score Upper Secondary Graduation Rate Enrollment rate in preschools (public and private) Average PISA score Percentage of students with high skills in Arabic, according to National Tests Percentage of schools with high quality teachers Percentage of schools with highly effective school leadership Enrollment rate in foundation year

I would like to specifically discuss items 1 and 4 above; the average score for Trends in International mathematics and science (TIMSS) and average score in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is a series of international assessments of the mathematics and science knowledge of students around the world. It is conducted every four years and students at Raffles International School participated in this study in 2011 (Years 5 and 9) and 2015 (Year 5 only). The study tests students in both the cognitive and content domains of both mathematics and science as well as gathering feedback with contextual data on the learning conditions in mathematics and science (via a questionnaire). From our 2011 results we were able to clearly identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. Consequently, curriculum modification was put into action with a clear focus on Geometry and the Earth Sciences formulated. Pleasingly, this modification was very successful as evident within recent test results, both internally and externally.

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is unique as it develops tests (reading, mathematics, science, creative problem solving and financial literacy) that are not directly linked to the school curriculum. More so, PISA is designed to afford students opportunities to apply their knowledge to real life situations that will ultimately equip them for full participation in society. PISA tests the knowledge and skills of 15 year old students and to date individuals representing more than 70 economies have participated in the assessment.

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

Primary

SECONDARY

So, what does this all mean for students at RIS? First of all, it is essential that students in the RIS Secondary School value and understand the importance of the “core subjects”. Without question, universities around the world depend on student’s overall grades in English, mathematics and science (IGCSE, A Level, IB Diploma) when considering applications. Clearly students who achieve A*- A on these examinations have far greater opportunities to gain admission to higher level universities and colleges.

Secondly, students must understand and appreciate the importance of connecting everything they do in school to real life. All subjects across the curriculum and inter-related and provide students with opportunities to think critically in lessons. Developing reasoning, questioning and problem solving skills are equally as important as recall and recitation.

Examinations are not the be all and end all of education but are obviously very important indicators of student achievement. My message to all students this year is to focus, concentrate and work hard in all that they do. Effort pays off, and collectively I am confident in raising standards at RIS as well helping the UAE develop a first-rate education system.

As always, if you would like to communicate with me regarding anything related to the Secondary School at RIS, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail, give me a call or stop by the office.

Ian Plant Deputy Head of Secondary ianp@rafflesis.com

References https://www.vision2021.ae/en/national-priority-areas/first-rate-education-system

Year 7 News Here at RIS we would like to see the fulfilment of the UAEs National Agenda, Vision and Direction when it comes to the education of young minds. As his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said, “Education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment in its youth”.

It is not too much to strive to be in the top percentile in terms of educational achievements, alongside other leading countries. For this reason we are keen to ensure that all learning environments are exciting and stimulating; that learning is tailored to suit the individual needs of students; that new technology is used to enhance learning and that a range of assessment techniques are used to provide quality feedback, effectively moving students to their next steps in learning.

Last but not least we welcome feedback from the students on the elements of their lessons that they have enjoyed and they feel have aided their learning the most.

Year 7 Team

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

Primary

SECONDARY

Year 8 As we reach the end of week two here at the school students in Year 8 are developing their aspirations for the year ahead. All students have completed setting themselves targets – both academic and personal – for their development over the school year. The students in Year 8 now are realising that they have an opportunity to take ownership of their own personal learning, to view school not just as a place where they are told what they need to know by teachers, but where they are active learners involved in their own educational journey.

All of these ideals link with the UAE vision for education, in order to achieve the high expectations set out for all school students. Successful learners are reflective learners, who think about what they are learning and connect it to the world they live in. The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and our children are starting to realise that if they want success they must recognise that they knowhow to work for it. This academic year will be crucial in building their confidence having high expectation of their own ability, and I look forward to the end product.

Year 8 Team Year 9 News This term is moving quickly and as we approach the third week I am very conscious of the need for all students to have the same vision and direction. As a year group, I want us to move forward with a positive ethos. Having met with the Year 9 students I have been excited to learn that they all want to aspire to great things which will provide them with exciting opportunities. However, along the way we will have obstacles and challenges. I look at these as a chance to increase our resilience, to prove to ourselves that we are capable of great things. At times we and others may doubt us, but we need to show them that they are wrong.

Nonetheless, mistakes will be made and from these we can learn, adapt and modify. Each step will require hard work and at will frustrate. If we keep these thoughts in mind there will be no limits to what we can achieve. As your Head of Year I am excited to see what each and every student achieves, not academically, but also in sport, the Arts and personally.

Please let me know of any achievements outside of school so that we can celebrate these and that I get to know you better.

I have now begun to settle into my new life here in Dubai. There have been challenges and moments where my patience and sense of humour have been tested. It has been fantastic to meet the students and get to know them, and their names. They have all made me feel very welcome, and that is testament to the ethos of the school.

Please feel free to come and meet me and introduce yourself. It would be best to make an appointment to ensure that I am free. bryonyl@rafflesis.com . I am based in F19 and my door is always open to the students, even if it is just to say hello.

Year 9 Team

GENERAL

NURSERY

FS

Primary

SECONDARY

Year 10/11 News The first two weeks of school have been busy, exciting and positive. Within the next few weeks Year 10 and 11 students will have the opportunity to apply for the Head Boy and Head Girl positions and also for Form Captains. At Raffles International School all students are encouraged to develop their leadership skills in order to support their fellow students and to benefit the wider community. Every student is encouraged to build their own sense of themselves as leaders.

The students had their baseline tests over the last two weeks. The baseline assessment is of great importance to both students and teachers. For students it sets their “starting points� (along with many other parameters) and allows them to both monitor their progress and know their next steps in their learning. For teachers baseline assessments can be used to improve classroom practice, plan lessons, differentiate teaching and challenge their students.

Head of Year 10/11